Dispatches: Parenting Across Cultures. My first podcast...
What I wasn’t prepared for a year ago was the type of love that permeates every waking moment. We love our parents, siblings, pets, and closest friends. However, I could never have comprehended the love for a child; so profound and without words to do it justice. The flip side of that is trying to imagine the loss many parents around the world every day, as unnecessary wars rip through the cracks and crevices of our planet as we watch on from the other side of a frosted glass window, feeling all the things in a way I never could before.
I was also far from ready for the tremendous internal paradox I would feel every day: how much you want your baby to stay just as they are – precious and tiny and staring at the world with innocent eyes – yet at the same time, how much you want them to grow up and flourish, learn, and give. Perhaps a part of us is fighting that battle for ourselves – clutching what we have but daring to expand on what we do.
I met my daughter a year ago, yet I also met myself in a new light, one that goes with the flow with a fistful of faith and fervent belief that stories still matter; a different type of stories. I realized that my greatest desires for Raven are to value kindness and to see the world—not just to look at it; but to really see it in all its fabulousness and fallibilities. How can I best parlay that to her? The darkness, light, and shades of gray—the desire for deep and meaningful work that is war, not only war. Hope. Happiness. Heart.
A year ago, I was not sure how I would feel or how I would navigate the friction of far-flung work and motherhood, but the honest truth now is that my appetite for the planet is still as capacious and large as it ever was. I still long to hunt armfuls of the globe and gather up anecdotes from the edges of the earth; this time with the added perspective that emanates from bringing an innocent soul into the world.
What has long fascinated me, and even more so now, is how mothers, fathers and caregivers function across different countries, cultures, tribes and terrains. There is so much beauty and wisdom to be gleaned and garnered but perhaps more importantly, understood. Thus, I am adding to my writing with a podcast that I hope will be entertaining and insightful, and I am excited to share this content with you!
Introducing Dispatches on Parenting Across Cultures
From the emerald mountains of Afghanistan to the bustling streets of Tokyo to the fishing villages of Alaska and everything in between, pregnancy and parenting is a universal experience with countless variations.
Each week starting today (Tuesday) I sit down with mothers, fathers, experts worldwide, expats, and locals alike to uncover the unique challenges and triumphs of raising children in different parcels of the planet. From prenatal care to toddler tantrums, we delve deep into the heart of family life, sharing nuggets of wisdom, laughter, and inspiring stories that transcend borders. Discover the universal joys of parenthood and appreciate the rich diversity of our world, one eye-opening conversation at a time.?
I look forward to seeing you there! Please follow on. (Will be on all the normal platforms pods are find… can also listen below or YouTube!)
Join me for the first episode as I delve into the extraordinary life of my good friend Dennis Santiago, a man whose journey from the post-war streets of Manila to the suburbs of Southern California is as inspiring as it is heartwarming.
Growing up amidst the challenges of post-war Philippines, Dennis learned invaluable life lessons that have shaped him into the man he is today. From navigating the bustling streets of Manila to adjusting to a new culture in America, he'll share his unique perspective on resilience, adaptability, and the importance of family.
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As a father of two daughters, Dennis will also discuss how his experiences have influenced his approach to parenting. Discover the wisdom he's passed down to his children, and gain insights into the challenges and rewards of fatherhood in a rapidly changing world.?
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