I was feeling a little lonely last week, so I decided to attend the local International Expat weekly meeting. It was very helpful; I met a lot of wonderful people from all over the world who helped answer some of my questions about Santiago. A number of people asked me what company Dave worked for and how well were we "taken care of" by his company during our move to South America. I was at an utter loss for words, and then it hit me...
Most companies offer moving compensation and relocation support; we used none of that when we moved. One lady at the meeting is taking Spanish lessons and has a personal driver via her husband's company; I'm armed with a map, my trusty dictionary, and a free spirit when I venture out on the metro or in a taxi - alone. None of our furniture came down with us, nor our pets; everything was put in storage, pets were sadly given to friends and we've had to start over. I found and negotiated the terms of the lease on our house here, researched and figured out the kids' school. I battle the crowds when grocery shopping, cook new Chilean dishes using a new measurement system, and I fearlessly make an ass out of myself on a daily basis as I struggle through conversations in Spanish. I walked out of the meeting a little prouder and much more self-assured.
Dave's Dallas-based company has been less than supportive down here, but we're learning all about supporting each other as a family and becoming extremely self-reliant. As Molly said before we moved, "As long as we have each other, we'll be alright."
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