The comings and goings of expats

The life of an expat* can be very fun and romantic.  Living in a foreign country is all about experiencing life on a different level.  Being a resident is very different from being a tourist on so many levels.  Culture immersion is key and being open to trying new things.

With an adventurous spirit, there are so many treasures to find.  Through food, cultural experiences, and seeking out fun, living abroad is mind opening.  Frankly, it is what you make of it.

One of the key factors of a successful expat experience is creating a community.  This can be difficult, especially if you don't have a job or classroom to create an immediate potential circle of friends.  It can be challenging to find a circle of friends when you don't speak the language and don't have the traditional avenues of meeting people.  Since I don't work outside the home, I have sought out friends at the park, my son's school, clubs, language classes, and other random places. 

When friendships are formed, it is so rejuvenating and exciting.  Living out of your element is such a bonding baseline.  I have made amazing friends here that mean the world to me. 

Although I am known to be a very friendly person, I'm very much a mixture of introvert and extrovert.  When I get my alone time, I love to be around people.  It is all about balance.  Sometimes this personality type challenges me to really get over the bridge between acquaintance to friendship.  But when I do, I really, really cherish these relationships.

The hardest part of making expat friends isn't necessarily finding people.  It is knowing that there will be a day that you won't be near each other anymore.  A lot of expats are in transition.  They come to their new country for a limited time. 

I have recently learned that two of my friends are scheduled for departure soon.  It is heartbreaking to learn this.  While I am so grateful that I live in a time of being able to keep in touch via the internet, I am reminded daily of the "out of sight, out of mind" mindset.  There are some people that are really good at staying in touch and others that simply aren't.  It is just a fact that is a reality for all expats.

Instead of wallowing in my sadness of their impending departure, I will make sure to enjoy the time we have left.  Memories shall be created.


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*An expat is defined as a person who lives outside their native country.  It does not mean the residency is permanent and therefore, the person is not necessarily an immigrant.  I am an expat because I don't know when or if I will return to the states.