23 Comments
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Bonnie Blake's avatar

Wonderful to read the emotional upheaval of leaving home to start a new life in another country-such a tumultuous experience. When I moved to NYC after school I had similar tumult. I drove there with a boyfriend—such a mixture of excitement and dread…can’t wait to read the next chapter. Great writing…

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Manuela Thames's avatar

Thank you so much for reading, Bonnie!

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Juliette's avatar

I'm really glad you are sharing this and delighted to listened to you relay it in your own voice. I look forward to reading/listening to each part! Your images are so beautiful!! I have a serendipitous side note which I'll inbox you about.

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Manuela Thames's avatar

Thank you! I read it and I am so exited for you!

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Juliette's avatar

Thank you so much!

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Oh, Manuela! It’s wonderful that you are sharing these stories. Like you, I also moved from the Philippines to the US in my 20s. I can relate to your introspection on the meaning of home. I look forward to reading part 2!

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Manuela Thames's avatar

Thank you! Yes, I feel like the meaning of home changes a quite a bit when you move around and especially when you move to a different country.

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Susanne Helmert's avatar

That brings up memories from when I moved from Germany to Chicago. But I did move with my husband, so it was a bit easier for me.

Thank you for sharing your story. May I ask: how old were you when you moved?

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Manuela Thames's avatar

Thanks. I was 27.

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Susanne Helmert's avatar

That was pretty young and very courages! I don’t think I would have had the guts at 27.

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Manuela Thames's avatar

Well, maybe. It definitely was harder than I thought. I guess, when you are young you think you can do anything. :)

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Stephanie Says's avatar

Incredible! Thank you for sharing your story with us. Your Holga double exposures are powerful.

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Manuela Thames's avatar

Thank you so much, Stephanie! I appreciate it.

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Cindy Stegmeier's avatar

Thanks for sharing this intimate story! I believe I had a very similar experience ..flying to Europe on a bumpy plane.( I was only going for a visit) I'm anxious to hear the next chapter!

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Manuela Thames's avatar

Wow. You should tell me about it sometime.

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SydneyMichalski🌿NatureMoments's avatar

Lovely! Thanks for bringing us along on this personal journey :) And so suspenseful!

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Manuela Thames's avatar

:) Thank you!

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perfectlight's avatar

can't wait for next chapter!

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Manuela Thames's avatar

Thanks!

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Kathryn Vercillo's avatar

Thank you for sharing this with us. I am working on a collaborative art project with a friend that is related to the theme of immigration, displacement, and "home" and your words brought some of that experience alive for me.

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Manuela Thames's avatar

Thank you!

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Natalie Arriola's avatar

I love your stories about your personal life Manuela! This is a very moving piece and I am excited to read the next installment. <3

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Manuela Thames's avatar

Thank you so much, Natalie!

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