From South Africa to Texas: Creating Home Anywhere You Go w/ Lene Jansen van Rensburg

Lene Jansen van Rensburg shares her incredible journey from growing up in apartheid South Africa to becoming a flight attendant in Dubai, navigating culture shock, and eventually settling in Texas with her family. She discusses the challenges and joys of raising children in a multicultural environment, maintaining her South African identity, and the importance of building community and friendships in new places. Lene emphasizes the value of embracing diversity and the lessons learned from her international experiences.

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Takeaways:

• Lene grew up in apartheid South Africa, which shaped her worldview.
• She experienced major culture shock upon moving to Dubai.
• Language learning was a significant part of her upbringing.
• Lene worked as a flight attendant for Emirates Airlines and later for the UAE president.
• She emphasizes the importance of making a new place feel like home.
• Family life in the Middle East was enriched by a strong expat community.
• The decision to move to the US was well-researched and planned.
• Maintaining cultural identity is crucial for her children.
• Building friendships in a new environment is essential for settling in.

Chapters:

00:00 Growing Up in Apartheid South Africa 02:59 Cultural Transitions and Language Learning 06:05 Life as a Flight Attendant in Dubai 11:47 Navigating Culture Shock and Making Dubai Home 20:04 Family Life and Parenting in the Middle East 24:57 Moving to the United States: The Decision Process 30:08 Settling in Texas and Building a New Life 36:08 Maintaining Cultural Identity in a New Country 40:57 Friendship and Community in a New Environment 45:54 Reflections on Travel and Family Connections