One Month

On Monday we will have been in Switzerland for one month. Based on how fast this month has passed, I can only assume this year is going to fly by! So many good experiences have happened during this month, especially related to the kids school, ZIS.

I had no idea how quickly the kids (and we as the parents) would make friends in an international school compared to moving within the States. The international school kids are very used to moving and jumping right into new friendships as quickly as possible. I think they just want normal childhood life to take place, and maybe they really get how people are all the same in many ways so they'll find the connections and learn from and enjoy the differences. It's such an incredible experience for our kids, who are used to a bit more judgement and hesitation based on made-up variables, before acceptance (especially at Sarah's age and being a girl.)

And amazingly, I've noticed the same general acceptance and desire for quick friendships from the adults. Everyone is so kind and really looking for connections and true friendships. This way the roots can grow quicker and life can seem not so chaotic and stressful (as all moves are stressful.) It's as though we all have been transported to this magical place where people just want to be with other people and be understood. But understanding doesn't have to come from people who are the "same" as in nationality or ethnicity, as one might find in domestic move situations. Here, our commonality is "that we move most anywhere" and are willing to live the expat life as it is known. I didn't really get what the term the "expat life" meant until I had the privilege of experiencing it first hand. It really is a privilege, one that I will cherish for my whole life.

This week-end Sarah had her first school dance - here they called it a Disco - with the 6th, 7th and 8th grade classes. I just cannot believe she is already at this stage in her life. Complete gawkiness and utter confusion with herself is about to ensue, and in some ways has already begun, but she still seems like my little girl when she reaches out for a hug. I'm really enjoying those hugs these days. Anyway, she went to the dance with two girlfriends and while they danced the night away, Gus, Mike and I joined the parents of the two girls for food and wine (just food for Gus of course.) What a great night we all had! Two Americans, two Austrians and two Germans (luckily they all spoke English) really had a great time getting to know each other and just relaxing together while our kids moved into a new level of life. The girls came home exhausted but full of cheer, excited about their new friends and life experiences (one friend of the girls danced with an 8th grader!) Then Sarah and her two new friends came back to our flat for a sleepover - really cool for Sarah!

On the Gus side of things - he got to attend a birthday party at an awesome waterpark in Pfaffikon (the p is silent) while the rest of us shopped at a nearby mall. Just as a side note, there are so many clothing needs, especially shoes, at the new school! The shoe requirement is very interesting and reflects the complete cleanliness of the country and culture of the people. The kids are required to have "indoor" shoes and "outdoor" shoes for school, and to take on class trips, etc. And since Sarah will be going on a class trip which includes a lot of hiking in a few weeks, she's also required to have the appropriate hiking boots and attire. Sarah has been somewhat appauled by these requirements, but I rather like the cleanliness and don't mind that she gets suited up appropriately for the trip. Now back to Gus, who had a fantastic time at this great waterpark - after one week invited to a kids party in his class, which I assumed meant the child had invited the whole class. No, he chose the kids he wanted to invite, how cool is that for Gus!

So, although we still have lighting to hang, and lots to figure out about Swiss life, this first month has been very memorable and I have been loving every minute (well almost) of it. It's truly been a dream come true for me. ( Which by the way, Sarah has been telling the parents of her friends that her Dad has made her mom's dreams come true - how cool is that?!)