In between worlds,
In between cultures,
In between languages,
In between moves,
In between homes.
Living in between.
Never fully belonging,
Just used to blending…
Like a chameleon.
Never one of them,
Always the ‘other’.
Living in between.
We are many things abroad:
Immigrant, expat, foreigner.
And many things at home:
Hidden immigrant, repat, foreigner.
How do you reconcile
Living in between?
Next Stop 
why must a person reconcile? Who says THEY are allowed to label a person or us? Who says that they get to set the rules on how acceptable we are or are not, whether we belong or blend in or not? Maybe they deserve a label for having not left, and experienced all the things a TCK has! Maybe not belonging or blending, or being diff, is a good thing?
I do get the feelings you are trying to express – at least I think I do. But maybe “they” are the ones who are missing out, or who have missed out, and not experienced all the wonderfully diff things and cultures you have?
maybe living in between could be, at least at times, a wonderful place to be? (Geez, I hope so, because I am living in between right now…)
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Although I do write about the challenges of this life and about living in between, I don’t regret it for one second. I would rather have these “difficulties” in fitting in than not having had the experiences I had growing up. I loved the life my parents gave me, even if it isn’t always easy. But then again, what is? We all have our challenges and obstacles to overcome. Living in between is indeed a wonderful place to be because it means we given the privilege to live in so many worlds and experience so many cultures. Perhaps there is no need to reconcile it then…It would be so much simpler if others could understand that as you do! 🙂
Thanks for this comment, Karen, I really appreciated it. Apologies for the delay in replying, but some things need more reflection time to have the answer they deserve. I always enjoy your comments, because they are insightful and thought-provoking. Thanks for always taking the time to read and comment, it means a lot to me!
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I agree with Karen. Even though you may have felt out of place, ultimately it’s the labels people place on you that define you in your own mind. You actually were the lucky one – experiencing so many different things, never stuck in a rut, coming out as a worldly young woman. It probably just didn’t feel like it at the time! For what it’s worth, I feel the same way now … Coming from the west coast, living on the east coast, and not feeling as though I belong in either place. This is what I like about your writing, Dounia … you write about your experiences but in some way they end up being about all of us. Hope your summer has been wonderful! : )
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Thanks, Paige – you and Karen had very comforting and understanding comments on this post and it’s much appreciated. Like I said to Karen, I agree that we were indeed very lucky to live such a life. I wouldn’t change that at all, and I’m so grateful my parents gave us those opportunities. Although there may be challenges, the rewards of such a life outweigh them by far. But at times we express the positive aspects, and other times the tougher ones. But I would be the first to say that I loved growing up as a TCK and that the good always outweighs the bad.
I love that what I write resonates with you and doesn’t remain relatable only to TCKs. That is one of the best compliments I could receive, because I want to connect with people from all walks of life, not simply with other TCKs. You have been one of my greatest supporters from the start of this blog and I appreciate that more than I can express. Thank you for that 🙂
I hope that you have been doing well and that you’re having a wonderful summer as well!
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The fact that your writing appeals to more than just “other TCKs” is a testament to your skills as a writer. I’m sure others have related to what you’ve written, I just happen to be the only one who’s commented. : ) But that aside, it’s surprised me, too, that what you write about is something I can relate to,. It’s kind of a wonderful connection to realize that someone from such a different background can have so many things in common. Isn’t this the connection bloggers are looking for? It has been such a pleasure reading what you post … please keep doing it. : ) Wonderful summer to you too!
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I definitely see what you’re saying here, and at the same time, I agree with Karen and Paige. It’s hard when you’re in your home country and feel like you don’t have enough of an attachment or history with it…and when you’re outside, there’s always something that makes you feel you only have one foot down. At the same time? I wouldn’t trade it for the world!
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I completely agree with this: “I wouldn’t trade it for the world!”. That’s exactly what I was writing to Karen and Paige – that for all the challenges and tough parts, all the amazing and wonderful parts outweigh them by far. I’ll deal with whatever challenges there are, because I love this life and everything it’s brought me. This whole living in between is just one part of growing up as a TCK, but there are so many other parts that make it so worth it. So yes, I reiterate without a doubt: I wouldn’t trade it for the world! 🙂
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Yep, my sentiments exactly!!
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Great poem. It’s funny that some days, I absolutely love being ‘in between’. I love to difference. I love how unique it is. But then other days, it’s just exhausting. And you don’t want to answer all the questions or make a huge effort to ‘fit in’ with the locals. It changes from day to day. Lovely post.
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Thanks for your great comment and I completely get what you’re saying. I love the life we led, I love what it’s given us, what it’s made us and I don’t regret it one bit..But some days you wish the explanations about your life were simpler, or that you could completely relate with locals without having to try. You’re so right that it changes from day to day though. At least all the positive stuff and good days outweigh the bad 🙂 Thanks again for leaving a comment…This blog and twitter has been amazing to connect with other TCKs and I’m loving it.
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