I read something somewhere on the interwebs that spoke to me. I ran across right after I had repatriated and it embodies some of the most difficult parts of living somewhere unknown.
"Start slow, go to a new place. Alone. Go to a city by yourself. Go on a vacation, alone. Throw yourself out there. Your own sink or swim. When you begin to panic and want to go home that is when your fight or flight will kick in. That true inner strength will shine through. You will fight it out and you will thank yourself later." - Rachel Rae
I threw myself out there not knowing what to expect, and I was gobbled up and spit out as new person. I did not know panicking and wanting to go home was part of the deal, but at some point and time you are bound to feel it as a first time expat. I learned more things about myself than I ever knew and I conquered my fears. Every day will have its battle as an expat in a strange and foreign land. Finding new safety bubbles and new comfort zones where achieving small tasks will be monumental achievements. After awhile the panic and the overwhelming desire to go home will subside and you will begin to feel comfortable in your new home.
Moving to Venezuela with only two bags, no Spanish, and no friends or family was the most terrifying experience of my life. It was also the most rewarding.
