New Friends and a New Home

Moving to new country has many new challenges. For a family with five young children one of the biggest fears is whether or not they will be able to make new friends. So far we have been very lucky that Justine, Kyara, Matteya, Ariel and Mia have all made new friends here in Suwon.

(Above is a picture of Mia with Brett. They both attend the ELC at GSIS and are often seen having lunch together. No fears though of a long term relationship as they are both 3 years old.)


Many of the children who come with parents to work overseas have to learn very quickly how to make new friends. Being in a minority - that is not Korean - you seem to be able to make friends quickly - even if they are not exactly the same age as you.

(Above: Justine is with Jade and Amy as they ride a bus to an activity.)


The unique thing about making friends overseas is that each of the families are coming from different parts of the world. At GSIS, the school that Rosanne and Kevin work at and that the girls attend, has staff from: Canada, United States, Australia, Korea, and few nomads who have lived most of their lives in various countries.

(Above: Kyara and Selah sitting on the bus with a sleeping Mia - arguable the best kind of Mia.)


Yet, the best friends that the Wendling girls seem to have is each other. Having four siblings means that there is always someone to play with, talk to, and be with.

(Above: Justine and Kyara relaxing at home while watching a movie on a lap top computer.)


Yet, it is nice to make other friends, friends to play with, have sleep overs with. Friends to watch movies with, play games with or just to hang out with.

(Above: Ariel, Abbey, Hannah having fun just before having a sleep over at the Wendling apartment Below: Matteya and Abbey watching a movie.)


The best part of watching your children with their friends is knowing that they are learning from each and every situation that they experience. That is a big reason why we chose to come to Korea. Experiencing and learning is truly what makes us unique and grow to be the best person we can be.