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As we discuss and plan our move from my home in Newport, Rhode Island to Greg's home in Auckland, New Zealand, I thought it all might be of interest to some... It's not going to be easy for so, so many reasons and maybe if I write about it, it'll help.
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Oh, that language barrier! I've been in the States for almost 10 years now (full-time) and that common language is still an issue - do you have the chip/crisp and crisp/crumble thing there too? It seems a bit frivolous at first glance but words are how we express who we are in so many ways - dropping the latest slang to fit in or stand out; to sound older or younger?
In this, as in so many things, the kids have been the catalyst for me. When I am talking to them I am me; happy to be a US citizen but I'm Scottish born and raised. I've gathered words and language all through my life and they're a part of me too and I'm glad that I have a choice! To offer them biscuits would be confusing - I remain convinced that the planet Krypton was colonised by the British, explaining why Superman's mistake when his adoptive American family told him to wear his pants on top of any other clothing. I don't want to be awkward so I shop for eggplant but I cook aubergine at home - zucchini and rutabaga though, are such lovely words to say that I've happily adopted them unless I have British visitors.
Chloe and Tex, of course, speak tom-A-toe instead of tomato but that's okay because they're learning their life's language... and there's still the odd, inherited roll of the R to show their heritage, they know what Wellies are.
Missing the connections with friends and places is harder; it takes time to form those special relationships. When we moved from FL, we had to give up swimming 9 months a year in the pool in the back yard; but we found the pond at Little Ninny - only swimmable for 4 months but a richer experience, in part because of that. Ours was a different deal of course. I hear how hard this is and wish I could make it easier for you.
Love you,
Beth
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