Mrs. Rambo

In 1989 I went on a snow camping trip in southern Utah. I thought I'm tough; I can handle anything. I was also trying to impress my new boyfriend, a German foreign exchange student. I nearly froze, I thought I might die, and I cried on that expedition. As I came around the last bend on day three, struggling to carry the weight of my backpack a small smile crossed the face of my boyfriend and he said, "Come on Mrs. Rambo, if you can do this you can do anything!"

From that day forward whenever I struggle my husband (yes, I married him) says, "Hey Mrs. Rambo I saw you on that hike, you can do anything!" I have struggled time and time again with all the moves, learning of new languages, and my kids. It 's not easy to pick up and move to five different countries, and with teens, my last relocation was a real challenge. But let's face it, life can be difficult with or without the moves.

I'm not a huge fan of Rambo, but I enjoy being called Mrs. Rambo. I smile when I hear it and remember that hike. I like the idea that I can handle anything thrown my way. I have many nicknames, but this one is only pulled out when I'm struggling or when I have done something hard. It has a special status. I don't believe that you need to be an expat to understand this post..... we all struggle.

Here's to all the Rambos out there; keep fighting.

—Allison Ochs Social Worker M.S.W. , Coach, Expat, Mother of three, Wife