Activating K-1 Sunday

[Carlawarla 1]

Hello fellow VJ'ers

I haven't been around too much since Christmas...getting ready to fly out Sunday to St. Louis. We agreed very early on in our relationship that I would be the one to move to the USA, but it sure is hard to say goodbye to friends and family here. I was saying to Gene last night that when I moved to Saskatchewan in 1982, I left everyone in Ontario and was so homesick, cried so many tears. I've been in Saskatchewan now for 25 years, and now it's time again to leave and the feelings are even stronger. I have such wonderful and dear friends here, who I know I'll carry in my heart forever. It's an emotional roller coaster being excited about being with the love of my life...my kindred spirit, for the rest of my life; and leaving all I've known and loved here as well.

This doesn't diminish my optimisim and excitement of the next journey in my life, with my life partner, however, I never thought it would be so hard....

Sorry I've not been as encouraging and supportive of others lately! I've been reading the threads however, and please know that I'm wishing each and every one of you speedy approvals, happy reunions, and love everlasting. Best of luck to the interviewees this week as well! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed, and trying to post those congratulatory messages when I'm able!

Carla

[Jersey Girl 2]

Carla, your life is unfolding and you'll be having new adventures! Don't feel sad, because you'll always have your friends and family no matter where you live. Enjoy!

[KiminON 0]

oh, i remember my tangled mess of emotions the last week before i left! i was sadhappyscaredexcited all at once! i do miss my friends and family dearly, but they are with me in spirit and by phone and email daily. and i get to go for a visit on the 3rd of february!

enjoy your time left at 'home' and i wish you safe and smooth travels.

k

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Carla,

Oh, I do know what you are saying! I too left behind all of my friends and family and my home where I had lived for more than 15 years to pick up roots and move south to a whole new country, new city, new life and even new family. I was happy and excited and the initial move went well because there was so much to do, but still, there was a big adjustment once I got here. I felt lost at first and very much alone while Joe was at work. I tried to become familiar with my new home by driving around, and I kept getting lost because I didn't have my north/south orientation yet. I even despaired at time of finding my home again! I didn't have anyone I could call - no friends and I didn't know my neighbours yet. It is very much a time of being thrown on your own inner resources. I chose to keep my maiden name after I married because it felt so much like I was giving up everything in my life - my home, my country, my family, my work, my personal history - that I didn't want to give up my identity as well. I love my husband and I love living here with him. I enjoyed setting up our home together, but I missed my family and my friends. What helped me the most is that I brought my cats with me from Ontario and they provided me with my sense of continuity. They were very instrumental in allowing me to adapt to my new life separate and apart from everything I had ever known.

Make sure you bring with you something that ties you to your home: a pet, a piece of furniture, a blanket, a picture, something that is uniquely yours. It will help having it with you while you re-establish yourself. We are so fortunate that we have the internet and email to stay in touch with friends and family. I know that being able to talk with my friends and family when I first arrived also helped immensely with the transition.

Good luck and don't worry about feeling homesick - it is perfectly natural. Good luck with the move.

[together2love 0]

Yes, I do agree with your statement. It is bittersweet, isn't it? I will say that moving out here from Sasaktchewan I 1st tried to think of how it would be without my SO and there is no doubt in my mind that I would move again if it ment being with him But, then there is the leaving of your familiar surroundings, it is something we all here did and I don't think anyone regrets it, but homesickness is always around. I have plastered tons of photos of myself with friends and family around my house now, and I just keep thinking that I don't mind not having to be around snow or the cold! And just think that you will continue to make more friends accross North America - how can you go wrong!

Safe travels!

[Cassie 8]

I completely understand.

[raymaga 25]

I think we can all relate to your fears and your feelings of sadness.

I left behind my 3 children (they were 16, 21, and 23 at the time) and it almost broke my heart. My daughter has since moved to the U.S. and lives with us, attending college. But I miss my sons sooooooooooooo much and I miss my friends dearly. I haven't really made any friends here like I had back in Canada. I have some friends we see as couples from time to time, but nothing like I had back home.

Don't be too hard on yourself, it's natural to feel a little apprehensive about leaving all you have and know behind. The good part is that you get to be with the love of your life.

Good luck for an easy entry into the US and a happy healthy life with your husband to be.

Edited January 17, 2007 by raymaga

[Carlawarla 1]

Thank you one and all for your lovely replies. Reading your empathetic responses didn't make me feel so alone, nor sad. I'm having a much better day today, particularly because of your heartfelt responses. Thanks so much.

Gene has really been very supportive of me. One of the attributes he loves of me is my Canadianism...something he doesn't want me to lose.

I do have some keepsakes and memorabilia that I will putting up in our home. Thanks everyone for some of the wonderful suggestions for those of you who have gone before me. I'm blessed to have made such wonderful friendships here, and that having a good long distance rate, and the internet will allow me to stay close to those I miss most.

Raymaga, my kids are 23 and 20, and live on their own. I will be missing them the most of course. They're coming down for the wedding in April. I don't think we'll all realize the heartbreak of missing each other until after then.

Carla

[Emancipation 2]

Karla,

I'm feeling your emotions as well.. Getting ready to leave on February 5th. It will be a difficult 2 weeks saying goodbye and just feeling that tug in the heart, to want to be in the US with Brent, but yet wanting more time for goodbyes. I am planning an Open House - a chance for everyone to stop by to say goodbye (the guest book will be an address book for everyone's e-mail, phone # etc. so i'll have that book close bye).. Just my way of saying goodbye I guess.

All the best on your move, and your new life.!!!

[Carlawarla 1]

It's too late for me to do...but the open house sounds like such a wonderful idea! Enjoy!

Carla