So the move is complete. Our stuff is here (not all unpacked, though). We are here (definitely not adjusted, though). What is it like to move halfway around the world in order to work with US military teens? Well, it’s different. And it’s the same. Let me explain.
It is different. Obviously. New culture (actually 2 new cultures: Belgian and Military). New language (OK, 2 of these too: French and Military). New food. New stores. New driving rules. New, new, new. The newness is at once exciting and exhausting. Of course, it is amazing to be here and seeing all of this. But it can really wear on you to see and experience only new stuff all the time.
It’s also a lot the same. The same husband. The same kids. The same household stuff (mostly). The same laundry. The same, well, “mom life”. It is rather jarring to realize moving so far away didn’t change everything. Only things outside the house. Inside, it is mostly, well, the same. Odd.
As we continue to live and work here, I’m sure my impression of things will evolve. Right now, it boils down to this:
Things are vastly different and things are remarkably the same.
