It has been almost a year since we've moved to Switzerland from Monroe, NY.
What a difference almost a year makes.
It seems more like decades since I kicked up a lot of mud and dirt in the political playground of Orange County, New York. But in reality, my political life there all started in 2012. Almost seven years ago.
I live on another continent now. A whole new life.
You can move anywhere in the world, but your temperament, your values, your passions stay the same.
I read the news every day. The justice chip which has always resided in me is alive and well. The chip was responsible for propelling me into the belly of the beast of the dysfunction and mayhem which was Monroe, NY politics. It is that same chip which causes me such pain and anguish in reading about the state of the world climate, and the frequency of mass shootings in my homeland of the USA.
I sit from afar in frustration. I donate, I sign petitions, and I will continue to vote as is my right as a US citizen. But I cannot hit the streets, pound the pavement, and knock on doors.
I can march for climate in Zurich. I can march for human rights here. I can join Expat activist groups. And I will.
For now, I am enjoying being mom and wife. I am enjoying being here and home for my boys.
My boys missed a lot of evenings of mom-time during those years in Monroe when I led a grassroots movement in NY. I am so happy to be here now. They are my main focus and I am so grateful for that. My sons are happy to be in Switzerland. They love the culture, the ease of transportation, the safety, the proximity to mountains and culture. They have made friends easily and their German aptitude far exceeds my own. I do not wish to paint a perfect picture. No transition, especially with a teenager, is easy. And we have had our bumps this year. But, we have been tremendously supported this year by the local school district. We feel extremely fortunate.
I start up German language lessons again in September. I took a break from German language this summer to focus on the boys.
I am looking forward to getting back into it- and giving it my all. It ain't an easy language, that's for sure.
I'll keep this entry short. There is much more to come. I intend to make a practice of writing frequently for a few reasons:
1. It's a muscle I used to flex so often when I was leading the grassroots movement in Monroe, and I'd like to keep the muscle active.
2. I'd like to connect with those I care about.
3. I'd like to document my memories because some of them have great significance to me and many others.
Wishing you all peace and love.
Emily
