Nothing like a warm home-coming!
I’m over the moon. I have family (I do) that emigrated to the UK a while ago and they are on their way back! In hindsight, I have to admit that I might’ve been a bit harsh, maybe even insensitive about their leaving. Can it be so wrong to want everyone to stay right here and be happy? I’ve realised that although my agenda was pure, my thinking might’ve been a bit narrow-minded. And yes, judgemental (ouch!). It’s as far as I’m prepared to go with this, take it or leave it.
It’s never easy to make a move like this and a lot of weighing goes into this decision. South Africans that emigrate should have our support, not our judgement. It doesn’t matter how passionate I am about this country or how much hope I have for a great future, we are all responsible for our own happiness, wherever that may be, geographically.
I am very aware of the fact that I’m not telling you anything new, nothing that would cause you to have a sudden epiphany, but I had a moment of realising that it’s not them VS us. It’s quite liberating to know that I don’t have to break out in a war dance every time someone emigrates. Simunye, baby. We are one.
I do still prefer them staying, though.
Aaaaanyway… (like Katrine would say), I’m so happy that they’re coming back, just in time for a Sunny South African Christmas!
Mzansi fo sho!
Thank you!
Many people (Here at the moment in the UK) and there (SA) are saying: Why are you doing this? You are mad! Do you know how many people would love to be in the UK but they can’t get a visa! Why are you leaving a safe, first world country for SA? You are making a mistake.
Those thoughts do run through my head when I enter my unlocked front door or look through my burglar proof window, or when we make use of first world country benefits like free medical and excellent public transport. And yes, the UK is really beautiful and you are still able to walk in woods all by yourself even if you are a girl or woman (well, most places here) and even after dark in street – all alone. Food is very affordable and well, as you know, entertainment at your doorstep and Telly just magnificent.
It is really how you feel as a person. Unfortunately our timing was completely wrong this time and we had to downgrade our living standards and working standards by miles! I am quite a humble soul, but there is a difference between being humble and have a sence of worthlessness which will create all negative feelings in you. And I can’t even blame the weather in the UK for the feelings – it was a super summer with lots of sunshine and very little rain, even up to November. You don’t feel like you belong. That is it. I want to feel like I belong.
Thank you for the welcome! I can’t wait feeling good about myself again and feeling happy again even with the problems I know exist in SA.
sorry that should be burglar proof free window …
After years of growing up I have to say that you are so right. Who are we to tell others what’s good for them? But look at it this way, they left for the good life and now they’re coming back. Where does the real victory ly?