So Why Finland?

So Why Finland?

Moi! Some of the questions I was constantly asked when I started telling people about my decision to move to Finalnd were "What is in Finland?" "Where is Finland?" "Why go all the way there?" and of course I tried to explain the simplest way I could most of the time but even then I felt it seemed like a complicated answer. Also I did not want everyone to think that the only reason was because of a boy I fell in love with, although he was the main and biggest reason for it.

I figured for my first official post I would get these questions answered before we go any further. 

So...

1. Where is Finland?

For those that have never heard of it, or really looked at a map long enough to find it, Finland is the country between Sweden and Russia in Northern Europe. 100 years ago the country gained its independance from Russia and is a country of some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth (in my opinion) and where the idea of hot relaxing saunas came from.

2. What is in Finland?

It is a quiet country I have found. It is a lot of country and farmlands all around with some wonderful cities such as Helsinki, which is the country's capitol, and Turku, which I have become fond of as well in Southern Finland. The landscapes range from the land of lakes, lots of wooded forests, many many fields (not corn!) and then you have the seaside views and the archipelago. But other than the landscapes, what else could be here that sounds like a dream come true? How about universal healthcare? A school system that actually focuses on kids and not on the wallets of government officials and on numbers and test scores? A general focus on the people that live here and their general welfare and happiness? (my own opinion of course) and there is more that I can go into another time. 

Finally 3. Why did I come here?

As I said before, whenever I was asked this question I tried to give a simple answer which was "a boy" because he was the biggest reason I came here. For those that do not know, I met my husband online when I lived in United States and he lived in Finland. It didn't take long for us to fall for each other and it was at the start of 2017 we realized we wanted to make our relationship work, but how were we to do that living so far apart? 

At the time I was working two jobs, going to school part time and still not making enough to live on my own and support myself or able to get enough schooling to get a better job. I knew there was no way I would be able to afford yearly trips to see the man I loved and/or afford to take time off for when he visited. I felt I was at a dead end, making progress very slowly in my life. All I had for me was my family, one I knew would support me in anything.

The decision came quickly for us, my husband and I had even talked prior about what would happen if we became serious, if I would consider moving to another country, I didn't hesitate to say yes. So in January 2017 I began planning very hard for my move for months, quit my jobs, moved out, got my passport, tickets, and got rid of all my belongings except what could fit into 3 checked in bags, and by the end of May I was here and so started my journey and a new happiness in my life. 

It is hard to think I have only been here for 5 months, it feels like a lot longer, maybe because of everything new I have experienced and of course the list keeps growing. But that is why I am writing this, to be able to share those experiences.

So until next time, Nähdään Pian 

Stephanie