The Life of Expats

Life here always seems in transition. Partly because we have only been here for 6 months and partly because most of my friends are Expats (That is all of us who are here that are not from Sweden). The community of Expats are constantly coming and going in Sweden. Mostly because they are here with Volvo or other companies for a couple years at a time and then return to their home countries. Some are married to Swedes, like myself, and are deciding which country they want to settle down in. Some are just world travelers passing through. I handle this fact relatively well, but Sam does not quite understand all the "disappearing" of his friends.

Samuel still talks about his friends in the United States (he still prays for Kim, Kirket, Taylor, Alex and Sarah Haney constantly), but he is able to understand that they are there and we are in Sweden. Yet, he is struggling with the concept of his friends moving from Sweden to another country. One of my good friends Darcy McGowan left in January to move back to Oregon. She has two daughters that Samuel still asks to play with. I don't think he understands that they are not coming back. Then more recently a little boy named Edward went back to England with his parents. Edward was Samuel's Bible Study buddy. Every Thursday there is an English Bible Study that I attend. Thankfully this includes babysitting. It was during this time that Edward and Samuel became friends. We have been back to Bible study several times since they moved and Samuel is always asking for Edward. I have tried to explain it, but he doesn't quite understand that there are more countries than the U.S., Sweden, and Nepal.

Please pray for him as he will learn this lesson all too well through the years. On one hand it will give him a rich view of the world as he meets and befriends children from all over. On the other hand it will also be hard for him to want to make friends or let go of old friends as these Expats move on. Yet, I am extremely grateful for all of the friendships with these Expats and will gladly extend my friendship to the people that the Lord puts in my path. I pray that Samuel will someday feel the same.

Below are pics of Samuel's friends (and mine as well). You are missed and prayed for. God Bless you as you continue in your journeys.


Debbie and Edward Lewis with Sam and me.

Bible Study Buddies

The McGowan Family. Darcy, Andy (the only male), Abby, and Ellie.