Whirlwinded

Photo credit: Szentkirályi Alexandra

There is really not much to say – everyone knows what’s been going on. Our sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with all . . .

Everyone’s story has been affected. I can tell you about ours.

Ever since April of 2018 on our first family trip to Hungary, something began to stir. One of us mentioned that they loved the view while driving in the northern county of Nógrád megye. Another held head in hand before a shot of espresso at a divine restaurant. The rest was almost history.

We began to dream about living in Hungary.

We decided to make the move. Last year was filled with all sorts of planning. What would we have to do (and give up) to make this work? We started looking at some reliable sources about what to consider when moving abroad. We recalled past trips we’d taken noting things like travel insurance, international driver’s licenses, embassy locations and the like.

Then the subject of visas came up. It wasn’t until recently we discovered that a Hungarian vice-consulate had opened in Vancouver. Fact finding revealed that with Hungarian parents and/or grandparents I too qualified for citizenship. Paperwork and appointments behind, we now have what we need.

Wind the clock back a few weeks. We had it all planned out when things began to change.

Our move was put on hold. We awoke early to try the airlines to change or cancel tickets. And today we are living out of suitcases. One part of me refuses to unpack. Another part struggles to settle while waiting for things to change.

And why move abroad? Reasons include being close to family that we’ve never been close to before. Giving our children the chance to grow alongside relatives. And with very little family in Canada, it feels as if ‘home’ is in Hungary. We want to learn more of the language, discover our heritage, the cuisines–and simply be in Europe.

And yet we remain. We count ourselves blessed.

There are others presently facing circumstances that we cannot imagine. We acknowledge the fact. In the meantime we have a small Hungarian flag on hand, time to study up on the language, keep in touch with family and maybe even read a few books.

We sit, we wait, we pray. Outside rain turns to sun. Leaves grow, flowers bloom. Spring is here. We go into nature, look around and take a breath. The world outside our door has been waiting for us. Now we have the time to enjoy it.

Flags both here and abroad continue to wave: farewell to the past, and hello to what is to come–and I believe the future is bright.

Take care for now.

Viszontlátásra, Magyarország.