A farewell with a view

The view from our rented Hoboken apartment has the most amazing view of Manhattan. It really is extraordinary and seems like a fitting scenery for the very last night of this American adventure. It’s time to say farewell.

Tomorrow at 5.35 pm we will board the SAS flight in Newark Liberty International Airport with 10 bags, 25 pairs of shoes, 7 stuffed animals, 3 kids and lots and lots of memories and experiences. Overwhelming really when we think back on all the adventures we’ve had.

Two years went. Just like that. Most easily measured by looking at the girls who have grown taller, wiser and more resilient to what life brings your way. I am not sure what these two years will mean in terms of building their character, but I’m pretty sure it’s all good.

They now know that life takes various forms and that you can cope with pretty much anything if you really try. They know that it’s (almost) true when their parents assure them it’s gonna be alright. And they know that it’s a big beautiful world out there – ready to be conquered and enjoyed.

I am so very proud of all three of them. Not only do they now speak (!…) another language and did really well in school, but more than anything they kept going and dealt with our decision to leave behind everyone and everything they loved. Over the last two years they definitely left their comfort zone many times and shed many tears. But in the end the tears were due to leaving their Long Hill school and their new friends behind. Friends that we will visit and hopefully receive as guests in Gadevang.

Life as a family abroad surely had its ups and downs. Starting school was definitely hard. Really hard. Making friends took time. Getting settled required skills that none of us really had, since this was one for the family. Even if Torben and I have both traveled a great deal and lived in many places abroad, this was starting from scratch.

These are just a few of the thing we had to learn.

1. Figuring out how to handle the school system which was mostly tremendously welcoming and helpful. Will still not understand why kids don’t get recess in rain or snow but in seriously boiling hot weather, kids are out there sweating like pigs.

2.  Dealing with the health system – not least the crazy health insurance system.

3. Obtaining a New Jersey drivers license from the ridiculous NJ Motor Vehicle Commission. I still need a strong drink just thinking about my three visits there!!!

4. Driving to e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g.

5. Building a cozy home (twice the size of our home in Denmark) out of furniture from Denmark, from IKEA and passed on from family in Connecticut.

6. Feeling overwhelmed when shopping for groceries and there is sooooo much choice. It took forever to do the first week of shopping for basics. Why oh why do supermarkets have to be so enormous?

7. And not least trying not to offend people as you question the different approach to life. Why can you not show your naked body when you get dressed for the swimming pool? Why do preschool kids have to walk in line military style? Why are kids constantly being watched?

It has been learning by doing. And now that we start getting the hang of it, we are leaving.

Mostly life has been quite something the last two years. I am pretty sure we got everything we came for. And lots more. Lots of adventure, travels, time together as a family (and how to make that work), making new friends and sharing unique moments together.

Thank you to all of you who helped us and invited us into your lives. We will miss you. And stay in touch.

Even if we know what awaits us in Denmark, we are a little nervous.

Wish us luck in this new adventure.