It's that time of year. For expats all over the world, this is the season of goodbyes. A time when the first question that passes between people in a group is, "Are y'all leaving?" (Well, that's the southern version anyway!) And if they say yes, the next questions in rapid succession require the leaver to describe where and when they will be departing, including any stipulations or interesting arrangements they'll have to endure during the process - like their husband staying abroad for months afterward until he finds a job back home, living with in-laws until a suitable house can be found or the purchase of an RV with the intention of traveling the country on a yearlong family sabbatical. (And yes, I know folks in each of those situations!)
While an exciting time for the families repatriating to their home countries, this can be a tough time for those left behind. This year, I traveled home with Luke mid-April for his first visit to the US. Before I returned, one of my best friends in Saudi got a job offer back in the US. Their house was empty before we returned - and we didn't get to say goodbye! I'm still in denial that they are gone.
Because its not uncommon for families to vacation for several months at a time (especially the summer), I am having a hard time wrapping my brain around the fact that over 10 of the ladies and families we spend time with on a regular basis won't be coming back this fall.
The way Dan's company moved to many of us to Saudi all at the same time 3 years ago is actually pretty unique. Most established expat communities see people come and go a few at a time. The mass exodus that is happening this year is not the norm, and it feels even more surreal because we've seen such little repatriation the last several years (since most people signed a three year minimum contract). So we've been spared the emotional goodbye cycle for the most part since we've lived here.
This fall, things will be very different here. Many villas on the compound will either be empty or home to new families. We will start the process of meeting new people as they arrive and try our best to help them acclimate to life in this part of the world.
Meeting new people is obviously something we do regularly in this way of life, but since most of us moved here and figured things out together, it created some very strong bonds between us. We all dealt with how to shop for fish at the grocery store, working with drivers and a transport service instead of our own cars, and navigating international travel with little ones in toe. Instead, we senior Saudi expats are now the experts in how things are done - from arranging doctors visits to where to go to find a can of Rotel.
The knowledge disparity that will now exist between the new families and us more "experienced" expats in our community is something that I will have to adjust myself to. And while it is much easier to stick to the people we know, it's our job to help these new folks get settled. It will be a very different kind of relationship built with the new families moving in. We won't have that instant bond created by moving to a foreign country together; we will have to work a little harder to include them and get to know them.
This coming year will be one of growth and emotional change. I just hope that The Lord will bring some great new people into our lives and that He will keep safe our good friends who are leaving.
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