In 1994 we returned from Korea and settled down in Austria, for good. Today, I am happy to know that there is a family on the other side of the world which consists of my “brothers” and “sisters”, and I know that I am welcome there at any time. When I go back to Korea for short visits, I feel like I am visiting my “other” home again.
Leo and I were married for 33 years. They were years of happiness, love and tears.
I am now standing in front of my husband’s grave. Too sudden we have been separated by a treacherous disease. Memories resurface again and again. I know in my heart we will meet again one day. The first thing I will do is to dance a waltz with him!
If you were to ask me whether I would repeat this life again, I would definitely say “Yes”. Maybe there are some things I would do differently. Before we got married, my husband did not ask me whether I would like to marry him. He knew that I was eager to do so; but for long time I had not been courageous enough. So he simply said: ”If you have enough courage, marry me”. Courage is the point.
To make an international marriage a success, you need courage and the will to work hard on it. There are also times when you think that you do not understand each other, and the cultural differences seem to wear you out. But all is possible to overcome with a big portion of courage and good will.
If you were to ask me whether you should go for a marriage with a partner from a foreign culture I would recommend you to go for it! But be aware that you have become the center of attention. Do not give up easily when you are shaken by culture shock and difficulties. Give a good example and show to the world that international understanding and generosity are possible.
Make your marriage a good one. Thus you have a chance to contribute to the peace of the world.
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