Don´t cross the border!
Updated: Oct 19, 2019
According to the American Community Survey (ACS), more than 44.5 million immigrants resided in the United States in 2017.
In Spanish we usually say "No cruces el borde" which means Don't pass the limit.
Today by "border" I mean the limits of respect, cultures, traditions, and families.
We should raise awareness of how important is to respect the cultures and rituals others "different from you" may have.
How would you feel if it is almost impossible to be or to do things that you were used to with your family in the past? (This may include: family reunions, holidays, if you are sick go to your closest relative to ask for help)
Sometimes, that is how immigrants feel.
As an international I am aware of the problems that this brings within. I came to the United States to study a career. That was a big leap of faith for me.
The first time I came, it was almost impossible to communicate with others; I didn't know any English, nor the American culture. I came without knowing anyone, expecting a miracle in days so that I could spoke at least. Of course, that didn't happen. I had to acculturate, I had to learn how to ask for things, I had to understand that I was not longer in my country.
I miss my family, I miss my friends, I miss my typical food, I even miss the things I didn't like before.
I have heard so many discriminatory words against people who comes to have a better life.
I am not saying that I agree the illegal immigration.
Actually, "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." ("articles of faith", 1842)
For you, who are living in another country, I will give you some advice that had helped me in those home-sick days:
1. Keep your traditions
Since the beginning of our family we have had rituals and traditions.
Rituals are better explained in an article from BYUi:
"A ritual is defined as a repeated and coordinated activity that has significance for the couple. Examples could include being together at mealtimes, family home evening, an annual vacation, a weekly date night, or visiting sites that relate to your story. Traditions and rituals serve to create a sense of couple identity."
("Five Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage" n.d)
This means, use your country's jersey when you can.
If there is a holiday from home, decor your house how you would have done back in your country. Celebrate it as you did before.
2. Don't be scared of showing where you are from
When people asked where were I from, I usually stood up and with pride and joy I said:
I am from Costa Rica !!!
People can tell that I am not from the States when they hear my accent. In the beginning, that bothered me. I was sad because I could't blend. But then I realized, I can improve my English each time. I doesn't have to be tomorrow. In the process, I will enjoy it no matter what people think.
3. Show off about your country
When I mentioned "Costa Rica" people often gets confused with Puerto Rico. (No, that is another country haha!)
And many people doesn't even know where is it.
What I do, is to search images from it on internet. I show it to them and I talk about the wonderful places Costa Rica has. Beaches, mountains, waterfalls, flora, fauna... I could keep saying things! I feel joy when I talk about where I am from.
4. Look for things that reminds you there
One of the best ways to remember is to talk with those you love from there. Such as your mom, dad, friends, neighbors...
Thanks to the technology we can communicate with them even if they are kilometers away from you. There are maaaaaany ways where you can call them, send messages, videotalks... (If you have not find one that fits for you and your family, I am happy to help. Send me a message)
Today I saw "Tamarindo" (a legume).
My grandma used to make it as a drink for us. It was one of the BEST things in life, seriously. Just by looking at it, and smell it I brought lots of memories.
Those memories could be brought by going to a park, to smell something, to feel different climates, etc.
Just make sure of one thing:
Keeping your memories alive. So when you really need to remember, you can look for those types of food, places and people.
5. Be grateful for the opportunities you have.
No matter where are you right now, you had the amazing opportunity of being born in your country.
Be grateful of the fact you are alive, that you can continue being strong, that you had the opportunity to be in another country.
See good things in everything you do, the decisions you made...
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