Honoring My Past Before I Moved to Malaysia

In North Dakota, I lived in a house, fully furnished with lovely things that gave me joy. But I knew I had to make major choices about those things if I wanted to live overseas.

Some folks move truck beds and ship containers full of household items from one country to another. And they live just fine through the process. I just couldn’t cope with that endeavor. So, I had to whittle down and make choices.

And it meant looking back at a lifetime of pictures, momentos, and beloved things.

I found myself going through closets in stages:

1. Pull things out onto the floor in front of the closet.
2. Walk away in frustration.
3. Walk over the pile for a few days.
4. Mentally start sorting the items into different possibilities:
   1. Thrift Store
   2. Family
   3. A friend might need it!
   4. Bring it with me
   5. Garbage
5. Take action
6. Rinse. Repeat.

Early on in this life move, I determined that I would take 2 large suitcases, one carryon, and one backpack with me to Malaysia. Therefore, I chose carefully from a whole household of precious things.

In the end, the family pictures went to first-born child, important documents went to second-born child, and various heritage products went to third-born child. And, each child got some family heirlooms and a container of their childhood items to stow away in their closets for future discard.

The process was difficult at times, emotional at other times, but always fruitful. I could laugh at some things and pause at other memories. Each thing found its next rightful home with minimal effort on my part.

To be honest, I don’t miss any of my things. I sometimes miss planting flowers or mowing the grass. And talking with my neighbors and friends. But Malaysia has already brought new “things” and each one will serve its purpose for my life here. It is good and was good all at the same time.

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