In just 7 more weeks, we will be back in America. It’s a little hard to comprehend what then next couple of months will be like for us. The work of moving our family back across the ocean has already started. We’re working with moving companies, we’ve bought our plane tickets and started completing paperwork. And in terms of our life here, it feels like we’ve entered a sort of “lame duck” period. There is no point in trying to establish anything here anymore. We want to get as much out of these last weeks as possible (especially since the weather is finally nice!). But every conversation we have with people here involves talking about how soon we are leaving.
On Wednesday evening, Emily’s class did a play at her school. They performed “The Valiant Little Tailor” (“Das tapfere Schneiderlein“) by the Brothers Grimm. Emily got to play Princess #2, and she did a great job. After the show, there was a little pot luck reception where all the families could mingle. We talked with some other families, and they always started the conversation by asking, “So, when are you leaving?” We answered questions about where we live in America and whether we are looking forward to going back. It is a conversation I have had a lot recently. But this time it ended with our first goodbyes. We probably won’t see the parents of Emily’s classmates again, so they wished us a nice summer and a safe trip back home.
It was very nice of them, but also a little strange. After all this time trying to integrate and and fit in, we were definitely the strangers again. I get the feeling the next seven weeks are going to be a long series of good byes. Going back home should be comforting, except that so much has changed I get the feeling we may be strangers there as well, at least to a certain extent.
I’m not sure Henry even remembers America. We have all changed and grown, though it is a lot easier to see it in the kids. I found a couple of pictures of Emily that really illustrate how much can change in one year. The first was taken at a farm in Germany last July, and the second was taken at our local farm just a few weeks ago:
What a beautiful little girl…both pictures. You will be welcomed back to Wisconsin warmly and will adjust more quickly than you think. What a wonderful experience Switzerland has been for your family. We are counting the weeks also for your return.
Wow, she looks so much older! And she’s looking a lot like you these days! It’s funny because when I really look at the picture I only see Emily, but when I first glanced at it I just thought she looked a lot like you. You’re both adorable, obviously. 🙂
Dear Sarah and All, How fun to hear about Emily being in a Play. I’ll be she was wonderful and did a great job!!! We know that saying goodbye to your friends there will be difficult, but you have cultivated a whole new experience to remember and often cherish. Your re-adjustment here will go smoothly, I am sure as we all love you and you won’t have to say goodbye for any length of time again. You might even get sick of us. Emily’s transition into a beautiful young lady from a darling young girl is a delight to behold. I will always remember the precious liitle toddler Em but I also welcome what is to come. Wow, I am becoming a spout of advice and counsel> Yikes, it is time to say goodbye for now. Love Mom Schwab
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences in Switzerland. I know it’s something our family would not be able to do. MGIS is still waiting for your return and you and your family will be celebrities upon your arrival. Enjoy the rest of your stay until I can say welcome home.
p.s. Kind of funny how Emily grew up in a year but the bunny didn’t grow at all… just changed color somehow. 🙂