Let me begin by saying that we were thrown into a terribly challenging situation when we arrived in the UK. We were baptized by fire. We arrived very near to Christmas and had a very small introduction to my husband’s new work family before he was released for Christmas break and we were left to our own devices. Much like every big move, our stuff was in transit and we only had whatever would fit into our 2 large suitcases for an indefinite amount of time. Christmas would be slim and bleak. We anticipated that.

What we didn’t anticipate was that the letting agents (Americans: realtors who show rental properties) would all break for Christmas by mid-December. So, we settled into a small temporary apartment(s) and began searching online for a new permanent home. We moved 4 times in 3 months due to changing leases/rental agreements and availability. Once the letting agents opened back up around the 2nd week of the year, we started really seeing homes. After 3 long months, we found a place and settled finally had a home.

For perspective, when we moved to Korea, we were in our permanent apartment by day 10. Our belongings were delivered and assembled in their rightful places by 2 months. Wham bam thank you ma’am. Settled and content little ex-pats in no time at all.

So, here we are one year in and I am driving 35 minutes to a shopping centre that has become my little go-to getaway for a little retail therapy. As I am driving home with a passenger seat full of treasures and a left hand cradling a Starbucks latte, I realize I am finally settled. My husband is out of the country on business, I am driving in the dark, and I am singing wildly to Jess Glynne. How did this happen?

There’s definitely no trick to making a home abroad and there’s definitely not a set timeline, but you know it when it happens. And, it may take you by surprise. Somehow you’ve figured out the lay of the land, you can actually drive on the other side of the road [in the dark], and it feels like home. Sure, you still say “home” in reference to the place your family lives in conversation, but there’s a definite claim to this new place you spend all of your time.

I can definitely say to those of you struggling with making a home in your new overseas location, keep on. It will get easier. You will find a rhythm and a purpose. It may not look anything like what you were previously used to, but it will eventually make sense. And, don’t forget it’s OK to have moments, days, even weeks where you miss home and hate it here! but try to find the positives. Don’t spend too much time in those thoughts, because this is still your life and for better or worse, you are experiencing something in your lifetime that a select few get to experience. You will know yourself so much better because the entire world is your home.

❤ Kimberly