‘”Where thou art - that - is Home” - (Emily Dickinson)
When I first came to Kuwait in December of 1994, we lived with my in-laws until we could find a place of our own. It was a bit of an adjustment since my mother-in-law didn't speak English and I was left at home with her in the beginning while everyone went off to work. Fortunately, I found a job within a month. But, since I was pregnant with our first son, I really wanted a place of our own. 5 months later we moved into an apartment just a block away in the same building where my brother-in-law and his family were living. And when my in-laws had to move because their apartment complex was being demolished, they wound up moving to the same small building. That meant of the 6 apartments, our family had 3. After 4-1/2 years of living in close proximity, I realized it was time for us to have our own space.
We've now been in our current apartment 14 years. It really was serendipity how we found this place and it was the best move we made. For many, many years, we made do with the furniture we were given by his family. But slowly, over time, we began to acquire furniture and accessories that reflected our tastes. As we began to travel, we added mementoes and photos that have added to the eclectic, homey environment.
We actually live in a Kuwaiti home that has been turned into 4 apartments. My favorite thing about living here are the two balconies where I can grow plants and where Jingles can enjoy time outdoors.
I have friends who say I should move to a bigger place but the problem is that means a huge rent increase and more likely than not, smaller rooms. That's just the way the market is now. And no one is building apartments with outdoor spaces anymore.
There have been times over the years when I have asked myself "what am I doing here?"
But the older I get, the more I realize it doesn't matter where you are in the world. What matters is that you have a safe place to lay your head and that you are surrounded by family and friends.
“Every house where love abides and friendship is a guest,
Is surely home, and home sweet home, for there the heart can rest” - (Henry Van Dyke)
Best wishes and blessings,
Tammy
* Visit Tammy at her blog T's Daily Treasures
*all photo's by Tammy