Comings and Goings...

Spring is here and lots of changes are upon us.  I'll be writing about a big one a little later, once more details have been arranged....sorry to keep you in suspense.

Anyway, I've been a little up and down emotionally lately.  Along with some changes coming up there have been a few already.  I've been coming up against one aspect of being an Expat that is actually a difficult one.  The "comings and goings" of friendships, since Expats (definition: living in a country other than where you have citizenship) tend to be a bit more nomadic.  Since I've come to live here a year ago, I've had to say goodbye to two people I really enjoyed having as my girlfriends and am soon to say goodbye to another.  It's a sad feeling to know that in a few weeks a large chunk of my girl buddies here will be gone and I will be back to "dating."

These three girls were people I could really relax with, kick off my shoes with, and feel a kind of sisterly connection with here in a country that I'm an outsider in.  Where I'm constantly fighting to communicate and show my real personality, fighting the customs that are so different than mine, fighting the closed emotions and lack of congeniality I'm accustomed to, fighting to just feel at home.

I worry that these connections will be lost in the daily goings on of our lives after they've left.  That this will be the story of my life now, the "comings and goings" of friendships.  See, I've never been very good at keeping up with friends and nurturing friendships.  Especially from afar.  I blame it on being an only child.  Luckily I have a few close friends who have remained my friends regardless of how horrible I am at keeping in touch with them.  They hound me and keep calling me even when I don't return calls in a timely manner.  Yes, my lovely Chicago Bestie....you are a real trooper.  I'm super thankful they hang in there and hope that they know I always think of them, even if I don't tell them that as often as I should.  I must say thank you to Mr. Internet for the social networks, Skype, and the ever-faithful, e-mail.    You've helped me be a better friend, at least a little bit.

Now, not all is lost and somber.  I do still have another great friend. :)  But with the upcoming changes, will I become one of the "comings and goings" for her?  Or will she also be transported to another country on her quest of adventure?  We must just ride the waves I guess.

With all the pros of an expat life, this aspect goes on the "cons" side of the list.

Although, if I look at my lemons and think of lemonade, I'll now have friends to visit in Canada, Portland, and Germany.  And I do want to see the world!!