So, I am about to get a little real here. While I love the amazing adventures our life affords us, seeing the world, exploring new cultures, representing the US abroad on and on and on BUT it does require some sacrifices. Since I never want to whine I will simply mention one, being away from people who reallllllly know you and love you anyway. Don’t get me wrong, we were very lucky in East TImor to make some amazing friends, but no matter where you go it takes a while. Unfortunately we are only in a place for a short time so it seems like as soon as you have finally established an awesome friendship you are both off and moving to another country on opposite sides of the world. Thank goodness for social media I am telling you! It can be some what of a lonely existence though. I feel like there is a pattern to every post. First I burry myself in unpacking so I don’t focus on the fact that nothing and no body is familiar. Once that is done I head out and explore the neighborhood. Then it is attending all the playgroups, embassy and church activities I can to meet people and make some friends. Since being here in France this process has been stretched out because we added in a month straight of weekend trips. Thats why I was extremely grateful that two of my girlfriends came into town. I was getting pretty desperate for some quality friend conversation.
Dasha and Emily are foreign services wives as well (one in Bulgaria one in Sri Lanka). It was so nice to talk and talk and talk as we walked through Paris. I loved being able to talk to someone who totally understands my concerns about how moving so often will effect my kiddos, dealing with wealthy families at international schools, having a hubby with a stressful yet incredible job. There is just something so important about having a good friend and I am very grateful I was able to spend a week with two of mine. We were lucky enough to sneak away to Ireland for a few days and stayed with my family in Cork.
We kissed the Blarney stone, danced gangum style around a manor house and drove for hours (manual on the opposite side of the road mind you) laughing almost constantly. After a few stressful months it was a much needed respite. We decided that it absolutely needs to happen more often. I am very grateful for the good friends I have made (and still have) all over the world. With Valentines coming up I hope you get to spend it with someone you love, friend or otherwise!
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