What a beautiful, sunny Summer Solstice and Father’s Day it is today. But for me, today marks a massive, milestone anniversary. Exactly 25 years ago today, I packed up my life and arrived here in Ireland. Derrick had already been here for just over a month, leaving me with the daunting task of tying up all the loose ends back home before finally making the journey over.
Looking at the calendar, it hits me: I have now spent almost half my life here! 🤣
Wow, what an adventure it has been. Of course, a piece of my heart will always miss home, but I don’t think I ever would have traveled the world or seen half the countries I’ve been blessed to visit had we stayed in South Africa. I’m just hoping I’ll be able to keep exploring for many years still—you’ve got to make the most of it!
But looking back on a quarter of a century, the biggest thing on my mind today isn't the places I've traveled. It's the people who made this journey possible.
Finding My Village (And After-Work Pub Times)
If I'm being completely honest, there were multiple times in those first few months when I was ready to pack my bags and head straight back home. Finding a job was a struggle, and the loneliness of being in a new country can be heavy.
Eventually, after months of searching, I landed a job in the HR department of a building society. That was the turning point.
The people already working there became an instant, amazing support group. The majority of them were a few years younger than me and single, but age didn’t make a bit of difference. We clicked instantly. And just like my old days back home, after-work meant pub time! 🍻
That wasn't just a temporary workplace phase, either. Unbelievably, I am still in touch with 90% of that original group today.
Surviving the Daunting Days
When I first arrived, one of the girls, Kate, was pregnant, so I was tasked with stepping in to help with her workload while she was away. Fast forward to the very next year, and I was the one who was pregnant.
Having a baby away from home with no family or built-in support network can be incredibly overwhelming and daunting. But my colleagues stepped right into that gap. They became my village. Kate was an absolute lifesaver with her advice, lending me baby gear, and offering a level of support that I will never forget.
To the Next 25 Years
I could go on and on about all the different jobs I’ve had since then. I could write a book about how my colleagues over the last 25 years have always been there for me (and still are today!), but if I started typing all those stories, I’d be sitting here until next year's solstice.
So, I just want to take today to say how good Ireland has been to us. I am deeply grateful for all the people who helped me plant roots here, and it has been an honor to pay that kindness forward to other foreigners navigating their own big moves over the years.
I’m not entirely sure what the next 25 years will hold for me, but I sure hope the wonderful people I have met along the way are still around to share it with me.
Thank you, Ireland, for giving us the opportunity. 🥂🍀💖
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