Global Village Day 2019

Today was the best day all year at ISA, Global Village Day. A day to celebrate all of the cultures and nationalities at the school. Jude was sick last year and missed out and I didn't go in to see it his first year in the school, so it was really a first for 3 out of the 4 of us. The kids loved getting decked out this morning in their America gear and face paint. 

Not pictured, me, with a tear-smeared American flag on my cheek. As I watched the live stream of the assembly from the auditorium, I was overcome with emotion. As was my friend, though she had pregnancy hormones to blame. It was so beautiful to see children showing off their heritage through performances and a 420 student strong parade, which reminded me of the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. I just thought of all of us, so far from "home," yet together in this special place. When the Spanish speaking nations performed, I thought about my time spent living in Chile. And when the Irish girl did traditional dancing, I couldn't help but think of my original heritage. It is an incredible opportunity to live abroad and it has given us so much perspective.

Photo from Jude's teacher as he takes in the performances

Photo by Maeve's teacher of her taking in the performances. 

This seems as good a time as any to reflect on what it means to us to be Americans in 2019 living in the Netherlands. I was a bit reluctant to put the kids in American gear for the day. Of course that is our Nationality, but what do they know of being American and how proud are we of that heritage these days? Hasn't their whole life been spent in the Netherlands? But what do they know of being Dutch? They are "third culture kids" through and through and the potential implications of that weighs heavy on my heart. Will they, too, feel like they don't belong here? And that they also don't belong in America? And if so, where do they belong?? I tell people who ask that I can't imagine leaving the Netherlands, but I also can't imagine living here forever. A part of me wants to go back to a place where I feel like I "belong" and I want more than anything for our kids to have a strong sense of belonging.

Post-performance was spent preparing the USA "villages" with the other USA reps. Each elementary school grade visits 5 villages in the afternoon. These are hosted by all of the communities of the school and are meant to teach the children about things from other countries/cultures. I spent the afternoon with Kindergarteners who were making red, white and blue bead key chains, reading books about the USA, working on puzzles and coloring pictures of the Statue of Liberty and the American Flag. Oh, and feeding them Rice Krispie treats of course. The USA kids that came through were proud to be in their "village." And that pride definitely rubbed off on me.

Pete and I also got to join Jude for an international buffet in his classroom, supplied by the parents. Spanish arepas, Turkish phyllo wraps, Dutch poffertjes, American pigs in a blanket, PB&J and chocolate chip cookies, Portguese pastel de natas and chicken pies, Japanese sushi and chicken teriyaki skewers, among other treats that I couldn't identify!

As I road the metro home at the end of the long day, I didn't try to hide the smeared American flag on my cheek, but rather rode with my head held high!  #ProudtobeanAmerican #HopeThisFeelingLasts

New Year Updates

We realized we left everyone hanging on the 30% tax decision ruling. The issue was hotly debated for months this fall. During that time, a concession was made by the Dutch government: that they would be cutting the ruling short to 5 years as planned, but not instituting the change until January 1, 2021, buying people more time to get their affairs in order. Even this was still being debated up until the law was signed by the final branch of government at the end of December. So we had our answer going into the New Year.

What this means for us is that we have two more years of the tax benefit. We will effectively lose 19 months. Of course we are glad to not be losing 3 full years, but we clearly didn't want to lose any at all. I am relieved that our borrowed time will get us through the next US Presidential election, which certainly will be telling and will likely shape our longer term plans. We plan to stay at least through the summer of 2021 (completing 7 years here), and may stay on for the 8th year we intended albeit without the tax breaks. Then we'll see.

Feeling anxious about our future related to the tax ruling, in late fall, I decided I should be working more. My one consulting job had slowed down and I found myself with too much time on my hands, time I spent having fun, sure, but also time spent fretting about the future.

I wanted to start my search by expanding my network in Europe. Ideally, I would be working a job with normal hours and not solely in the evenings as I've been doing since March. A visit to the European Society of Human Genetics website revealed a jobs link and the first posting was for a remote genetic counseling position for a company in London. I was asked to give a presentation to the CEO and others, which went well. I was paid for my time and told that they looked forward to working with me, but have yet to sign a contract so it is unclear if/when I will be starting that new job!

Around the same time, I had dinner with my colleague from Recombine who lives in Utrecht. When our company was bought and stopped offering carrier screening, I sent one email to the new manager about wanting to stay with the company, but didn't follow through when I didn't get reply as the Alzheimer's disease study was keeping me plenty busy at the time. Meghan was more persistent and was trained on the new company's product, genetic testing of embryos for couples pursuing IVF (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies- PGTA). I sent another email, this time with a positive reply. I was trained over Christmas break and have started making calls. I am juggling this schedule with the Alzheimer's study job, which has really picked up. So I am happily busy again!

When I was worrying this summer about finding more remote work, my grad school friend Heather gave me a boost of confidence telling me that if anyone would figure out a way to make it happen, it was me. Sometimes we just need to have others believe in us!

January Recap

January was our antidote to the busy month December. The cold temps and a few snowfalls lended itself to cozy time at home, settling back into routines after the excitement of Christmas.

Back to school!

I enjoyed a weekend of birthday celebrations with some friends.

Bikini Time crew at HappyHappyJoyJoy

Dinner with Pete, Audra, Lien and Tareq at 5 & 33. 

Bowling

Maeve had a day off of school and we checked out the Amsterdam Illusions museum. She was entertained for about 5 minutes and then wanted the heck out of that sensory overload! It was meant to be a playdate with her former baby group, but she Irished goodbyed it!

 

In the throes of a tantrum at sea! 

Sarah came to town for work! So happy to see her since she left for the UK in May.

We had prime viewing for the Super Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse, catching it right at wake-up time and watching it the whole morning! I did not take any pictures, but it was very cool.

Another morning we had this sunrise and by midday, some beautiful snow!

When you live in Holland and it snows, you take advantage immediately because it will be gone faster than it came. Not wanting to bike or drive in the snow, I commuted for school pick up on the metro with the sled and had fun pulling these kiddos home.

Something about kids post-bath in jammies! 

Needing a break from the cold and grey, we booked a last minute "trip" to Morocco. The Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam has a special Morocco exhibit, where you get a passport and take an airplane to "Morocco." There's mint tea, mosaic tiles, a dress up area and the sand dunes where the kids could run and build block castles.

They made it to the Sahara!

Amsterdam keeps their festive lights on all winter. Love coming into the city at night for date nights!

Toucan box crafting

A fresh haircut and blowout! I haven't worn my hair straight in 10 years! Too bad I don't have the skills or time to do this myself!

Another overnight snow dusting. Taking full advantage before school (it turned to rain and was gone by the afternoon) by making honey snow for breakfast :)

ISA winter teacher's party at the Anna Kerk. Teachers + open bar is a dangerous combo!

Blue sky days have me dreaming of spring!