One year in the USA

Finally, I have come this far.

It is June 9 today and that only means one thing for me.

I’m officially living here in the United States for a year now. 

Freakishly coincidental, it just also happens that we are flying tonight to Los Angeles. It was my port of entry last year when I had a one way ticket in my hands.

So I will be seeing it now with a different set of eyes. Someone who’ve seen America for a year vs. someone who’ve never been out of the country before. We will see. I will be taking notes if there are really going to be differences. I think it would interesting.

I am absolutely happy to have reached this point. The first 6 months was rough because I had to conquer homesickness. I couldn’t possibly have made it without the help of my husband and his family. They did the best they can to make me feel at home. Same thing with my parents, family and friends back home. We were both adjusting and they were patient to talk to me when I truly need it.

I remember they were days that I just don’t understand myself. It was an emotional roller-coaster ride. There was a civil war going on inside me and no one is winning. Starting a new life in a new country took me by surprise. How hard can it truly be? You wouldn’t honestly know unless you have experience it yourself. I haven’t been away more than four days from my parents house before and this time, not just months or years but forever.

I will be living in an entirely different country.

I can only visit them by plane and traveling for more than 24 hours.

The thought of not being able to see them scares me. Thank God with the modern technology. It helped me immensely. My morning isn’t complete without seeing their faces and hearing their voice. I love my family so much. I am a softy when it comes to them. They are my kryptonite.

Now it’s time I have to stand on my own. Be my own identity.

The last 6 months is when I truly started enjoying the changes and experiences that my new life brings.

The differences and new things have become familiar and my new ordinary. Although, missing my family, friends and the food back home will always stay. I have learned how to dance the rhythm of the new life we have. Making my own memories and collecting new nostalgia along the way. Discovering strengths and new things about me that I haven’t seen before.

If you have been pushed out of your comfort zone. There is no way you can’t make it. Instead it enables you to explore, expand and grow as a person.

That’s the best thing that can ever happen to anyone. 

I would be celebrating for you. <3

This morning my husband told me yet again “Welcome to America”. I told him to always tell me that every June 9 of the year. I guess, this date is going to be always special to me. If you’re an immigrant, the first day of your arrival will always mean to you. It is like being born again. This time as an adult.

Mysterious, scary, beautiful, challenging yet epic. It will etched in your memory forever. A day you will never forget.

It’s why I have started this blog. I want to share this story. A story of my new life as a Filipina in the United States.

Lol, I just found this amusing quote: The grass is always greener where you water it. It makes so much sense. That’s my game-plan and should be yours too. No matter what country we are living in. We should live beautifully.

Cheers. One year down forever to go! 

-Anna