Harmonizing Cultures: A Mixed Family, It’s Warm Tale of Love and Identity

Journey of a Mixed Family: Navigating Culture, Motherhood, and Love

Let’s begin the journey of exploring the mixed family. Shall we? So, How did we meet?

For those not in the know, I’m a proud member of a ‘mixed family.’

Picture this: a Korean woman and a Dutch man falling in love over a course on “Banking Law.” Yep, that’s us! Add two tiny human bundles of joy we affectionately call our “joy of bundles,” and that’s our mixed-family portrait.

Don’t get me wrong; I live in a postcard-worthy neighborhood with kids who beam sunshine and happiness. But occasionally, while sipping on my tea, I ponder: What if life had played out in Korea? What if that 2M tall, overly-gelled Dutchman hadn’t crossed my path in that fateful Banking Law class?

And speaking of the Dutchman, it wasn’t a movie like “Love at First Sight.” He was tall, had hair that looked like it might survive a tornado (thanks to the gel), and wasn’t really my type. But fate has a quirky sense of humor. One fake “King’s Day party (a big national holiday in the Netherlands, celebrating King’s birthday – Dutch society in Korea also throws a big party for celebrating its national holiday in Korea)” invite later, our stories entwined. I saw beyond the gel and discovered a heart of gold. Fast forward, and here we are, 13 years and two kids later, as enamored as ever: a loving mixed family.

An Asian woman in the Netherlands form a mixed family

Now, while I wouldn’t trade my family for anything, being an Asian woman in the Netherlands from a mixed family comes with its own set of challenges. It’s not about outright discrimination; the Dutch are incredibly warm and welcoming (read my article “Integration in the Netherlands”). The invisible lines and subtle cultural nuances often leave me feeling like an outsider in a crowd.

When I penned down my first book, it was to aid first-time moms like myself in navigating motherhood’s wild waters. The postpartum period here felt like a high-speed chase, while back home in Korea, it was more of a gentle stroll in the park. My body’s protest to the rush? Persistent muscle aches!

Friends suggested I dive into writing again, but this time addressing the often-silent struggles of East-meets-West families, the mixed family. It’s a tale as old as time but needs to be narrated. And so, I embark on a new journey, aiming to be the anchor for someone else adrift in a similar boat.

Are you ready?

Motivated? Absolutely. This is my nod to the universe for every challenge and blessing thrown my way. So, to those who find a reflection in my story, know this: I’m here, cheering for you, always.

Ready to start this new chapter with me? Find tips on expats living in the Netherlands, and leave me your comments below if you also had a similar journey. I would love to hear your story!