Expats as defined by: www.wikipedia.com: An expatriate (in abbreviated form, expat) is a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country and culture other than that of the person's upbringing. The word comes from the Latin terms ex ("out of") and patria ("country, fatherland").
When we took an assignment out of country for the first time there was a moment when we felt like the only person in the world that has ever done anything like this! I come from a small town so in reality we were! We knew that the road was paved by the brave souls that had done this before but until we met these people we never thought of what being an expat means. And even more to the point I had never thought of the women (and few men) who have supported their families in expat and military situations!
Being a stay at home parent is a hard enough gig! There is the tending to others needs, the cleaning, the maintaining, the appointment making, the groceries, and the dreaded laundry! Throw the whole now we live aboard thing into the mix and this becomes a learning experience...."What does that washer say?"; "The doctor doesn't speak a common language!" Yes, the challenge of being a supportive, lovely, nurturing spouse and parent becomes a bit more like a personal Mt. Everest! And...of course there is the moment that smacks you when you feel like you’re the only person who has ever done this, but reality, you’re not!
Before you (me) came the thousands (side note: I am sure the number is huge, but it's 7am and I have had one cup of coffee, not going to research today) of other brave souls, willing to break out and try something new. I have met a handful of these amazing souls and their bravery and perseverance is astounding! Some of these supportive spouses gave up thriving careers to walk with their partners, and care for children. Some of these spouses have moved so many times, and to so many countries they no longer relate to their own culture! Some of these amazing women care for children in this new and foreign land while their husband travels the world leaving them alone (for a week or two) to discover everything! Some walked away from the only thing they had ever known to step out into a whole new world!
What is truly amazing is the depth to which these individuals are grateful and supportive! I am sure there are times (often behind closed doors) to which it all isn't so easy (and it's not), but these people work through it, and remain focused on the goal (personal Mt. Everest)! I am continually impressed by the grace in which they role with the punches; sure sick kid, husband traveling, parents in hospital, dog sick, car broken down; they've got it and are still smiling!
The old rhyme of sugar and spice and everything nice that's what little girls are made of, but what are women made of? It is in my eye's more a question of what aren't women made of? The women that fill the expat community, the women that have embraced the supportive role, the women who do this day in and day out are simply marvelous creatures that cannot and should not be described in one word! I am honored to be a part of this community of women!
Personal side note:
To the husbands(mine included): I recongize the amazingly hardwork you also do everyday! Learning a new langauge, working to support a family, and the various other task and I/we thank you!
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