On Tuesday, I became an Australian citizen 🇦🇺

At the Frankston Arts Centre, among people from all over the world who were each starting their own new chapter, I took my pledge, a moment I’ll carry with me always:)

I’ve been in Australia for 13 years now, and 11 of those have been right here in Frankston. This community has held me through so many seasons of life. It’s where I’ve grown, built a home, raised my family and found my place.

Becoming Australian doesn’t mean letting go of my German identity and traditions, and it never has to. Becoming Australian is about adding to who I am. It’s about honouring where I come from while fully embracing where I belong. I get to carry both: the traditions, language and heart of Germany, and the love, gratitude and sense of home I’ve found here.

The most special part of the day came from my children. A couple of weeks ago, on a mummy-and-me day out, my eldest bought this little laughing Buddha. I thought it was for her. She’d actually bought it for me as a Christmas present, but she decided yesterday was too special to wait. She said she thought of me when she saw it (I’m still working out whether that’s because of the joy or the belly 😂). Then both of my children went into our garden and picked these flowers just for me. And my little plant from the ceremony will soon find its home in our garden too.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey, whether you’ve welcomed me, supported me or simply shared a smile along the way.

Here’s to new beginnings, deep roots and a heart big enough for two homelands.

Jessica