As I stood in my kitchen this past Saturday and looked out onto our back garden full of friends celebrating the fourth of July, I was overcome with joy and thankfulness. Just 365 days earlier, AJ and I took a leap of faith with each other. There was excitement and a large dose of terror. On those three long flights 365 days ago, I remember imagining how I would fill my days, contemplating all the pieces that still needed to fall into place, and praying we had made the right decision. Just 365 days ago, we were still living in a hotel wondering where our new house would be and when we could start getting settled. We spent our days and evenings learning to navigate our new country. 365 days ago, we had moments where we felt completely isolated having not really met any people outside of the hotel staff.
Now, as I sit here 365 days later, I can confidently say that this move is the best decision we have ever made. This does not mean that there have not been deep valleys that we forged together, that there times I would have left everything to hug my family and friends back home, or that at times there has not been a strong yearning for the familiar.
Over the past 365 days, I pushed myself so far out of my comfort zone and learned that I can survive and even thrive. I have discovered new ways to use my skills while reminding myself where my true professional passions lie. We have built a community of friends who we turn to celebrate the great moments and ask to explain the procedures and processes we have not yet mastered and are usually utterly confused by.
As our American and British friends joined us for very American barbeque to celebrate the fourth of July in the land of tea and crumpets, I felt at home! We have managed to bridge the pond between American and the UK and feel settled. While eating barbeque baked beans, mac 'n cheese, pasta salad, s'mores, and apple crisp and explaining the beauty of lemon shake-ups, sweet tea and cornhole, I am sure that I was radiating American pride and patriotism. America and all things patriotic will always feel familiar and have a place in my heart, but over the past 365 days, some of the truly British things have crept into my heart. Curries, the walking culture, and afternoon tea will all be aspects of British life that I carry with me from this adventure. So as we dine on leftover barbeque food and listen to our patriotic playlist, remember the lights are always on!
~W
