If you’ve followed me for a while, you will know how much our family gained from living overseas for seven years. We grew as a family; it was “the making of us,” as I like to say. This post has been 8 years in the making. I share our ups and downs of living abroad to inspire others. Every twist in our expat journey, including a life-altering event, comes from a place of helping and sharing experiences.

Life sometimes takes us on unexpected journeys, like our international move from the comfort of our home in the United States to the gorgeous shores of Sydney, Australia. This move marked a significant shift from our familiar home country to a new one. It involved selling most of our belongings, including my treasured vintage items like lamps, furniture, and pottery, as we adjusted to a new home in this destination country. For those of you who are collectors and love flea market finds and your personal favorite home decor possessions, I know you can relate. Despite the challenges, this experience brought about resilience, beauty, and unforeseen blessings for our family.

Before we transitioned to Sydney, we were enjoying a hot summer in 30A with loved ones, only to find ourselves amid winter upon our arrival in Australia a couple of days later. The 17-hour flight from Dallas to Sydney, accompanied by our 4 and 9-year-old children, surprisingly went smoothly, setting a positive vibe for our new adventure in this new environment. I remember a mix of every emotion possible during the trip. I left my parents and brother behind and all of our dear family and friends, and as we left for the unexpected and new, we would soon be on the other side of the world within hours. To this day, whenever I hear Sufjan Stevens’ “Should Have Known Better,” tears will flow, just like they did in the middle of the night on that long flight. The song serves as a powerful reminder of the biggest decision we ever made: leaving our country with our kids and embarking on that very first Qantas flight to soon become an expat family.

Upon arrival, our initial quest for everyday necessities like lunch for the kids and a matcha tea led us to navigate hurdles such as credit card differences and currency conversions. These early challenges, from setting up bank accounts to adapting to a new lifestyle and culture, kickstarted our journey in this vibrant new location. The search for local amenities like grocery stores, schools, and healthcare facilities presented a steep learning curve, but each obstacle was met with determination, stress and a sense of exploration.

A New City, a New Beginning:

Our move to Australia was initially work-related, stemming from my husband’s job opportunity at Enterprise. Reflecting back on our life in Frisco, Texas, with its cherished walk-in closet featuring a stunning window and plantation shutters, our decision to embark on this international move was met with excitement and eagerness for a new beginning in a new country. We had both worked hard by this stage in life to buy a beautiful and spacious home surrounded by close friends and family. We were grateful for this new opportunity and enjoyed it fully in our short 9 months of living there.

Arriving in Sydney in 2015 marked a significant shift from our Texan roots. The lively urban landscape immersed us, contrasting with the suburban tranquillity we were accustomed to in Austin, San Antonio, and Frisco. The initial mix of excitement and uncertainty propelled us to navigate this new environment eagerly.

Transitioning to a snug temporary 2-bedroom home in Sydney’s central business district, reminiscent of the bustling aura of New York City, we soon realized the need for a more family-friendly setting. My husband’s acclimatization to driving on the opposite side of the road became a daily challenge, while I juggled exploring the city with my daughters and scouting suitable schools by night. Basic tasks like obtaining local currency, setting up bank accounts, and managing other essentials added to our adjustment process.

Exploring Sydney with our daughters introduced us to a blend of excitement and adventure, from shopping for original Uggs to savoring sweet treats near the iconic Opera House. Despite the thrill of new experiences, the absence of our familiar support network weighed on us, underscoring the daunting aspect of our journey.

In the midst of adapting to cultural differences and daily challenges, serendipity led us to Paddington, a charming neighborhood that captured our hearts with its quaint charms. Initially, I embraced a car-free lifestyle, so I navigated the area on foot, ensuring our daily needs were met before conquering my fear of driving on the opposite side of the road. This adjustment period was filled with nerves, but following the lead of the cars ahead helped me ease into the new driving norms.

Overcoming the challenge of finding a suitable living space, we downsized significantly and transformed a modest 1,100-square-foot terrace into a cozy home, imbuing it with warmth and familiarity. The process of settling in, though marked by adjustments and cultural disparities, was a testament to our resilience and determination to create a sense of belonging in our new Australian abode while eagerly anticipating the arrival of our belongings by ship in the months ahead. Fast forward about 6 months…

A sudden tragedy struck our family as we fast-forward a year and a half into our Sydney journey abroad. A devastating house fire tore through our beloved three-storey terrace, resulting in the loss of our cherished Persian cat, Oxford. While the ordeal tested our resilience, we found solace in the fact that our family escaped unharmed.

The incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety. We were fortunate that our functioning smoke detectors alerted us to the danger, allowing us to evacuate safely in the late hours of the night. Initially caught off guard by the absence of a fire extinguisher in our rental home, I sprang into action at 11:30 pm after falling asleep to discover the fire originating from the dryer (located in the kitchen), moving as fast as I could to ensure the safety of my two daughters. As I searched under the kitchen sink (where fire extenguishers are located in the USA), only to discover we didn’t have one at all. Deep breaths…

In a panic, I ensured the safety of the children, striving to meet the challenge of handling this traumatic experience as a family with the help of our community. Despite the heartbreaking loss of our pet, the incident highlighted the community support’s significance and the importance of preparedness in such emergencies.

Rebuilding our lives in the aftermath of the fire, moving forward with determination, reinforced the significance of renters insurance and proactive fire safety measures for family well-being. Grateful for the outpouring of support from our community abroad, we embraced the opportunity to not only rebuild but also educate others on the vital need for a fire safety plan, accessible fire extinguishers, and functional smoke detectors in their homes. I have these emergency fire blankets now in my kitchen, garage and laundry room. These are my favorite mini extinguishers, which are easy for everyone to keep all over the house in your cabinets. We use these smoke and carbon monoxide detectors now in our home.

Finding Strength in Challenges:

Following our international move to a new country, the devastation of the fire prompted reflections on the importance of family members and home country ties. Navigating the challenges of settling into a new home in a foreign land, we were grateful for the support of our community during this difficult time.

While the ordeal tested our resilience, it couldn’t overshadow the desire for new adventures and experiences in our destination country. With younger children in tow, we embarked on a journey that not only introduced us to a new culture and local language but also highlighted the significance of having a support network in times of need.

The process of finding a new home and adapting to the local environment became a testament to the strength of our family life. Discovering the value of social media in connecting with new friends and local school communities, we embraced the moving process as a challenge that brought us closer together as an entire family. Amidst the culture shock and adjustments, we found solace in knowing that every new experience was an opportunity for growth and a step towards building a better life in our new location.

Blooming Down Under:

Living in Australia introduced us to a cultural shift and a new way of life, causing us to experience a sense of culture shock as we navigated the nuances of this vibrant destination. Amidst settling into a new job and ensuring international health insurance coverage for our expat children, the overseas move presented challenges and new experiences for our whole family.

The process of moving to this new destination tested our resolve and brought us closer together as we familiarized ourselves with public schools, dental care, and other essential services in our host country. Building a support network became a crucial part of the move, offering guidance and a sense of community during our transition.

Embracing the opportunities presented in this new environment, we found ourselves forming bonds with new people and immersing ourselves in the local culture. As we adjusted to life Down Under, the decision to make the move proved to be the right one, enriching our lives in ways we had not anticipated. With familiar items from home and a to-do list guiding our daily tasks, we navigated this new experience with a deep breath and an open mind, ready to embrace the unknown.

Living in Australia not only broadened our horizons but also provided an excellent way to explore new adventures and make the best of this great experience. As we settled into our new city and found the right school for our children, we discovered the beauty of simplicity in design and everyday life, deeply influenced by the Australian aesthetic and ethos of “less is more” in creating gorgeous yet understated environments. The blend of old and new, the welcoming local people, and the captivating landscapes all contributed to our newfound appreciation for the beauty and charm of this new chapter in our lives. I found this group really helped me also with resources as an expat.

A Lasting Impact:

Australia transcended being just a spot on the map; it became a treasured memory etched in our hearts. The friendships formed, experiences cherished, and lessons imbibed will forever resonate within us. Our son, born in 2019, stands as a precious memento of our time there. Grateful for the highs and lows, our journey transformed our family in profound ways since our arrival in 2015.

During our time Down Under, we not only explored Australia but also ventured to work in New Zealand and travelled to Thailand, Indonesia, and beyond. These experiences broadened our perspectives, revealing the contrast of a minimalistic way of life to the consumption-driven culture we were accustomed to in the States. The exposure to loss and the simplicity of Australian living left an indelible mark on us, prompting a reevaluation of our own priorities and values.

Now back in the USA, our daughters continue to embody the minimalist ethos they absorbed abroad, understanding that material possessions do not define happiness. Their realization, cultivated among their peers and experiences overseas do fill us with pride. Gratitude extends to my co-workers for the opportunity to contribute and develop a furniture collection, a venture that emerged unexpectedly amid the journey of being lost and uncovering hidden gems in a new city.

Our time abroad showcased the transformative power of taking risks and embracing the unknown, whether through travel or living in a foreign land. The challenges we faced, and the triumphs we celebrated fueled our growth and learning. These experiences have truly thought us that each day is a special gift.

In loving memory of Oxford, our beloved pet.

Conclusion:

Our time in Sydney, Australia, transformed our family as we navigated a new culture and built lifelong friendships that enriched our lives. Despite facing hardships like the home fire and losing our beloved cat, Oxford, these challenges ultimately made us stronger and more resilient. Australia has left an indelible mark on our hearts, challenging, inspiring, and shaping us in ways we never imagined.

Feel free to reach out if you’re considering an international move as a family. I would love to chat with you anytime and share insights from our experience.

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