In Others’ Words: Going and Becoming

I didn’t venture too far afield until I married my husband, who was in the U.S. Air Force. For the next twenty-some years, “Uncle Sam” had the say in where we lived — even though we had the chance to fill out a “dream sheet” with our preferences. I liked to tell people that my husband was the military guy and I was the civilian along for the ride.

We didn’t move as much as other military families, but still our family learned the slogan “Home is where the Air Force sends you.” Reading today’s quote had me remembering the various places we called home — including a two-year stay in Turkey. (I didn’t know the air force could send us to Turkey until he announced that was where we were going. I told my husband that must have been in fine print of our marriage license.)

And yes, it’s true, where I’ve been became a part of me. Lifelong memories were made every place we called home. Enduring friendships too. During our two years in Turkey, I went from an extreme case of culture shock — including a very public melt down in a local park — to visiting a remote section of the country with my husband. We shared a meal with the owner of a carpet shop who called my husband “his brother” while bartering with us about his carpets.

These experiences became a part of me … changed me …  broadened my perspective of the world–and myself.

In Your Words: When has going somewhere changed you — become a part of you? Maybe you moved to a new state or maybe you went on a vacation, but somehow, someway, the place you went influenced who you are today. I’d love to hear about it!

In Others’ Words: Going and Becoming #inotherswords #lifequotes #change
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Who are you because of where you’ve been? #life #travel #change
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