Byes and pancakes

Another "ordinary" day in the expat life: saying goodbyes. It's a privilege of this lifestyle to get to know so many great people, some whom you'd never cross paths with otherwise. But the downside of it is obvious - these fabulous people come and go.

Today a big bunch of us got together at the Paddington House of Pancakes to say goodbye to one of the sunshines of Bunei, and her daughter. There was a lot of laughter, some tears, and stacks of pancakes (pun intended).

I have just about crossed my 6 month boundary, so these goodbyes aren't as teary for me as I'm sure they will be in 2 years' time. And I think we, the expats or military families, are too used to saying goodbyes. Departure is always around the corner, if it's not your own it's your best friend's, and it's our job to see the move as exciting new opportunity, not a daunting change. This is sometimes difficult to remember, especially when battling with a new culture, new job, new schools for the kids, and trying to fit in with new friends. Initially it may feel easier to go back home but once you've moved already couple times within the UK - is there really a home to go back to? 

These months in Brunei have not been easy for various reasons but at the moment (fingers crossed) looks like we have gotten over the worst with the adjustment period. I just think I missed the expected honeymoon in the beginning and hit the ground running!

So here's to new beginnings and new friendships, and most of all to those old ones that are always there, no matter how far you are from home.