Adapting to your country

[Martin]

I'm just curious how your wife adapted to your country?  For many of the women, this might be their first time leaving their own country.  This was the case with my wife.  In the case of many in the Philippines, they are well aware that things are done differently in other countries, and they go in to the new country ready to embrace the changes.  But how about women from China, or other asian countries?

An example of my wife doing something new in Canada...I love to go camping.  I grew up with it.  My wife had her own idea of what camping was.  In her experience, camping was when you pitch a tent at the beach, when you are going there to spend the day.  The tent is basically a place to escape the sun, and nap.  But not really something you would stay in for more than the day. 

Early into her time in Canada, we went camping in Banff, and Jasper Alberta.  Campfires, tents, cooking hotdogs over the fire, smores, and wilderness. She loved it.  The children, 12 and 14 years old loved it as well.  So much so, that every spring, I get asked if we are planning a camping trip for the upcoming summer.  We have retired the tents, and migrated to a camper trailer now...and she likes this even more.  Refrigerator, washroom, furnace (so we can camp later in the season), and awning, in case it rains.  She (and the kids) have totally embraced the camping culture. 

How has your spouse embraced the new ways of western living?

[mpo]

How has your spouse embraced the new ways of western living?

In short, she has NOT embraced new ways at all. It has caused a lot of trouble which almost lead to the marriage ending. here is one EXAMPLE:

the issue of DIVORCE

Because of my faith and beliefs I reject that option and will not allow it. (happened 1 year ago)

And, yes, I was divorced from my first wife, but I also rejected divorce back then, and it was FORCED onto me.
I had no choice, and no option.

This time I was able to convince my Chinese wife that this was NOT a good option/solution to any problems.
And we have to work it out together.

There are many more issues ...

In fact my wife has not adapted at all, but has gone even further away from our western ways
rejecting the faith I stand in, and declaring that she now follows "Buddha", and attends a temple.
This happened when her bible reading, God fearing, Christian Mom passed away. (before 2020)

My wife has some kind of universal mind set, that all faiths are the "same", and lead to the same God and Heaven. Except that Buddha people will receive rewards in a place called "pureland" which is superior to the Christian "heaven", and therefore is the superior faith. Just as the Asian race is superior to my race.
(her view)

I pointed out to her that it is clearly NOT the same, since she thinks divorce was OK, and I think it is completely NOT OK, by rejecting it completely. Once that was worked out, we can now work on other issues, the run of things to work on, ... never ends it seems. 

but as time passes the list gets shorter... people pass away, or kids grow up, and move out

[mpo]

FYI

Pure Land Buddhism is a broad branch of Mahayana Buddhism that focuses on achieving rebirth in a Pure Land, a superior place for spiritual training that is free from the distractions and fears of the current world.

 This tradition is particularly popular in East Asia and is one of the most widely practiced forms of Buddhism in the region

[Martin]

How has your spouse embraced the new ways of western living?

the issue of DIVORCE

Because of my faith and beliefs I reject that option and will not allow it. (happened 1 year ago)

When Jonna and I were dating, and discussing marriage, she was very blunt with me on this topic.  Marriage is for life, and divorce is not an option.  There are a few reasons for her being adamant about this...she grew up in a broken home, her catholic faith, and her country not having divorce laws.  So, she knew that if she ever got married, it was for life, and that her future husband better understand that this was a lifetime commitment.  I'm happy with this.