One thousand days ago, we landed on time at 2:15 PM at the airport in Austin to begin a new and exciting chapter of our lives here in Texas. One thousand days of experiences, adventures, challenges, and successes, but also disappointments and setbacks. Just like most other people have experienced in the past one thousand days.
We have already written about many experiences in our blogs and created a diary for ourselves, which we share with the public due to our incredibly generous nature. 🙂
So much has changed in the past thousand days, things like geopolitical events, pandemic events, or even climatic incidents. All this has not passed us by without a trace in the private and professional/educational sphere. We have had to adapt to the constant changes and have learned to adapt ourselves and our needs to the changing conditions (even if this was not always easy). It makes us proud to look back happily on these past thousand days.
One thousand days ago, we 3 German emigrants stood uncertain, overtired, and with a sinking feeling in our stomachs at the immigration counter and hoped that the officer would not ask any difficult questions. There were only the most necessary things in the six suitcases (or suitcase-like pieces of luggage), e.g., socks (in case there are none to buy here). And then came this overwhelming feeling of relief when we left the airport building – WE ARE HERE!
One thousand days ago, we had no idea how our lives would develop here. Celina didn’t even know which school she should go to, Andrea didn’t have a job, and Matthias hadn’t clarified how the employment relationship could be continued. We didn’t have a car, and the apartment we had planned to rent wasn’t ready yet. But at this point, we all still had our return flight tickets.
One thousand days ago, no one expected that there would be a time when we would not be able to fly to Germany to settle our remaining stuff or catch up on our remaining belongings. Nobody thought that relatives, friends, and acquaintances would be unreachable in person for an unforeseeable period. And it was completely unthinkable that we would never see some people again.
One thousand days ago, we would never have expected that a common “hobby,” namely photography, would give all three of us such impulses to our life together and open up new perspectives.
One thousand days ago, we only had dreams and courage nourished by hoping for a better life. And we had each other as a small family (which, of course, sometimes quarrels). We were open to new experiences and free from prejudices and expectations.
Today, one thousand days later, we see what we have created with some pride. Not only that, we have proper equipment again (including new socks and superfluous junk), can call some cool vehicles our own, and have good credit ratings. Above all, we are richer by countless experiences, have seen so many places, and know much of the American bureaucracy and school system. Everyday life is familiar to us, and we find the “normal” weather a blessing. We could develop our language skills (some more, some less) and gain new cultural and historical knowledge.
Today, one thousand days later, we can say that we have survived the sometimes extreme restrictions due to a pandemic, a snowpocalypse, unbelievable exchange rate fluctuations, and car breakdowns of various proportions and are more optimistic than ever about the future. Always free according to the motto: What does not knock us down makes us only stronger!
Today, one thousand days later, we are infinitely grateful for the fact that we can pursue well-paid jobs, show success at school, and travel to Europe again. Of course, none of this could be taken for granted. And even if the great wealth has not yet materialized, we at least already have suitable photos for it…
Today, one thousand days later, we can only recommend everyone not bury their dreams under flimsy excuses and self-doubt. Sometimes you have to do what your mind can only smile about in disbelief. Even though nothing and no one can guarantee that dreams will come true or that failure is impossible, the only genuine guarantee for non-fulfillment is the failure to try. And no … you are never too old to dare to fulfill your dreams! Do not dream your life, but live your dream!
For us, the journey continues (like on a boat in the desert – certainly not the most logical way to move forward, but certainly one of the most challenging)!