This post won’t have much for pictures. It is mainly to talk about the fact that as of July 15, my husband and I have lived in the Netherlands for one year. Can’t believe it. I am not sure exactly what I expected when we arrived last July, but I know now that we are Americans living in a Dutch world. And it is working out just fine.
On Monday, July 15, 2024, we boarded a plane in Iowa with only our clothes in suitcases. It felt exciting and scary and fun and anxiety provoking. So many emotions in that whirlwind trip. The long flight made me unsure. I was nervous about being so far from my kids even though they are adults. And of course I had very few ideas about what waited for me in the Netherlands. But at the same time, I was anxious to get started!
Americans Incoming!
As I examine my past goals for arriving in a new country, I think I wanted to fit in. I knew I would be the new girl, but I wanted to learn all about the language and customs as soon as possible. I wanted to meet people who would help me get acclimated quickly. I wanted things to feel familiar. Maybe I just wanted to be one of them.
So when the friendly Dutch people labeled me as American, I was a little taken back. Not sure why. I am not embarrassed about being American. Of course I don’t hide this fact at all. I tell everyone that we are from the United States for my husband’s job. But it is obvious that when the Dutch people talk about us to each other, they describe us as American. (Completely normal, I know.) When Jeremy and I introduced ourselves to a new neighbor, he said “Ooohhh you are the Americans!” When my Dutch conversation teacher asked if I had been to a church coffee group, she followed up with “My husband said an American named Jodi had been there, so I figured it had to be you!” Yep that’s me! Jodi the American!
None of this is negative. I really feel I have been welcomed by so many friendly people. No one seems bothered by the fact that I am a foreigner. In fact, some are enthralled by it. The surprise comes in being known by my nationality. It feels a bit strange. Maybe because it makes me feel a bit out of place. And on a side note, it makes me feel for those who are judged negatively due to their country of origin. I am blessed to not experience this severely.
So over this past year, I have realized that I won’t ever magically become Dutch. I will always be an American in a Dutch land, and that is just fine with both parties. The Dutch appreciate the fact that I attempt to learn their language and try their food. They like it when we celebrate their holidays and ask about their families. They seem to enjoy it when we visit other towns in the Netherlands too, so that we get a well rounded experience in their homeland. It is important to the Dutch that we like it here, and we really do! And in return the friends I have met accept me for who I am, and that is what matters.
Validation from a Border Agent
Recently Jeremy and I were flying back into the Netherlands after a vacation. As usual, we made our way through customs. Customs is always a little nerve racking. We presented our passports, which are American, and our residence permits, which are Dutch. The border officer looked at all of our documents and asked how long we have lived in the Netherlands. Jeremy and I looked at each other and said at the same time, “About a year already.” The officer stamped our passports, handed them back to us and said “Well, welcome home.”
We talked later about how good that felt. For a year we have somewhat felt like strangers in a strange land. Like the border officers would somehow question whether we should be in the country. But when the border officer welcomed us, and even called this land our home, it felt normal and comforting. And he is right. We are so happy to be back in our normal surroundings after our 10 day vacation. I’d say that is a sign that we are in our home. One of our homes anyway. 🙂
What's Ahead?
None of us really know what the next day holds, but at this point Jeremy is planning to work at the Netherlands Vermeer site until July of 2027. He has been happy with how he can help this facility! He enjoys his days there and sees opportunities to help even more. So as of now, he has completed 1/3 of his time here.
When I think of my time here, I think of something Carrie Andringa told me just a few months after we moved. When it comes to living in a new area, she feels the first year is for observing and learning. The second year is for reaching out into the community a bit. And the third year is for giving back what you can. I have found this inspiring, and it helps me focus on days when I feel like I am floundering. So I will keep my eyes open and see what is out there! Not sure how I can leave my mark, but to remember these days as meaningful and fulfilling would mean they were days well spent. We will see what the future holds!
Jodi, it was really meaningful to read about how you’ve been feeling this past year. Wishing you an amazing next two years😍