Growing up in a border town many of my friends were their families first generation in the United States. There families wanted to be here, most of the time. But there were challenges. Life prepared for success in their home country did not necessarily prepare for the same path to success in their new country. The language was different, the food was different, the culture and even relationships were different. It is not easy to blend into a new society. To hold on to what you love about the old and adapt into the new. It changes the family and the person.
From an outsider, someone who has watched this before, I know the process also changes the United States. As your family holds on to what it loves from Afghanistan it introduces what you love most to your new country. Someday, parts of your new country will reflect aspects of your old one and will be better for it.
Some of the best writers I know left home and moved to the US. Especially for those who were too young to remember home (or were born here), they often write about the tension of living between two cultures. Sometimes they never feeling completely comfortable in either culture.
This is the immigrant experience. It's something every American who came from another country goes through, including mine (most of whom came here a long time ago). You, your brother and your family are part of a proud tradition as you help grow this diverse American family.
Growing up in a border town many of my friends were their families first generation in the United States. There families wanted to be here, most of the time. But there were challenges. Life prepared for success in their home country did not necessarily prepare for the same path to success in their new country. The language was different, the food was different, the culture and even relationships were different. It is not easy to blend into a new society. To hold on to what you love about the old and adapt into the new. It changes the family and the person.
From an outsider, someone who has watched this before, I know the process also changes the United States. As your family holds on to what it loves from Afghanistan it introduces what you love most to your new country. Someday, parts of your new country will reflect aspects of your old one and will be better for it.
What a wonderful messege Richard uncle.
Thank you so much.
Some of the best writers I know left home and moved to the US. Especially for those who were too young to remember home (or were born here), they often write about the tension of living between two cultures. Sometimes they never feeling completely comfortable in either culture.
This is the immigrant experience. It's something every American who came from another country goes through, including mine (most of whom came here a long time ago). You, your brother and your family are part of a proud tradition as you help grow this diverse American family.
Dear Barbara,
Thank you so much for the wonderful comment. I learn a lot from these comments. Please stay supportive.