Change

There as been so many new things in the last few days. And many of them will be semi permanent. I'm still adjusting, as Dan may attest, I've been a bit on edge. Maybe a little more than that.
The flight was so difficult. I don't think I've ever enjoyed pulling an all-nighter, and on a plane for an 18 hour flight with 20 minute naps was not very easy for me. I would never do it with out Dan, I don't know how my mother-in-law flew with two small children by herself several times.
It is warm here, mostly pleasant, but the streets are dirty. So being outside has been kept to a minimum. I really need to learn more about the neighborhood around me so I can take the children to parks or indoor playrooms.
Being in a new place, with language, culture and food has given me a lot to thing about. I am so thankful that everyone here is willing to help. Strangers ask if they can help me into the elevator, or find the grocery store or get a high chair. And if they can't speak English they ask their neighbor to translate. Back home there are a lot of people who move to a new country, they leave familiar things, comfort, nice homes, careers and choose to come to the US where they will not have many if any of those things. And then the language is a huge problem. I don't remember being as patient, or willing to help someone who was in my position. I've heard many conversations that went something like this:
"They should learn English if they want to live here." This thought has really made me think that with such a big and difficult change for someone who might need a little help or encouragement I wish I had been a little more helpful or tolerant. I know I sound like a horrible person.