One Year Colorado-iversary
On January 23, we celebrated one year of living in our new home of Littleton, Colorado. After the long process of transitioning from our home of 10 years in Amman, Jordan to a new life in the US, a year feels like a very long time. And yet, there is still more to come to truly make this our new home.
Those who have repatriated (returned to their passport country after living abroad) know that navigating this move is unlike any other. Since I’ve held a US Passport my whole life, many on-lookers see this as a move back “home”. Yet I have felt more like a stranger this past year than someone who belongs.
To commemorate this special anniversary, here is a short list of some of the progress I have made in a year, and also a few aspects of life that are still in progress.
Progress:
Cultural Adaptation - Day-to-day life has become much more comfortable (meaning, I make fewer and fewer cultural faux-pas). I can control my reactions to the most common differences between US and Jordanian cultures, which takes away a lot of social anxiety! I can talk to men I don’t know in public, and can even look them in the eye! When we first arrived, the park was a very awkward place, because often fathers of the other children playing would try to talk to me or sit next to me on a bench. In my head, I knew this was appropriate behavior, but my Jordanian-adapted body felt differently and would often move away quickly!
I also no longer feel the need to add the word “Insha’Allah” after plans are made. A big step after 10 years in the Middle East!
Family Routine - Our family has established a routine that works for us, and have a sense of what “normal” is. This is especially key for us as it helps my 4 and 6-year-old cope! I’ve been a life coach for 3 years, and have plenty of tools to adapt well, yet this took much longer than I expected. If you’re looking at a big move, make sure to give yourself plenty of grace, especially if you have little ones!
My Energy Level - I have a baseline idea of what I need to remain recharged, rather than playing catch-up on my exhaustion. This took longer to achieve than I expected, but feels SO GOOD to have it within my grasp.
I’m feeling more energized than I have felt in over 5 years!
Community - We invest regularly in a group of people who share our values. The relationships aren’t as deep as we would like yet, but it’s a great start. I cannot stress enough that this had to be very intentional in the beginning and didn’t always feel easy or natural. The decision to continue engaging wasn’t always easy, but we knew it was vital to finding the relational connection we cannot live without.
And in so many ways…I’m not there yet.
Even with all the progress in the past year, I know there’s more to come. And I’m excited to see it unfold!
What I’m hoping to see develop in the future:
Soul-nourishing local friendships - A few days ago I had a fabulous chat with a friend I know from our time in Jordan…we’ve known each other for 11 years and when I talk to her, I feel completely relaxed. As we talked tears filled my eyes. I miss being with those people who know me that well. Part of feeling at “home” is having people like that close by…and that’s going to take some more time.
Who am I in America? - The last time I lived in the US, I was in my early 20s…single and childless. Next month, I’ll be 40, and nearly everything has changed. The most important changes I’ve experienced are internal. I’ve been completely transformed by living overseas for 15 years. My passions and values are different. The USA has also changed. So we are getting to know each other in a whole new way.
Passion - I’m at my best when I’m driven by passion and have a good idea of how my talents can best enhance the lives of the people around me. I love working as a coach, AND I believe something else might be brewing. I don’t know exactly what that will be, and I’m ok with that. I’m deep into a “Dreaming and Scheming” phase of my transition, paying close attention to sparks that pop up within me. Every once in a while, I feel a familiar feeling inside me ignite. It feels like curiosity that draws me deeper. It feels like excitement and I know it will lead to something that perfectly combines my talents and desires with something that will benefit the world around me.
Change is the fuel that keeps growth going in my life, so I don’t expect my life to ever stop changing. But hopefully, we will be able to stay geographically stable for a while! As new chapters of my book are written, I’ll be sure to pop in and let you know.
