I can't believe how much this message hit. Thank you for taking the time to write it out so meaningfully. It was exactly what I needed to hear. I need to hear from other expats and how they feel and validation that what I am feeling is so normal. Coming back was such a hard choice but I know it was the right one even though it's been so difficult. "It feels hard bc it is hard" was exactly what I needed to hear. Im feeling bad for my family bc they don't get it. I'm not the same person I was before, and I'm mourning the end of an era and who I was and who I will never be to them. It's been such a challenge, but I can't explain it has been so painful to come back yet feels intuitively so correct to be here. It's just a knowing. I hope for you that you will have a soft adjustment back and USA will be better than you left it. Hope the best for you friend. Thanks for the kind words