My Little Dutch ABC Book
N
Nederland
~~ Netherlands…. But if you want to speak Dutch
you are speaking Nederlands
What can I say about a country I
love so much? Five years ago, this week our incredible journey to the low lands
began. It all began with a message on LinkedIn requesting an interview with my
husband about a job in The Netherlands. I didn’t even have a passport. My
husband had been asking me for years to travel with him on his work trips to
different places in the world but to be honest, I was scared. Scared to leave
my children, scared to fly on a plane that long and the fear of leaving my
country to a land unknown to me.
But as our family discussed the
opportunity, excitement surpassed my fear. Yes, I was still afraid and I still
am at times… but I knew it was the right thing to do for our family. Leaving 2
of my children in the States to continue college (along with a chunk of my
heart), we began our new life here in The Netherlands with our youngest
daughter in tow.
My husband fully committing himself
at work, plus surrounded by all the newness of international finances for our
family, taxes, running of the house with all the differences. My daughter
jumped into her new international school and made so many life time friends
from all over the world. And I … forced myself out the door to begin what would
be a life altering time in my life.
Joining not only the North
American’s Women’s Club of Eindhoven, I also joined the International Women’s
Club of Eindhoven. The North American club would be my home. Surrounded with
friends who just “get it”. We all have that group or I hope you do if you are
away from home. People who speak the same language… not only my mother tongue
of English but also understanding words like Target, Nordstrom’s, Cream of
Mushroom soup, Pumpkin Pie mix in a can… stuff at home I took for granted but
here became a real challenge. Yes, I’ve made a pumpkin pie from an actual
pumpkin and hey it’s actually better! But people who just get it!
My international friends that I’ve
made here have changed my life in ways I didn’t even know I needed. My eyes and
heart have been opened to a new understanding of the world around us. I won’t
say I know everything because that is impossible. But I will say my little
world has changed. It’s so very interesting to sit and really listen to someone
from another culture explain their way of life and why it’s important to them.
And to have them listen to me and truly understand that American’s are not like
the Kardashians.
But I’ve also done something I can
highly recommend if you ever get the chance to live in another country other
than your own…. Step outside and meet your neighbors. Yes, it’s a tad scary but
once you get over the fear of saying Hi my name is … friendships can begin. I
have made a ton of friends in my community that are Dutch and I love that and
them for helping me along the way but also laughing with me and sharing life
stories.
So when people say What’s it like to live in The Netherlands…
I’ll say sure it’s windmills, tulips and a whole lot of water… but it’s also
home for me. A place that will always be in my heart. Nederland… my home away
from home.
