It's Not Just One

Marrying someone from another country sounds super exotic. And it does have a few cool aspects. Like how your kids get dual nationalities, and speak 2 languages. Or how you always have a reason to take a tropical vacation. 

But there's another side. The one no one sees. Everyone knows the saying, "when you get married you don't just marry your spouse. You marry your spouses's family." Which is true.. but there's so much more to it when another country is involved.

You also marry another culture. Where things are done completely different than how you are used to.. where your mother in law is allowed to call you fat, and people cut in line, and blow their snot on the sidewalk. 

You marry the fact that you will have to watch your child get sick and receive medical attention in a developing country, where the standard of healthcare is less than you are used to and there is nothing you can about it. (Or in my case, get into a fight with the nurse who is using questionable equipment on your sick baby. Don't... even get me started). 

You marry the fact that you might have to unexpectedly move your family to the other side of the world when a parent falls ill and needs care. (Or in our case, not move).

You marry the fact that your life will forever be split between two sides of the globe; which sounds lovely when it's just the 2 of you. Anyone want to donate to buy plane tickets for a bunch of kids who want to go home at Christmas to see Grandma? Ex.pen.sive.

These are the things that you don't really think of before you get married. Or you think of them, but they aren't a reality so you don't need to worry about them. But now they are..