(Letter to the Editor - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

I met a young woman who moved to the U.S. with her husband to be close to his aging parents about a year ago. Thinking she might like to meet other ladies who originally lived in other countries and spoke other languages, I invited a few friends over to eat.

The first thing I learned is apparently Americans are too fixed on time, or at least I am. They were invited for 5:00. This afternoon, last minute I invited a local friend who I knew would help keep conversation going if need be. She came promptly. When 5:10 rolled around I started to panic. Did I put the wrong date on everything? I knew the guest of honor would be 5-10 minutes late because she worked until 5. Ahhh, here she came with a beautiful potted Begonia for me. Another car pulled up with 2 of the ladies. I relaxed a little. They began to talk with each other. I waited a few more minutes and tried to call 2 of the others. One was running an errand. She was 20 minutes away so she said to go ahead and eat. The other one I sent a text to because she didn’t answer her phone. They began to eat and talk was flowing freely. By 6:20 two other ladies had arrived and everyone seemed to be having a good time. I found out you don’t rush people from other countries. Five o’clock is a starting time for them to arrive. This is my frivolous side of the evening.

Now, for them: By the time we started to eat I had moved the guest of honor to the head of the table so she could talk without having to look two directions to include everyone. My husband had taken a picture for me when the first three arrived so I took more as the other ladies came. Conversations ranged from where do you come from and why did you move to the U.S., to I was this … in my country and I am only able to do this … in the U.S. I will not accept that this is all I am capable of. I will work hard and do more.

The talents, education, and learned skills of a foreigner are not always accepted here. Example; You might be a teacher with a higher education and accomplishments or a physician but when you move here you are only offered a job of service, retail, or of a stay at home mother. Each of those jobs are important also.

Of course, it helps if you speak some English to start with. Our version of English isn’t easy either. Even within the U.S. there are so many slang or regional versions. Trying to say each other’s names close to correct probably took 5-10 minutes or more. I just can’t seem to get names to sound the same as when they say them.

Sometimes we think things are hard for us but did you ever think what it would be like to move to another country where you started from scratch, started your adult career all over again at say 30 or 40 years old? I know there is much controversy of illegal aliens and I don’t want to discuss that. I want you to consider the people who work hard and move for a reason, like a spouse’s family. Please be kind to others whether they are from next door, across the country, or across the ocean. We are the world after all.

Bonita (Bonnie) Eaton

Vienna