Tip 104: Extending spouse support in a new land

Its the first week for me and my family in London and this coming weekend will be fun to explore the new sights. Interestingly, I have been fine adjusting to new weather, new time zones and new work cultures each time I set foot on a new land. This the second time, adjusting to a huge time zone difference. My first was in 2004 when I flew to Hawaii to undertake my MBA under scholarship. Then, the only other foreign countries I had visited before going to Hawaii were Singapore and Thailand. Now, I have spent 4 years in Japan, 1 year in USA, 8 months in Singapore and soon a considerable time in London and Hong Kong. So far, most of my travels have been sponsored under the work that I do or the scholarship that I have received, all praises to God who meets the desires of the hearts of those who seek Him. I am somehow blessed with a good sense of direction in a new land, a high degree of curiosity to ensure I learn quickly in a new environment. Though now, with a baby and a breastfeeding wife, that means I would have to be supportive and understanding that they are different from me and need more time to adjust to a new environment. The optimism, enthusiasm and zest that I express whenever I move to a new land to push me to experience new things at a fast pace, would need to be scaled down so that I am near to my spouse and baby and that they could feel my loving support and patient guiding presence.














Tomomi and Haruka have not ventured alone far from our home in Canary Wharf, London due to jet lag and cold winds, even when they do not need to work a day job like myself. But, if that makes them happy to spent time playing at home while recuperating, that's fine with me. It also means we spent more happy moments together as a family during the weekends. Since the accomodation provided by my company is spacious with a good view of Canary Wharf, it does make living at home feel just as good as heading out to new sights, besides keeping warm. Its interesting that my experiences in high cost of living places like Hawaii and Tokyo has made me adjust easily and street smart to know how to get on with a good life within affordable means so I could ensure good savings for myself and the family. It may not necessarily be true for others such as my wife who may not be enjoying walking as much as me or enjoying making the extra trips to further away supermarkets that would offer better bargains. Yet, we need to support one another and as we do, we begin to enjoy the opportunities to share this support in a new land. Being vulnerable and having someone you can trust, offer you that much needed understanding and support is priceless. Of course, this is not advisable for those in their 1st year of marriage to experience huge changes such as move to a new environment since trust is at an all time low and needs to be built incrementally. Yet, with determination and patience, each experience of love yields a good fruit in time to come. As I said, love takes time.














Do you usually lag behind your spouse and feel lonely? Do you sometimes move ahead too fast and leave your spouse behind? Do share what you feel. I am sure readers here love to hear your thoughts and feelings on this.














(Photos show view from my office and view from my company rented apartment overlooking O2 Millenium Dome).