Arrived: Union in Europe

Gavin and Tina in Czech Republic, 2012

 

 

...and so begins the adventure of life in Bensheim, Germany.

When my German partner, Tina, couldn't secure an H1B visa (not for lack of opportunity but for lack of reason and fair-mindedness on the part of the U.S. Immigration system), we made the decision to move to her home country.  Since 2009, Tina, our young son Gavin, and I have lived rootlessness and the deep uncertainty that accompanies it. Building a family is beautiful and delicate business, which requires constancy and time. Saying goodbye incessantly doesn't help.  And so as other families across the United States who are unable to marry as a same sex couple, we have for now chosen union in Europe over disunion in the U.S.

Bensheim is a town of 40,000 people, located a short drive from cities such as Frankfurt, Mannheim, Darmstadt, Lorsch, Worms, and Heidelberg. It sits along the Western edge of a pastoral area called the Odenwald, which is a wine-rich region of castles, rolling hills, and tiny villages strung together along the Bergstrasse (mountain road). As I've read, our city dates back as far as the mid 700s AD. I am from South Carolina, and have lived in the deep South of the U.S. all my life. The age of Bensheim is difficult to comprehend.

I'm an American in Bensheim. Over the next eight months, I'll let you know how it goes. I'm already two days into the journey and have lots of share. Bis bald!