Growing up overseas, there were lots of things that were “normal” to me that would seem anything but to a typical, American kid. For example, I’ve had a passport since birth, hasn’t everyone? Apparently not.
Now that I’m going back, there are a lot of things that I’m learning are “normal” when it comes to living overseas, that I never even considered before taking this job.
- Taxes – At all my stateside jobs, taxes were taken out of my paycheck before it ever got to me. My employer took care of paying into Social Security out of my earnings. Not anymore. Now when I get my paycheck, I’ll have to do the math and pay my Social Security and taxes myself. No big deal. Until you forget to carry the one, and pay too little.
- Official documentation – To comply with employment regulations in my future home, I must get my birth certificate apostilled (basically, it needs a stamp from the US government). Well, no problem, if you have an American birth certificate, you just take it to a DMV in the state of issue. HA! Since I was born in Germany, I had to send a letter to the Department of Passports and Vital Records. In Virginia. It’ll take 4-8 weeks to hear back.
- Setting up apartments – Most apartments overseas don’t come with what we in the US consider ‘normal amenities’. Generally, there is neither fridge, oven, range, nor dishwasher. But due to the connectedness of the international community, and the departure of an expat family, I already have most of the furnishings of an apartment in my new city, without leaving the comfort of my US living room.
All through this process, I’m learning one important thing: God’s got this.
In every instance, I’ve seen His grace and guidance:
I’ll have help with my taxes.
All said and done, getting that stamp was not that difficult.
I’ve gotten what I’ll need for my first apartment without the usual hassle.
God’s fingerprints are all over this process. I am not alone.