I have been living here for more than two years now, but I still feel I am a complete stranger. I do speak few of their words and understands few of them, but things are just so awkward and strange. Being different is what makes me feel a stranger. I do not look like them. I do not have a blonde hair or blue eyes. I am not that tall as they are. I am me, a foreigner in this country. But you know what, even though I feel I am different from them, the truth is that I am happy being here. People are warm and nice. I never heard of bad things they said about me. And I always feel welcome. They treat people equally here, something I am so happy about.
I am lucky that I have someone who is always there for me. To explain things I do not understand. Thanks to my hubby who talk to the nurse every time our daughter has a check up, who explain things the doctor says about my health or my daughter’s health, to ask the sales lady if I need to try another shoes or clothes, or if they have my size, etc. Thanks to hubby who talk to his kids and explain to them what I am trying to say. Thanks for him who always there and help me. He is my translator :).
Being new to a certain place is quite sad sometimes. But it is just in my own thoughts because nobody thinks I am a stranger here anyway. Nobody wants to be called a stranger, aren’t we? I am a legal residence. I am married and I have a family here. Why would I call myself a stranger? Hubby always told me to try make new friends and start living my life because my life is here. Maybe I am just stubborn and very shy. And things are just so different.
Here are few things I should do in order to be confident and do not feel a stranger anymore!
- Just be yourself. Do not think you are different. Just be real.
- Do not hesitate to ask if you do not understand anything they said.
- Be friendly by making new friends. Get involve in the community.
- Get use to the fact that you are living here and you belong here.
- Try to learn their language and starts communicating.
I’m sure learning Finnish (is that right?) must be difficult! Have you taken a language class? If you are going to be there any length of time I do recommend it. Are there any other expat types of things you can join or attend? I would be lost I think. I admire that you left your home country to make it in “a new world” essentially. Your daughter will be bi-lingual and that’s awesome and great for her too.