When our time in Norway was about to expire we were uncertain as to where we would be next (we only found out where we were going five weeks before we moved). Even though we had limited options and control of our situation we asked our son for his preferences. Our son's response was heartfelt and has stuck with us since; his reply was he didn't care where we went as long as our family could/would maintain its strength and unity. When you move to a new country with a new language, new culture and no friends you very quickly learn to rely on each other as a family. One of my greatest worries about returning to Houston is losing what we have as a family. We recall what the culture and the nature of our lives was like before we left, and chances are we will revert back but hopefully it will be to a limited degree and we will be able to retain what we have as a family. Fortunately we will have some control over this concern, requiring a conscious effort to hold onto what we attained "by default" living overseas.
One of my biggest complaints/adjustments I had when we arrived in Norway was food. One of the biggest concerns I have about returning to the US is food. Since moving to Europe we have abandoned process food and greatly reduced eating-out. Most of our meals are home-made using fresh ingredients. European guidelines/controls allow us to freely pick fruits and vegetables which have little or no chemicals and are not harmful GMO's. With some effort I should be able to get the good fresh food I need. However, my concern is that we do not start down the slippery slope of the convenience of processed and fast food.
As a family we have discussed the above situations. We are committed to doing what it takes to continue our family bond and to eat healthy.
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