There is something synonymous about the hearts of expats, third culture kids, and world travelers alike. Every place you live, every trip you take, each culture you encounter, and the lives that touch your own find their own special place in your heart. In turn pieces of yourself, like pieces of your heart, are left scattered across the many places your footsteps once touched. From all corners of the world they are calling for you to return once more.
I was born and grew up moving and traveling across Europe until I was seventeen years old. Nearly an adult and thinking I knew everything as a teenager shall. My parents moved us 'back home' to their home culture of America. Over the next decade I would try to fit myself into that culture which should have been easy to do with my American passport, looks, and accent. I graduated high school, went off to University, married my university sweetheart, started having kids, and following my vocational pursuits. All the while my heart was being called across the seas and more specifically across the pond.
To be fair I was not apart of the world view in America and it was like trying to fit myself into a puzzle where I did not belong. I married my husband knowing that we would move abroad. We just did not realize it would take us so long to move me back home. Over that time we celebrated milestones in life, faced tragedies, and met the obstacles that would tear us apart. Fortunately what broke us did not defeat us. My heart had shattered in 2008 with the sudden loss of my father and the the start to what we thought was the end of our marriage. Broken hearts can be mended and even shattered ones can again be made whole. My heart slowly was pieced together and our love story continued as we moved across the pond. The pieces of my heart that have been scattered through out Europe have reconnected.
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Our life in Europe is much different from our life in America as we have begun making our home here for our family. I am not the girl struggling to fit in to an American life, but girl of many cultures just enjoying all the facets life has to offer. My husband is not the same boy from Illinois that I met at University. He is a wanderlust expat who seems to fit better in England then back 'home'. He adjusted more seamlessly into another country than many tourists I've encountered abroad.
I went from being a girl who forced a smile and said 'I'm fine' to being a girl who smiles and swoons over her husband even when he corrects my own pronunciation. For example when I say 'Bay-sill' instead of 'Baz-ill'. I love all the cute things he does and the way he thinks as an expat living across the pond. Here we are abroad with hearts made whole and made stronger through all the challenges we have faced. I look forward to all that life has to offer in the years to come and knowing my heart is safe.
* All words and photographs are property of Bonnie Rose © 2013
I'm so happy that you've found peace and contentment :) I pray for you guys all the time, I love following your story, and I must admit I'm super jealous of where you are living! Y'all have such a beautiful family!
ReplyDeleteThank you sweet Carrie. Seems like so long ago that we were all in Thailand together. Thank you for your prayers through out the years and for taking time to read my blog today. xx
Deleteoh i so love this post. every single word. you are such a great writer.
ReplyDeleteAww, thank you Kendra. I really appreciate your kind words and taking time to read my post today. xx
DeleteThis is a beautiful and honest post. I'm sorry for the loss of your father. It seems like Europe is the place you were meant to be!
ReplyDeleteThank you Devon for visiting. :) I really think that we are meant to be here. Its nice to have that sense of comfort. xx
Deleteso beautiful and genuine :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Casey for your sweet words and reading the post.
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I loved this post! It's so honest, and torn and I can relate to it so much. Happy for you that you got your happy ending :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Sara, I hope to really open myself up this year. I really appreciate your comment and hope you return soon. Its nice to know others can relate. xx
DeleteLots of prayer!
ReplyDelete<3 Thanks mum for reading the blog.
DeleteSuch a beautiful, honest post. Glad to hear you were able to pick up the pieces and carve a good life out for you and your family .
ReplyDeleteThank you Nicky for stopping by and commenting. Its definitely taught me a lot about life. I'm sure there will be mor bumps a head, but its interesting to know how far you can go in times of struggle. Have a great weekend Nicky. xx
DeleteEnjoying reading your blog, Bonnie. What exactly does "expat" mean though... What does your husband do? #clueless :-)
ReplyDeleteC, Thank you for stopping by. I wanted to say I went to your blog and commented but it would not go through because of how you have your comments set up. But that I hope you keep blogging. :)
DeleteExpat or an expatriate is a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country and culture other than that of the person's upbringing. So my husband is American but working here in England makes his an Expat. I'm half an expat and half a TCK due to have dual citizenship with England and the USA. I'm kinda an odd ball. I have an american accent but moved to the USA when I was 17 and grew up across Europe due to the military.
It kinda can all be a bit confusing, but so is life. :) Hope you keep reading! xx