I have been in Sweden for 2 weeks now and I am amazed at what a difference 2 weeks makes!
Two weeks ago when we arrived in Sweden, I completely understood what it feels like to be without a home. It just felt so empty to know that you have no home address. I think being sick made it all worse since I think people tend to want to be all comfy cosy at home when sick… Last week I really hit rock bottom. We moved into our new home with a few suitcases of clothes and little more. We managed to purchase what we needed until our container arrives and I think we’re both grateful to have this opportunity but I think there is more to it than the adventure of it all. I had a little pity party for one several times throughout the earlier part of the week and I will probably have another small one this Friday when Neil goes to his company Christmas party without me ;P
Aside from the little pangs of homesickness, feeling slightly out of place and the language barrier, things have improved dramatically. We made some fantastic decisions the first week that I think have shaped our future here in Sweden. Neil is enjoying his job, we moved into a house in Anneberg that not only fulfills every wish I have had for a home, but is also owned by the nicest family I have met in a long time. The kind of people that I can see us becoming very close to! Not only are they extremely considerate but they are also willing to help us out and include us in their traditions. Sheila and Anita are fantastic, as are the rest of their families.
Before we moved, I read a book about Swedish culture. It was a depressing read. Detailing the Swedish ways as being cold, unfriendly, bland, grey etc.. and in contrast we have experienced the exact opposite.
This week our neighbor Eva stopped by with a plant and welcomed us to the neighborhood. It was so unexpected and thoughtful! Sheila and Anita also dropped by at the house and Sheila gave me an old meat grinder/food processor to use (until it breaks) and then Anita invited me to see her daughter sing at the Saint Lucia celebration (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Lucy%27s_Day). Afterwards Neil and I were invited to their home for fika which is an event usually involving a hot beverage and a pastry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fika_(coffee_break). For this fika we had two varieties of glogg (white and red) which is served with rasins and almonds, and we ate gingerbread cookies and traditional saffron buns. We sat around their table, talked, enjoyed the food and drink and got to partake in a piece of their culture.
Today, I went in to Kungsbacka centrum and booked an appointment to register for Swedish languiage lessons. Had I known I needed an appointment, I would have called instead of dropping in but it turned out to be another decision that led to something wonderful! After booking my appointment (for tomorrow morning) I took a walk around Kungsbacka and ended up in a store called Body Mind Spirit. I ended up chatting with the store clerk who spoke english and found out that they sell Mighty Leaf Tea which is a favourite of mine and they also sell some other cool culinary treats like pure mexican chocolate. While I was browsing, another couple came in. They also spoke english and before long, everyone was brain storming about where I could potentially work and how important it is to learn Swedish etc.. When I left the store, the clerk took my hand, squeezed it and said some really sweet things. I just felt such a tremendous warmth from them all. Then on the train back home another lady started talking to me in Swedish. Although I couldn’t talk to her, it was so comforting to know that people here really are friendly. That book I read and become an addition to our burning materials for the fireplace soon enough.
Tonight I am meeting Neil at Liseberg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liseberg). When it gets dark, it is all lit up for Christmas and should be very beautiful. Although there is no snow right now, we will still enjoy it.
I think the moral to this story is that all it takes is a little time 
Will write again soon!