I recently became fascinated with this word, “eclectic”.
It means “made up of or combining elements from a variety of sources”.
Then the light bulb went on. I am part of an eclectic group of people…Internationals
or Expatriates.
When I make visits back to my home land, it’s a little odd being surrounded by people who look like me, think like me, & talk like me. Of course, there are differences because we are all individuals. But overall, I am in a sea of Americans when I return to the USA. And when I am in my international community, I am a little tadpole in a big pond of other fish! AND, I have grown to like that most of the time! So how did this change happen??
When I first immersed myself in another nation, culture and international community, I was far from comfortable! It was all so odd feeling!
First, there is the part of being THE foreigner. Some people accept you into their culture and way of life. Then others reject you, make fun of your differences, or push you away due to their shyness. “Oh, you’re the farang (or) the tay” …depending on the country and the language. (There’s always a term for the foreigner.)
Second, there is the side of being part of the International community in the country you live in. In one way, it unifies you with people from all over the world. You each speak some level of English and are living in a nation that is not your own home nation. But then, you come to realize, there are still differences and you can still feel like the “odd” one.
It can be uncomfortable when:
It means “made up of or combining elements from a variety of sources”.
Then the light bulb went on. I am part of an eclectic group of people…Internationals
or Expatriates.
When I make visits back to my home land, it’s a little odd being surrounded by people who look like me, think like me, & talk like me. Of course, there are differences because we are all individuals. But overall, I am in a sea of Americans when I return to the USA. And when I am in my international community, I am a little tadpole in a big pond of other fish! AND, I have grown to like that most of the time! So how did this change happen??
When I first immersed myself in another nation, culture and international community, I was far from comfortable! It was all so odd feeling!
First, there is the part of being THE foreigner. Some people accept you into their culture and way of life. Then others reject you, make fun of your differences, or push you away due to their shyness. “Oh, you’re the farang (or) the tay” …depending on the country and the language. (There’s always a term for the foreigner.)
Second, there is the side of being part of the International community in the country you live in. In one way, it unifies you with people from all over the world. You each speak some level of English and are living in a nation that is not your own home nation. But then, you come to realize, there are still differences and you can still feel like the “odd” one.
It can be uncomfortable when:
- You know the locals are saying something about you in their language because they keep glancing at you as they are talking. Maybe they are making fun of the language glitches or the food order you made or just the way you look.
- You want to talk with another international but English is not their first language (or maybe it is but they speak it different). So, you find yourself saying, “Can you say that again? I didn’t quite catch it.” And maybe you end up saying that 3-4 times after apologizing with each time…then finally you “catch it!!” Oh, they mean…...! They just had the accent on a different syllable than what is typical.
- You start to share about an event in the history of your home nation, and then you realize… “oh, our nations were on opposite sides in that event” (i.e. a war). Then you must find a way to redirect and sputter to a close without offending (hopefully!).
So then, “How have I become more comfortable being the farang, the tay, the foreigner?”
Here are some thoughts:
So, with a smile and a hint of laughter in my voice, I can say, “I am an odd one”. I am in the eclectic group of internationals! AND I love it!!!
Here are some thoughts:
- I learn to not take myself and my “image” so seriously.
- I remember that I am representing more than ME in the reactions that I have. My reactions are key to how people will continue to see me and treat me AND other foreigners.
- They just don’t understand. I give them grace and mercy because I want the same given to me.
- I just relax. Breathe. Laugh. And move on!
- I remember, people are people. They all need the same things: Love, acceptance, trust, etc.
- Enjoy the diversity. It brings growth and beauty to life.
- Take the challenge to think outside the box of your normal thinking! I have my anchors of beliefs and values that don’t change, AND, at the same time, I enjoy seeing life from various points of view. It helps me expand in areas where change is good.
- Learning that I don’t have to control everything has been huge! I can “let go” and move forward even when it’s not perfect. Learning to TRUST the ONE who holds everything together for me!
- A wise saying…This too shall pass. Life is fluid and changing in many ways. I try to enjoy the moments and not get uptight about the glitches.
So, with a smile and a hint of laughter in my voice, I can say, “I am an odd one”. I am in the eclectic group of internationals! AND I love it!!!
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