Posts tagged furlough
The Do's and Don'ts of Home Assignment | Episode 15

We’re usually quick to notice where we fall short and often forget to celebrate the progress. In this episode, we’ll be sharing stories about milestones we’ve reached in our own expat life—and we invite you to do the same! It’s a great habit to acknowledge and celebrate the progress we’ve made. And speaking of celebrating, we recently reached a milestone for our podcast that you all played a huge part in!

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The Wonder in Returning

When we first moved overseas it was on a two-year commitment, unsure of what our future beyond that would hold. After a few months, we knew we wanted to make a life here. We enjoyed our jobs, had great chemistry with our co-workers, and loved the culture and people. Our kids adjusted exceptionally well, and although we dealt with our share of challenges, overall we had a wonderful first two years in our host country. When we left, we were excited to return.

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The Perfect (Emotional) Storm of Visiting "Home"

For a long time, The Perfect Storm was my favorite book. I picked up an extra copy whenever I saw it at a thrift store, so I could just give someone the book when I recommended it to them. I was fascinated by Sebastian Junger describing how the elements of weather, season, and human decision came together and created a perilous situation for so many people.

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An Honest Look at Going Back Overseas

I don't want to go back.There. It's out now.  Free for all of the web-a-world to see.  I've been afraid to say it out loud; fearful that admitting it will make me weak, wrong or make it more true.When we sold almost everything seven years ago and moved 10,000 miles away, it was easier.  The adventure was before me.  What's that old saying?  Ignorance is bliss.I had yet to get that call that my grandmother suddenly died in her kitchen, alone.  I hadn't missed my brother's medical school graduation.  I hadn't missed holding my new nieces and kissing their soft little cheeks.  I hadn't missed birthdays, Thanksgivings and Saturday morning cups of coffee with friends.The internet is a beautiful thing.  It helps me to stay connected.  But it can feel artificial.  I'm always watching life of my loved ones unfold on a screen while I am oceans away.I don't long for the perpetual heat.  And the people questioning my every move, watching my children like hawks and taking picture of us like they are the paparazzi and we are the Jolie-Pitt clan.

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