So....

[rebeccajo 14]

We arrived back to the US late Thursday evening after 10 days in Northern Ireland.

We stayed at Wes' brothers house. We visited an old friend of his in Donegal. We toured the Donegal coastline; went to the Downhill ruins and saw Mussenden temple; went to Belfast and Carrickfergus to see the castle; toured the Guildhall and Tower Museum in Londonderry; went to a pub for traditional music. Every day in Londonderry we went in and around the ancient walls of the city.

We had scones and bacon baps and apple tarts. Tea and Guinness.

We did ordinary stuff - grocery shopping and running about with his brother paying bills.

I love my country, but............I could easily live there. Each time I am there, I am overwhelmed at what it must have taken for my husband to leave. How does someone just up and leave everything they have known for a new life thousands of miles away?

I don't think any USC should underestimate what our spouses have given up to be with us.

[Cacerez 19]

I agree - where I live in Central VA, you cannot just walk out of the house and easily walk down the street to a restaurant, or store, etc. You have to get on the expressway to get pretty much anywhere, which just means you have to have a car. You also can't just walk a block to pick up a bunch of fresh, handmade tortillas to go with your next meal. There are a lot of conveniences that he will be lacking that he and I both love about Guatemala.

Our SO's make a big sacrifice to come to the US, and you are very right, we should never take that for granted.

[Ban Hammer 13,367]

there you are!

[rebeccajo 14]

there you are!

I had to come back for Benjamin.........

[DeadPoolX 9]

I don't think any USC should underestimate what our spouses have given up to be with us.

I could. I immigrated to Canada, instead of my wife coming to the United States.

[c_and_a 0]

There are certain countries I have lived in and would rather live in than the United States (at least for a short time), but Jamaica is not one of them.

If my wife was from the UK, that would have been tempting. While I love the personal freedom offered in the United States, that is slipping away and the culture and history of Europe is amazing.

However, even if your spouse comes from a country that might not be stable or wealthy it is still home to your spouse and that is something that you have to respect.

Edited April 5, 2009 by c_and_a

[peejay 327]

I don't think any USC should underestimate what our spouses have given up to be with us.

It is true. However each case is different. Some spouses are able to adjust to the transition easier than others.

There are lots of factors that contribute to ease of assimilation. Language proficiency, access to ex-pat communities in the new country, finances, jobs, degree of emotional/material support from spouse, etc.

I never asked her, but what I observed from my wife's situation, I think it was on par with anyone that leaves familiar surroundings to move somewhere else. The foreign aspect just added another piece to the game. Americans get homesick moving to different places in our own country too.

I would venture to say my wife had an easier go of it moving to the USA than I would have if we moved to Belarus. I think if I could choose the most important factor in assimilating to another country I would venture to say proficiency in the local language would be one of the most important. My wife and stepdaughter both had a high degree of proficiency in English before they even came to the USA. The passing of time took care of the rest. The pieces eventually fell into place in their new lives here. At this point it might even rock their world if they had to move back.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

wb, rj

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Ireland FTW! Welcome back, RJ! I hope I can go there someday.

[Ban Hammer 13,367]

there you are!

I had to come back for Benjamin.........

what, no internet over there?

[missmissy 38]

I moved to Europe in 2007 and can tell you that it was HARD to leave everyone and everything behind! We made the decision to move back to the U.

S. and he loves it here but I never forget exactly what he's giving up to come here with me. All of his family will remain in Denmark, any children that his son may have will not know us very well, his parents are very old and everytime he says good bye, he says he is not sure if he will see them again.

[Mags 112]

Welcome back, Becca!

Glad you had a wonderful trip - Ireland is beautiful.

[Mommy2ZaidnSalma 11]

I lived in Jordan for a year and can say I wouldnt and couldnt ever do it forever. I give Sofyan and anyone who immigrates to a foreign land a lot of credit.

Welcome back RebeccaJo, glad to hear you had a nice trip

[Welshcookie 17]

Good to see you back RJ! Donegal is a such a lovely place, I have very fond memories of my visits there. Glad you both had a great time (F)

[Mina76 0]

Welcome back home rebeccajo!