PAST ay the same … own positive thinking cannot seem to overcome the pain and frustration . It does seem inevitable then that we will go through a normal and natural mourning process , experiencing the initial shock of settling into a new culture , the anger and frustration at feeling trapped and confused in a strange new place , and the sadness and depression related to the loss of previous supports and stable routines . Then eventually and usually comes the personal acceptance that one can adjust to the new culture , new friends , new home , etc . How long or difficult this process takes seems to differ for all of us and probably is related to how much we feel we gave up or lost in coming here , whether this is a first experience in a foreign country for us , whether we wanted to come here or not , and how much effort we are expending to try to settle into a new life . And , sometimes , even when you are trying very hard to readjust here and to keep hold of positive thoughts , the various stages of the mourning process may interrupt your efforts and take over . Suddenly you are in tears or throwing a few things around the room .
“ It will get better ” is what old-timers and “ old ” newcomers say to us . And we do want to believe them , but we just can ’ t feel it much of the time yet . I ’ m finding that when I do persevere in trying to focus more and more on positive thoughts , feelings and experiences each day , things are getting better and better . Trying to remember the good things that happen to you or the good thoughts you have each day — writing them down is helpful — to review later when things seem horrible again is a beneficial process . And whenever you ’ re feeling able to do so , reach out and call someone . I ’ ve found that people will respond positively when one reaches out and says , “ Could you please help me — I ’ m finding it difficult right now to get adjusted here .” Or just ask someone out to lunch or over to your place for coffee . It feels better to be able to just talk with others sometimes .
NO FOOLS ARE WE !
by Jo Dahms
FIRST PUBLISHED IN THE AWCH NEWSLETTER APRIL , 1992
April Fool ’ s Day , also known as All Fools ’ Day , is the first day of April , on which playing practical jokes is common . April-fooling became customary in France after the adoption of the Gregorian calendar . It had been common to exchange New Year ’ s gifts and make calls on April 1 under the Julian calendar , and pranksters continued to send mock gifts and make calls on that date ( The American People ’ s Encyclopedia ).
So , believe it or not , in the next weeks , some of Hamburg ’ s streets will be closed to regular traffic for the migration of toads . Carol Nova says that her street is blocked off with a sign saying “ Toad X-ing .” Pedestrians and cyclists may pass , and all vehicles must take the long way round to the city .
How about this one ? Hamburg houses the only German museum exhibiting objects found in Hamburg ’ s sewer system , such as ladies ’ frilly underwear , jewelry , and false teeth . Visitors are welcome but must book in advance by calling 38 07 33 41 . If your car keys ever fell through the grate on a dark morning , they may be on display .
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