Life has been busy since my last blog post. We moved into our own place right before Christmas, the holidays happened, and then we bought all those things one needs day to day. I am currently sitting in our bright orange Ikea chair we bought today, and it feels good to know this is one of the last items on our list. In the meantime, I have visited many, many stores and bought many, many things to make our home feel like a home. Every store and cashier and purchase seems to teach me a bit more of German and a bit more about Austrians. I often wonder how my perspective will change the longer I am here. I see something now and form an opinion about it, without even trying to. I can see how that opinion is different than it was two years ago, and recognize it will likely be different in another two years. We are so narrow in our perspective no matter how open-minded we may think we are. Our life can only be so wide. And so life begins, that is really how it feels as we start living on our own here. German classes will start twice a week at the end of this month, Noah and I joined two baby groups, and Jonas is already attending church meetings regarding youth group. We really enjoy our new apartment. It is a small two bedroom with a roof terrace on the fourth floor with no elevator. Noah and I go on a walk everyday into the town center, to the library, or a grocery store. And then we slowly walk up the stairs as his little feet guide the way. Jonas works 15 minutes away and either comes home from first shift at 2:30pm or leaves for second shift at 1:30pm. He enjoys his work and is especially happy with his coworkers. We are slowly joining church and are excited about all they have going on and look forward to knowing the people there. Although we aren't so fond of moving, there is something lovely about entering into a new city and exploring all it has to offer. And Enns has a lot to offer, both Jonas and I feel this is a good place for us to start. . As I feel us settling in here, I feel homesickness flooding in as well. America looks so much nicer from afar than it ever did when I was there; and Austria looks so much less appealing than it did before. Culure shock. Boom! However, Jonas and I have already been there and done that, so I know time often does heal some wounds, culture shock being one of them. But really, I miss the darnedest things. English, Wal-mart, Friendliness, opinions, craft stores...and just the general experience of not having to try and knowing what to do and where to go and how to speak. I am excited for life to move forward from this point, for the shock to slighten and the familiarity to begin. I am excited to really begin why we came here and try to be intentional with the decisions we make for our home and activities. For now, I will be happy with a bright orange Ikea chair that for some reason is the perfect thing today to make this small apartment feel homey.
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Stay updated!About me:
My name is Rachel. My husband, son, and I recently uprooted our lives and moved to Austria. Join me in all things new: language, cooking, church, child-rearing. We're doing the same things, but oh so differently. Archives
June 2016
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