It's so hard to leave...

**Kabocha Girl** · 07-20-2007, 07:18 AM

Hey everyone! Sorry it's been so long. DH and I have been having some very stressful days lately. We are moving back to the U.S. in three days and it has been very hard to say goodbye to all of our friends here in Japan. Today I had to give my farewell speeches to the students and staff and didn't make it through either without crying. I'm excited to go back for our new house, but it's still hard to leave since this is the longest DH and I have ever lived in one place since we moved out of our parents' houses after high school. It's as if we have an entirely different life here. Unlike leaving the U.S., we won't have the chance to come back here, to this situation. That's been hard for me to deal with.

I'm also worried that friends and family won't understand why we aren't just thrilled to be back. I think I'm going to have a hard time when we get home.

I haven't even had time to check the forums here lately, so I just feel lost.

Anyone else ever lived overseas for an extended period of time? How did you deal with coming back? Did you experience reverse culture shock?

**TheRootedNomad** · 07-20-2007, 07:28 AM

I'vee never lived overseas but I'm sorry you're having such a hard time coming home. Saying good-bye to friends is never easy.

**jamie79** · 07-20-2007, 07:35 AM

I lived overseas and could not wait to come back to the states so I guess I am no help to you

**FrugalMomof3** · 07-20-2007, 10:58 AM

I have never lived overseas but I do wish you the best of luck in the transition

**sdrjeolsen** · 07-20-2007, 11:29 AM

I have never lived overseas, but have many missionary friends that do. Most of them talk about the culture shock and especially the dissapointment over the excesses and attitudes here when they retrun to the states.

I'm sorry you are having a hard time, feeling lost and dealing with the idea of not coming back. It is so hard to leave good friends behind

Friends and family here may not understand it, but a lot of people who haven't lived overseas or don't closely know of anyone, don't understand it. Hopefully, they will understand that transitions are usually difficult and take some time.
Wishing you the best of luck and lots of understanding during your transition back.

**writevalerie** · 07-20-2007, 01:03 PM

Wishing you the best. I bet you will feel better once you get home and see your friends & family and new home and everything. You will probably be so busy it won't be as sad as you're expecting.

**fernykins** · 07-20-2007, 03:36 PM

I live to years in Fussa city Japan I did have a hard time with leaving my purse in the cart after I came back home. Just can't do it here. Also reajusting driving on the other side of the road.........
Fern

**Domestic Gal** · 07-20-2007, 10:54 PM

What part of Nebraska are you moving to? I live in Bellevue close to Offutt Air Force Base.

**Kabocha Boy** · 07-21-2007, 03:10 AM

Thanks for all the kind words, everyone. We're finally almost packed now - it's like the clock is just ticking down. I'm having a little easier time with it than her, but it's always difficult to see her go through so much anguish. She's doing a lot better now, though!

Now it's just the frustration of trying to get our life in four suitcases, two carry-ons and two backpacks... and then getting that through customs without a hassle.

Kabocha Girl's also having trouble getting her parents and friends to accept that she's officially a SAHW until we have kids - sometime next year hopefully. She gets a lot of flack from her working mother and working best friend (who is a new mommy with a SAHH).

Originally Posted by Domestic Gal

What part of Nebraska are you moving to? I live in Bellevue close to Offutt Air Force Base.

About 194th & Q in Omaha - but the in-laws live very near Bellevue, and that's where we'll be staying until our house is done!

**sdrjeolsen** · 07-21-2007, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by Kabocha Boy

About 194th & Q in Omaha - but the in-laws live very near Bellevue, and that's where we'll be staying until our house is done!

Kabocha Boy, my in-laws live at 196th & L, they back up to the lake there. You must be right around the corner! They just built last year and love the area. My folks live north of Bennington. Good luck with your move.

**Libby** · 07-21-2007, 03:49 PM

Transition is never easy especially when the two places where you're coming from and going to are hugely different in may ways. The best you can do is just pull up those socks and just do it. Live with no regrets and keep the fond memories close to your heart for they'll always be there for you. Dont forget you can always keep in touch via telephone, emails and actual snail mail. Personally I think thats one of life's little secrets....keeping in touch with those that are dear to you no matter how close or far they are or seem to be.

Best wishes in returning 'home'

Home is wherever you choose it to be - remember that. Happy Travels!