Looking Back, Part 2


As we’ve passed the four year mark of living overseas, I’ve done some looking back.  Looking back to see how far you’ve come is a good thing.

As I’ve looked back … I’ve discovered some things I’ve left behind … some things I’ve gained … and what I do with both.

The next two blog entries will chronicle those moments of looking back.  Today, here is what I’ve gained.

I’ve gained a strong affection for VERY strong coffee.

I initially gained weight from eating all the chocolate, bread and schnitzel I had ever missed out in my entire life!

I’ve gained an appreciation for any foreigner living in any country around the world.

I’ve gained a healthy respect for streetcars.

I’ve gained the knowledge of knowing how to navigate pretty much any public transportation system in Europe.

I’ve gained a second language.

I’ve gained memories … and lots of them.  Some will be forever etched in my heart in a place of heaviness.  Like the times I would drop of my 5 year old to her Austrian Kindergarten, neither one of knowing the language.  As I would leave her, sobbing, I would leave on my “brave” face until outside the building.  It was then that I would let silent tears slide down my face in an attempt to cope with the piercing pain that was causing my heart to beat out of my chest.

Other memories are so sweet I shudder to think of my life without them.  Like the times out family gets on our bikes and ride along the Donau (Danube) river, stopping every now and then to dip our toes in the icy water.  On one side we have the bustle of the city traffic and on the other the beginnings of the Wiener Wald (Vienna Forrest).

I’ve gained an understanding that I don’t need to take “schimffing” (public scolding) personally.  If I counted the number of times I’ve been “schimffed” (scolded) for crossing the street with the light was red, or sat in a place reserved only for old people, or walked in the path for bikers, or put my foot in the UBahn (subway) seat in front of me, allowing my daughter to wear a short sleeved shirt in winter, or stood in the walking part of the escalator … I would be still counting!

I’ve gained an appreciation for what it means to be American … and what it means to be a foreigner.

I’ve gained a better picture of who God is … and who He isn’t … and how desperately I need Him.

I’ve gained an understanding that anything you are called to do is hard.  It’s worth it … but it’s hard.

 

 

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