Well, okay, strictly speaking, this turn of phrase applies to people moving from the States to the UK, the pond being the Atlantic Ocean, and strictly speaking, the flight route from Manila to Heathrow doesn’t necessarily involve flying over the Atlantic Ocean at all. But allow me the poetic license.
It was 8 years ago, on a hot and muggy afternoon, that I got on a plane with two suitcases and moved to the UK. When I watched The Woman in Gold, a line that the character Gustav Bloch-Bauer said struck me as true for every Filipino who has moved countries: “We [will do] everything to contribute and belong and we are proud of what we’ve done.” This is true not just for every Filipino, but for everyone who has left home to find a better life. For those of us who do, we go to our chosen country, respect and follow its laws, its social mores, its norms, learn the language, the vernacular and its culture. We want to be productive citizens and we want to contribute, we want to make sure that we put our best foot forward because we know, intrinsically, that whatever we do, our actions reflect back on our country, whatever we do forms people’s opinions of our country.
I’ve learned a lot in the 8 years that I’ve moved, about myself and about what I am able to do. But the learning won’t stop there. There are more experiences to be had and more lessons to be learned. God has blessed me with the opportunity to expand my territory, and has surrounded me with people who will always have my best interests and well being at heart who are willing co-travelers with me on this journey of continuous self-discovery (awwwww!!!)♥
Happy moving anniversary to me!
Yellywelly 