Our 1 yr anniversary of living as an Expat

This past year as an Expat has flown by. As we arrived into Singapore a few days ago after our home trip to the USA, I was recalling how I felt this exact time one year ago.

We were nervous, excited, and a little scared all at the same time. We didn't know a soul here, we didn't know where to shop or eat, and most importantly I didn't know if everyone would understand us. We were told that everyone spoke English, but until you live and explore an area...you just never know. We knew that the American population was large on this tiny island, but we didn't know who our neighbors were and if we would be around any. I won't lie, the first 3 months were tough. The kids were sick constantly because they needed to get used to new "germs" in this part of the world. I was also without children for the first time in 9 years during the day. Grant started kindergarten and they were both gone all day (6:45am-4pm). It was a huge adjustment for myself as well. No longer did I have the kids as an ice breaker to meet new people. We've moved around the USA a bunch over the last 12 years of our marriage, and I have learned that it's super easy to make friends in a new area when you've got little ones in playgroups, etc. But I have made such wonderful priceless friendships since moving here to Singapore. Joining the American Womans Association and being a member of the American Club was so very helpful in meeting other women with similiar intersts. For Brian.. he had to deal with the family adjustment as well as work ones. He was starting with huge projects both in China and here, and needed to adjust to traveling to China M-F every other week. But we made it...and NOW....

One year later:
I am amazed at how well we adjusted and have grown to love it here. We have met such amazing people from all over the world, have made wonderful friends, and feel very much at home here. When we were in the USA for our visit over the summer I ran into a friend and she asked "Was it a HUGE culture shock to move to Singapore?" I didn't have to think long before I told her that it was a bigger culture shock to come back to our small New England town then to move 1/2 way around the world. We can buy/find all the same American products here but we also have cultural experiences right around each corner. It is like the best of both worlds. The kids look at people and experiences much differently now, and that is an amazing lesson I am glad that Brian and I have given them. Now we are celebrating and breathing a sigh of relief as we begin our fun second year as an Expat here in Singapore. We are looking forward to more fun traveling, a great excellent school year, and adventures that the kids will remember for the rest of their lives. :)