Something about no alarm clocks, no cell phones (left my charger in China & Pam's does not work here), no meetings, no traffic, no horns, no pushing, no shoving and ultimately the sun and the sea makes your mind move in directions that is not possible when strapped with the routine of everyday life. Until this year we had not taken a real vacation in years, so we are appreciating this opportunity and time away.
Expatriate life for us has been nothing short of interesting and exciting. We have been afforded opportunities both professionally and personally that were not achievable in the US. Pam has adjusted well and is loving every minute of being a full time Mom, Angelina is well Angelina - she is one of the most adaptable people (child or adult) that I have ever known. She was absolutely born to be a traveler and does it very well without a fuss and has the cutest hello for every stranger she meets (she thankfully does have boundaries) - it is amazing how she commands attention with her cute little smile and vocabulary. Me, I couldn't be happier - I haven't felt this alive in along time - new experiences, learning a new language and finally settled with wife and daughter.
That said, our first month in Dalian has been a challenge...figuring out where to buy groceries that we want to eat (more importantly what our bodies can handle), how to communicate (because the luxury of English is non-existent), how to spend our free time (I am working more hours now that we are in Dalian), how to see & spend time with our friends (they all live more than 60 min away), how to use the stove (some electrical contraption with backward controls), wondering when we will REALLY be into our permanent house and for me.....how to adjust to construction mgmt in China. Last week our team went through a terrible experience that has left its mark on everyone with the project. All the more I can say is that it could have been much worse....
A few posts back I had some harsh words for Ukraine Adoption and the people that govern it....and although I still harbor critical thoughts around this topic I read a
POST (click here) today that made me again realize all of the good things about Ukraine. Thank you Leanna Seyler, we loved your summary and the work you continue to do bringing adoptive parents together with your site.
There is no question in Angelina's mind where she
is from...all you have to do is ask her...."Angelina where you from?" and with the proudest voice "Ukrainian!" Then you ask her "where do you live?" and with the same voice "China!" Finally you ask her "where is your home" and she says "Ummm, in the Dalian!" Still working on her understanding of America and what that means to her, but she only spent 4 months there when we returned from Ukraine so her concepts around America are still developing. One thing is for sure, as her parents we will do everything to continue nurturing her understanding of where she is from and the country that has provided her with cititzenship and future opportunity.
Well, I should go for now - Angelina just woke up and is tugging on my saying "come on Dad! Lets go to the pool now!"
