Lauren: This is a brilliant essay. So many of us are adult children of grandparents who had to flee, moving to America (or Canada in my case) from the poverty (or pogroms against Jewish communities for my grandparents from "Russia" meaning Ukraine). I've long admired you and Tiago and the online international community you built together. Thanks for writing this inspiring story. LynnOC
This is such an interesting read that I wish I could have written myself. I also wish I could move back home. “The pull is ancestral” is too real. As a Haitian-American, I ask you, Mexican-American lady who I just met, to continue and raise those babies to be rooted in their cultures. Take solace in having the option to move back to Mexico; as a colonizer or colonizee. The destabilization of my country has made it v hard to move, even as a privileged person. This is really bold and I hope to continue to hear about your story.
Thank you. The destabilization is such a deep chasm to cross. It's part of what makes all of our longing so painful. As challenging as the US, one of the most beautiful things about America is the way our immigrant communities can flourish culturally and maintain the values across many generations.
I always come away feeling or thinking differently when I read your essays. That feeling of belonging neither here nor there is familiar to me, being half white. It’s a complicated feeling of belonging to navigate. But I think what you are doing- finding/creating a third space where you can be both in peace - is a gift you will give your children and yourself. Sharing it here also gives the gift to others. Like me. :) Wishing you and your family well on your newest adventure!
Hi Lauren, I found you via Khe Hy's interview with you and Tiago, I loved hearing your journey and story. My wife and I also moved from LA area to Mexico (San Miguel de Allende) and I identified with so much you said in the interview and here in this post. So many cultural implications to work through. I'm Korean but was raised in the US as a second generation immigrant, that was hard straddling two cultures, and now I'm trying to figure out Mexico and learn Spanish too! In some ways I don't feel like I fit anywhere but have sort of gotten used to that, and am just enjoying wherever I am.
Good luck moving back to Mexico dear! O debería decir buena suerte mudandote a Méjico de nuevo?
It's an extremely brave thing to do and something that's been on both of our hearts as well (Caterina's and mines) and the fear from taking the leap is huge! I honor you his for your courage and ability to adapt!
Thank you so much for sharing. Much love to you and the family 💗
Beautifully written, Lauren! So heart warming and honest! I could relate to it in many levels. Thank you! This will be one of the best experiences of your life and your own family's history. (from Mom in law)
Such a great story with all its ups and downs, complete disclosure on difficult choices. Sounds like you've landed in a wonderful place, especially for your kids and their future. All the best to you and your family, all of them!
Wow. That was so cathartic to read. I’m 1/2 Mexican and half Polish and grew up with my Mexican family in El Paso. Me & my brother & my Mom were the only “gringo” looking people at family gatherings. But I feel Mexican, I just don’t look it. I’ve always felt like you, that I belong nowhere. Not Mexican enough but not totally non-Hispanic either. It’s a curious place to be! Brava on your move to Mexico! Super cool!
Soy peruana, viviendo en CDMX, si alguna vez estás en la ciudad (from your text, I understood you’re not in the city, lmk… me encantaría ir por un café y charlar
Lauren: This is a brilliant essay. So many of us are adult children of grandparents who had to flee, moving to America (or Canada in my case) from the poverty (or pogroms against Jewish communities for my grandparents from "Russia" meaning Ukraine). I've long admired you and Tiago and the online international community you built together. Thanks for writing this inspiring story. LynnOC
Thank you Lynn.
This is such an interesting read that I wish I could have written myself. I also wish I could move back home. “The pull is ancestral” is too real. As a Haitian-American, I ask you, Mexican-American lady who I just met, to continue and raise those babies to be rooted in their cultures. Take solace in having the option to move back to Mexico; as a colonizer or colonizee. The destabilization of my country has made it v hard to move, even as a privileged person. This is really bold and I hope to continue to hear about your story.
Thank you. The destabilization is such a deep chasm to cross. It's part of what makes all of our longing so painful. As challenging as the US, one of the most beautiful things about America is the way our immigrant communities can flourish culturally and maintain the values across many generations.
I always come away feeling or thinking differently when I read your essays. That feeling of belonging neither here nor there is familiar to me, being half white. It’s a complicated feeling of belonging to navigate. But I think what you are doing- finding/creating a third space where you can be both in peace - is a gift you will give your children and yourself. Sharing it here also gives the gift to others. Like me. :) Wishing you and your family well on your newest adventure!
Hi Lauren, I found you via Khe Hy's interview with you and Tiago, I loved hearing your journey and story. My wife and I also moved from LA area to Mexico (San Miguel de Allende) and I identified with so much you said in the interview and here in this post. So many cultural implications to work through. I'm Korean but was raised in the US as a second generation immigrant, that was hard straddling two cultures, and now I'm trying to figure out Mexico and learn Spanish too! In some ways I don't feel like I fit anywhere but have sort of gotten used to that, and am just enjoying wherever I am.
We should definitely connect! Let me know if you are ever near CDMX!
Good luck moving back to Mexico dear! O debería decir buena suerte mudandote a Méjico de nuevo?
It's an extremely brave thing to do and something that's been on both of our hearts as well (Caterina's and mines) and the fear from taking the leap is huge! I honor you his for your courage and ability to adapt!
Thank you so much for sharing. Much love to you and the family 💗
Beautifully written, Lauren! So heart warming and honest! I could relate to it in many levels. Thank you! This will be one of the best experiences of your life and your own family's history. (from Mom in law)
Such a great story with all its ups and downs, complete disclosure on difficult choices. Sounds like you've landed in a wonderful place, especially for your kids and their future. All the best to you and your family, all of them!
Wow. That was so cathartic to read. I’m 1/2 Mexican and half Polish and grew up with my Mexican family in El Paso. Me & my brother & my Mom were the only “gringo” looking people at family gatherings. But I feel Mexican, I just don’t look it. I’ve always felt like you, that I belong nowhere. Not Mexican enough but not totally non-Hispanic either. It’s a curious place to be! Brava on your move to Mexico! Super cool!
Me encantó leerte :) gracias por compartir!
Soy peruana, viviendo en CDMX, si alguna vez estás en la ciudad (from your text, I understood you’re not in the city, lmk… me encantaría ir por un café y charlar