Butterflies
Y came here a year ago to accompany her husband to study in DC. Like a flash, it is time for the to return home to Singapore. Y really had an enjoyable time. Not only did she get a one-year break from work, but she also got to take classes that she always was interested in: color pencil drawing, yoga, . . . and even Aikido! To Y, the most striking thing about life in the US is the freedom to do whatever you want. "There is very little pressure from people around you to criticize and pressure you to be different. Even if they don't like what you do, they may look at you funny, but they walk away and leave you be." At their farewell party, Mike asked them, "What do you think will be the hardest adjustment when you go home?" They pondered and pondered. The "Hmmmm . . ." kept going for a long time. Despite being well travelled, this was the first time these young professionals live abroad for an extended period of time. They had not g...
