Suomi 100v. näkyy myös Yhdysvalloissa Suomen juhlavuotta vietetään ympäri Yhdysvaltoja erilaisin tempauksin – muun muassa Marimekko With Love Seattlessa (WA) maaliskuussa, Salonen & Sibelius Los Angelesissa (CA) huhtikuussa, Finnish Midsummer at the National Mall Washington D.C.:ssä kesäkuussa sekä Finlandia University Ruska Festival Hancockissa (MI) syyskuussa. Lisäksi suomalainen matkasauna kiertää maata koko vuoden. Lisätietoja: http://www.finland100usa.com/calendar. html 10.–12. elokuuta Kokkolassa järjestettävät Amerikan Päivät ovat myös osa virallista Suomi 100-ohjelmaa. Palautteesi Suomi-USA:sta Olemme tehneet Suomi-USAan visuaalisia muutoksia uuden taittajan myötä, joiden toivomme tekevän siitä entistä houkuttelevamman ja luettavamman. Kuulemme mielellään mielipiteesi näistä muutoksista. Laita meille kommenttisi sähköpostitse tai soita. sayl@sayl.fi, 040 522 9289. Saathan jo uutiskirjeemme? Olemme uusineet sähköisen Suomi-USA-uutiskirjeen, joka ilmestyy kymmenen kertaa vuodessa. Uutiskirjeessä on ajankohtaisia aiheita niin paikallisyhdistyksistä kuin Amerikasta. Jos et vielä saa uutiskirjettä sähköpostiisi, varmistathan, että meillä on osoitteesi. Voit tilata uutiskirjeen myös osoitteesta uutiskirje.sayl.fi AJANKOHTAISTA USA-hakemisto netissä, http://sayl.fi/usahakemisto Hello Finland! An embrace that soothes the soul I WAS BORN in Turku, moved to Helsinki city centre, then to Vantaa, and before I knew it I was a three-year-old girl on a plane moving to New York. This set the pace for what would become my life of finding my place in new environments time and time again. I have vivid childhood memories of accompanying my parents to functions with our “Suomi Amerikka” (Finnish American)” friends in New York in the early 70’s, especially at Christmas time. There was a relaxed atmosphere and a feeling of closeness. It was not until 20 years later, after having moved back to Finland for the first time, that I fully appreciated the significance of these club friends. Finland was familiar to me since I had visited my relatives here frequently. Residency, however, turned out to be very different than a vacation. Let’s just say I had some adjustment challenges. My initial excitement about coming back and discovering my roots faded quickly with the autumn sun. I was scared of walking home alone from work in the dark. I felt like I was always too loud or too lively or too colourful. And how in the world does life go on without the perfect brownies to smooth out the rough spots?! I LEARNED some important life lessons. For those of us with diverse backgrounds, fitting in is not about trying desperately to be like everyone else, but rather about finding our own path that includes a support network of people who make us feel at home wherever we are. Upon my most recent return to Finland, after having lived in Australia for eight years, a friend of mine who is active in the American Women’s Club forced me to attend one of the meetings with her. Entering a room where everyone has similar experiences feels like an embrace that soothes the soul. Not having to explain yourself at every turn and simply feeling like you are allowed to be yourself makes the days to come manageable. It’s also great to be able to share brownie recipes! JUST BEFORE Christmas I was involved with the AWC/ Finnish-American Society collaborative project of decorating a tree on the Seurasaari Christmas path in Helsinki. It was a moment in time where I felt like I had come full circle, back to those fond memories of days past in New York. I thank all of the people in my life who have shared their stories, their challenges and their triumphs. You have all helped me see that I am not alone and that I am accepted just as I am. Johanna Särelä, AWC Vice-President for Programs 18 SUOMI – USA
Suomi-USA | No1 2017
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