Sunday, May 01, 2011

A Familiar Face

I remember when we first moved to Arlington in November, I was completely overwhelmed. I was sure I'd never be able to find my way around those streets, and I was kind of intimidated by the formal business suits I walked past in my ratty jeans and knock-off Converse shoes. But eventually I did find my way around-- as long as my way was along one of 3 or 4 streets. And sometimes while we were out walking, we would run into people we knew-- usually friends from our apartment building. Turns out, there is still somewhat of a community even in a big city.
Now multiply the population by about a gajillion and you have Shenyang, China. I've been here just over a week, and I'm hitting the hard part of adjusting. I miss my family, my home doesn't feel or work like my own yet, and to top it off, I'm completely overwhelmed by the inevitable fact that I'm having another baby in a month or so. Now, I know myself, and I know I'd be overwhelmed by the baby's arrival in any situation. Would it have been easier to stay in the US with my parents, have the baby there, then fly to China with a newborn, a toddler, and then try to adjust to life overseas? Probably not. I think adding a second child would be overwhelming in any situation.
So I'm fretting and stressed, and I spent a good portion of today crying, on and off. I blame a lot of it on hormones, but a lot of it is just how I feel when I move to a new place. I try to focus on positive things (which there are many), especially when I write on my blog, but I just want to be honest and say that things aren't all hunky-dory. Yet.
On our way to catch a cab to church this morning, we had to wind our way through the throngs of people also winding their ways around the construction site that is our front yard. As we tiptoed through the mud, I looked up briefly to see a familiar face smiling at me as he walked past in the other direction. Then he was gone.
I was sure I knew him, but it took me several moments to finally place the face: the guy who works at the cell phone store where I bought my phone on Friday.
It's not much, but I think it's a good sign. Soon this will be home.

8 comments:

Mike and Tia Fam said...

Chelsea, I have always enjoyed reading your blog. But since you've been preparing for your move and then actually moving I am really so amazed by you. I really think that this move, combined with your new baby will be one of those lifetime moments you look back on and will see your strength and faith. I am glad you are posting frequently (to satisfy my own curiosity) and because I think that you will come back and reread these entries as well.
I know you've got a great family and group of friends supporting you right now. I'm here for you too. You are awesome. If you ever want to skype I'd love to see you and say hello to your cutie pie Penny.

Elaine Shandra said...

It seems that whenever I've made a big move, the homesick, etc. hits after about 3 days. I'm glad you saw a familiar face! I will keep you in my prayers that you will be blessed in any and all ways :)

Bronwyn James said...

Bless your heart! We had the same experience in Tunis. Despite all our experience in the Middle East and knowing the language it was a little while before we felt at all homey there. Hurray for a smile along the way. Give Penny hugs for us!

William said...

I am always impressed by how you find the positive element in any situation you are in.

Love you all

Smart Helm said...

I like ur story. I'd say you do have quite a bit on ur plate just now so you have every right to be a little less than hunky dory right now. I'm thinking about you just like all these other commenters!

ChristyLou said...

You are a brave strong lady! I'm extremely nervous about our baby being born (any day now) and I'm safe at home in a place I've known and loved for years. I'm impressed by your outlook and I'm sure you're right. It will be hard for a while and then home it will become! I'll be thinking of you and prayers are going up for you as well!

Sara Lee said...

Ohh Chelsea, moving while pregnant is a challenge for anyone, but to a totally different country...I can't even imagine. You are amazing, and you just let yourself cry girl. it will slowly get back to normal and you will be stronger for it. I love reading your blog cause you are always real. Keep it up and let the little stuff go. Love you and you are in my prayers.

A Whit said...

When I need a pick-me-up, I go to my most trusted cheer-me-up source of reading: "A Fisher out of Water". Chelsea, I hope you never stop blogging. I love to read about your awesome adventures that have such a witty twist to them. I guess you get that from your dad...

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Stuff I wouldn't mind getting for Christmas

  • Twin-sized sheet sets for Penny and Naomi (matching? flowered or something pretty, not characters)
  • Scrapbook pages
  • Fun refrigerator magnets
  • Fisher Price Little People Pirate Ship (for Penny.... though I would play with it too.)
  • Cute Stationary-- I currently write letters on notebook paper ripped from the notebook
  • Boy toys for William, age 9 months-18 months or so