| Whirlwind changes seem to be our only constant since choosing to expatriate over two years ago. Although our official move to Mexico was in January 2002, Keith was none the less approached about the foreign position in May of 2001. Our lives have been in upheaval ever since. Keith and I without hesitation assert had we known then what we know now, we would be hard-pressed to jump into an expatriate "adventure" especially given that we have three almost-growns. We truly believe expatriation is for the young or youngin'-less! Not to say that other families with children haven't successfully lived in foreign countries...but taking a first crack at expatriation when the kids are in their teens is bordering on insane!! Change is difficult; change is exhilerating all the while intimidating. We've come close to saying the hell with it on more than one occassion but then somehow make peace with our new lifestyle and each other and agree to tentatively stay the course. I ran across a fitting quote from C.S. Lewis the other day - he wrote: "We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be." Expatriation isn't for sissies. Our advise for any would-be expat family - search out every available expatriate resource and understand that constant changes, especially in the first years, are normal and necessary. visit our expatriate links page |