2013 definitely held host to the most surreal Christmas I've ever had. Nothing particularly out of the ordinary happened but when you break lifelong traditions for the first time it feels pretty strange. I am a huge fan of Christmas, I love everything about it (ok, so maybe not the tv adverts) but the main things for me at Christmas are good food and spending time with my family. We did manage to organise a nice enough Christmas dinner but it was easy to see that we were all missing our families.
I spent Christmas with my two British friends out here and I think we managed to make the most of a tough situation; one of the things we've definitely learnt out here is to make the most of what we've got! We did manage to keep to one Christmas tradition though; we spent the majority of our time eating and drinking much more than usual. We all got chance to Skype our families too, which put me in such a great mood, I'm really glad that talking to my family back home makes me giddy rather than upset as I'm terrible with emotional stuff.
What was really tough for me was actually jealousy. My parents had flown back to the UK from The Gambia to spend the festive season with friends and family but I know that if I’d done the same I probably wouldn't be able to leave again. I do sometimes have moments were I find myself thinking "What the hell am I doing here? Why am I not in the UK with my friends, family and the security that comes with them?" It is tough sometimes but I know that this is an incredible opportunity for me and I’d kick myself in years to come if I didn't make the most of it!
I spent Christmas with my two British friends out here and I think we managed to make the most of a tough situation; one of the things we've definitely learnt out here is to make the most of what we've got! We did manage to keep to one Christmas tradition though; we spent the majority of our time eating and drinking much more than usual. We all got chance to Skype our families too, which put me in such a great mood, I'm really glad that talking to my family back home makes me giddy rather than upset as I'm terrible with emotional stuff. What was really tough for me was actually jealousy. My parents had flown back to the UK from The Gambia to spend the festive season with friends and family but I know that if I’d done the same I probably wouldn't be able to leave again. I do sometimes have moments were I find myself thinking "What the hell am I doing here? Why am I not in the UK with my friends, family and the security that comes with them?" It is tough sometimes but I know that this is an incredible opportunity for me and I’d kick myself in years to come if I didn't make the most of it!
HI Jess, you are becoming a very thoughtful writer!
ReplyDeleteIt was great to hear your voice at christmas- hope to see you next one!
Susanne says she can translate some gluten free recipes for you- there are a lot of breads which are really good.
Sine is appearing ion her school pant at the end of the month; will send you a picture.
Lots of love from us here in Fife… Gx Susannex