One of the nicest things about having an “old” blog is the fact that I can borrow from it and that is what I am doing today. This was a post done in 2009, but the sentiment applies today. I know for a fact that I appreciate everything more than I did seven years ago. I never thought that would be possible…
I titled it Blame it on the Dutch, and when you read it, you’ll see why. A few words have been changed and obviously added from the original post.
Many years ago, 38 to be exact (OMG, it is now 45 years), I had the opportunity to be an exchange student in The Netherlands. Right now, I am screaming silently in my head- has it really been 38 years? (45 Years, how did this happen?).
I have to tell you that this experience changed my life in many ways, and that is why I blame it on the Dutch.
When the opportunity to be an exchange student presented itself, I JUMPED on it.
I had never been to Europe, didn’t speak Dutch (I took Spanish in high school), and had never lived away from home. I really wanted to have this experience and hoped I would be one of the lucky ones.
On the plane over to Amsterdam, I had second thoughts. What was I thinking? I don’t speak Dutch. Only one member of the large family I would be living with spoke limited English.
This could be a nightmare.
Actually, it turned into a life-changing experience for many reasons.
It gave me confidence. I realized I could do something outside of my comfort zone and live through it.
I started to learn Dutch. Shaky at first, it was quite funny. The youngest kids in the family taught me little songs, etc. In return, I taught them English phrases and songs.
I still remember a bit. Ik hou van jou- I love you (but that is a whole other story).
The picture above is the house I lived in. I thought it was just perfect.
I always loved flowers. This love just grew in The Netherlands with flowers everywhere. As a girl, I would come home from Church and change my clothes so I could “help” a neighbor with his garden. As I look back, he had the patience of Job!
This photo was taken in the backyard. So peaceful. It had a happy vibe. I knew when I grew up, I had to surround myself with what made me happy.
I learned to enjoy life and savor every experience.
Beauty is everywhere; we just need to open our eyes. This experience opened my eyes. I learned to take chances.
We would ride our bikes through the woods.
I don’t mean little rides but serious (even Lance at that age would be shaking his head) bike rides.
I learned to really live in the moment, but I knew I was destined to move to Europe.
And I did. Several years later, I moved to Switzerland.
The exchange experience opened my mind to possibilities, and for that, I am extremely grateful.
New addition 2016… Life is short. Don’t waste time on things that aren’t important to you. Take a chance. You will never know what could have happened if you didn’t take that chance. This year I have taken some serious chances, and I am so glad I did. No regrets, and that is a good thing.
Dearest Barb,
Wow, never knew that you and I were living in the same country that year! It really makes the world smaller and it brings people closer together and unexpectedly.
You are so right about such experiences. It does change your outlook on life and it makes you richer on the inside. It opens yet another window to the world.
My late husband’s Mom was from Germany, the Eifel region of Bad Münstereifel. So with that introduction, I kind of got my second country. After the wedding in France, I was going to drive to the home of our German ‘son’, a dear friend’s son that we have adopted into our hearts. Pieter was my navigator and he tried to read the directions off my iPad but I didn’t need him. Needless, even in the dark, as I knew my way around like a fish in a bowl of water. I was so happy for coming home again after knowing and loving that area for half a century now.
Sending you hugs,
Mariette
Hi Mariette,
Isn’t that crazy?! It is such a small world.
You did get your second country. I think once those special places are locked away in our hearts, we could find our way blindfolded.
The first time I took the boys to Switzerland, I found my “home” right away. All my favorite spots looked as if I had just left them.
It was extremely special to me. Thank you for visiting!
You two have a Merry Christmas.
Love and hugs,
Barb
Such a beautiful place!
Hi! Yay it went through. It really is a beautiful place. That experience changed me forever.
Thank you for stopping by. It is appreciated. Have a Merry Christmas.
Hi Barb, this is so beautiful to read and those flower-filled photos, of your home away from home, bring your story to life. I am thinking of you and wishing you a peaceful and love filled Christmas. Sending hugs and my warmest wishes. Love always, xoxo xoxo Andrea
Hi Andrea, Such an old post but I felt it needed to make an appearance on this blog. My dutch home was so beautiful, inside and out. Friendships were made that endure to this day so many years later. Thank you for visiting, I appreciate it! May your Holidays be filled with light and love.
Love to you and hubby,
xoxo
Barb
I’ve never responded to or rarely read a blog before, but you’ve intrigued me for over a year now. What you say is true and of course a challenge. If taking chances was easy it wouldn’t be…well it wouldn’t be taking a chance. Your youthful experience would have been good for me. I’m sorry I didn’t get out of my comfort zone more in my youth. Thanks as always Barb for sharing.
Hi Ken! What a pleasant surprise. You have made my day. I appreciate you coming over and taking the time to read and comment. It is difficult to start over with a new blog or new anything. You have more than made up for not getting out of your comfort zone when you were younger. You my friend (and Linda) are serious travelers. You have moved out of your comfort zone and that is a good thing at any age. Have a blessed Christmas.
Didn’t remember the post, so I am glad you re-ran it! What a great experience… what I wouldn’t have given for that kind of an experience in high school. However, I am thankful I am where I am (not entirely sure I would have come home if I’d gone to Europe that early in life.) I know it’s been a hard year for you and probably a tough holiday season, but I pray that you will continue to receive God winks and little visits from JR to encourage you. Merriest day after Christmas and wishing you many blessings in 2017!
Hi Christi! Thank you for stopping by. It was difficult to come home from NL but I knew I would return there and to Europe someday so I was o.k. with it.
You are so right, it has been a difficult Holiday season. So much within a 10 day period. Christmas, New Years is the 18 month anniversary of his passing and Jan 3rd his 34th birthday. Second in Heaven. I have to tell you though, I had a God Wink on Christmas eve and one on Christmas day. Ray and I just looked at each other. There was no doubt. I love it!! I know this has not been an easy time for you either. You are in our prayers. I know 2017 will bring much joy. xoxo