Maryna

1. Where are you from?

I’m from Belarus — it’s a small country in Eastern Europe that people usually aren’t aware of : -)

2. How long have you been in the USA?

I’ve been in the USA for 2 years now.

3. What do you feel — where is your home now? Or what is your home now?

I was recently looking at the trees which were just planted in our yard and questioned myself if they would grow properly. They need time to grow roots and some of them will probably dry. I couldn’t help but wonder: will I grow roots into American soil? Or will I always feel unsturdy as I feel now? Like any strong wind or challenges can destroy me because I’m new, I don’t belong here so far.

But! My mom came to visit us last fall and I felt at home in Fort Collins. All of the sudden I realised that even while living in Belarus when it came to visiting parents I would always say “I’m going home”. So probably nothing has changed — my home is still where my parents are. When I hear ‘дадому’ — which means ‘to go home’ in Belarusian language — it feels like going to my hometown. 

5. What helps you feel at home in a new place?

I try not to live in the past and not to worry too much about the future. We are still not sure what to expect, but we are building our new sense of home here.

We buy furniture for our rented apartment and make plans. We’ve made friends — which I appreciate the most!

8. Do you think it’s possible to have more than one home? Why or why not?

I think that to make an opinion about something is easier if you have something to compare with. We traveled to Europe last summer and although we traveled with Belarusian passports everytime we needed to leave our address I put our address in Fort Collins, without any doubts. Furthermore, to land in Denver felt like coming home! So I hope I can have multiple homes and eventually I will gain a feeling that this is the place where I also belong.

9. What advice would you give to someone who is trying to feel at home in a new country?

That’s my advice for anyone who immigrates — appreciate what you have and do what you love to do as much as you can. Walk a dog, ride a bike, study language, get to know your neighbours, enjoy sunsets in a beautiful place and be curious!

10. How do you say “home” in your native language (using English letters)?

Dom