So the other day I talked about being reminded about contentment by watching House Hunters. Thinking about the show made me reflect on conversations that my wife and I would have while watching “Househunters International“.
This is where people would either make a permanent move to another country, or just purchase a vacation home. The people who were making a permanent move didn’t seem to have any real connections in the states and seemed at ease with their decision.
My wife and I would watch this show sometimes and think about whether we could really pick up and move to another country. I couldn’t imagine going about my life in the U.S. and then waking up one day and trying to find a home and establish a new life in a new place. I know that something as basic as car insurance laws and other specifics differ from state to state in the U.S., so I can only imagine the headache of trying to get that sorted out in another country.
And if we don’t manage to get on the show (does that even come on anymore?), then we will have to deal with learning all of the real estate laws for ourselves. Even a move to Canada (which is on the same continent) would probably be too much for me.
I couldn’t imagine us being that far away from our family. My wife and I have lived a combined 59 years in the U.S. (all of them in New Jersey), and I think it would be too much of a shock to go and live somewhere else. Also, if we don’t move to another country where English is the official language, we may have a hard time adapting. Also, we would have to worry about finding a strong, biblical church with expository preaching wherever we go…something much more difficult to do in another country.
I don’t even want to think about serious issues such as visas, dual citizenship, wills & estates, and all the other things which may be handled differently in the new country. There are other things that take up a lot of time and/or money right now that people have to contend with when they move to another country – even if the native language is English.
So when I think about it, I don’t think I will ever be in the position of the people on this show – willingly, cheerfully, and voluntarily moving to another country (it will probably be a necessity if it ever happens).
I don’t even feel comfortable with the idea of moving to another state! 
So What About You?
- Would you ever permanently move to another country?
- What would be some of the things that might stop you from making that move?
- For those of you who moved to a different country as an adult, why did you move and how difficult was the transition?
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{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
My parents did (and I’m grateful for it!)
I definitely would consider it, but NZ is a nation of expats (given we are a tiny island nation). I doubt it, as it’s important for my fiance to be close to his family, but it’s an option. Reasons to move would probably be financial and for better weather/health (it’s incredibly damp here).
What were the most difficult things to get used to with your move?
I could make a permanent move if our extended family came with us, but otherwise, I can’t imagine living far away for more than a year or two. Heck, we moved 5hrs away from our families more than ten years ago, and to this day I wonder if we made a mistake. I miss those close family relationships we used to take for granted.
I think this is so important. Family and my church family are the things that would hold me back the most. Do you plan on ever moving closer to your family?
I moved from France to Guatemala when I was 24. 8 years later I have lived in four more countries and come back to Guatemala. The first move was a bit complicated, mainly to understand the tax system and get a place to live, I had to ask a friend to be my default payment guarantee. Every move afterwards was smoother, you just get used to it. With skype and the like, friends and family can keep in touch, and I was always able to come back home at least twice a year. It has lots of advantages: cheaper cost of living, new destination to discover, new friends, interesting job opportunities… although family is still far and currently doing taxes in four countries is a hassle.
Wow…I think this is the first time I’ve heard of someone making that move. I would hate to try to understand the tax and legal system of one country, and you had to do this 4 times! Did you make the move alone or with family?
I moved alone. I don’t have a hard time making friends and usually moved to a new job which made things easier to get settled, socialize, etc.
Very interesting post. I moved half way across the world from Australian to the US to do an MBA here. I’ve subsequently remained here almost 8 years. It wasn’t intended to happen that way, it just happened. It certainly takes some time to get used to a new place. I’m unresolved about moving back to Australia, but whatever happens, I’ve enjoyed my time far more than I expected in the US.
Oh wow, that must have been difficult. Do you feel that you’ve left a lot behind in Australia? Was it difficult to make the initial decision to come here for school?
I think you have to separate fantasy from reality! It looks really nice, but it is a TV show. Before I would consider moving, I would visit at least a few times at different times of year.
I would never move because I have children here and I enjoy being with them and eventually grandchildren.
Exactly! I think people get caught up in the fantasy of moving to a paradise, and they don’t consider everything else that’s involved.
I wouldn’t move permanently, but it would be a fun experience for a short term stay. We’re supposed to hear back this month or next if we’ll be spending May-December in Canada for hub’s work, so I’ll have to let you know if we end up going!
Oh yeah, I saw you mention that on your blog. I’ll have to keep checking to see what happens.
My mom and I have talked about this before – we love House Hunter’s International! I would love to live somewhere temporarily, but have a hard time envisioning myself living somewhere away from my family. It is nice to dream though!
I think that show has probably caused many people to ask themselves this question.
I’m with you. I’d never want to deal with the hassle of moving to another country. I like living in the US and see no reason to change unless God were to call us to move.
I think your point about a solid church that exposits God’s Word every Sunday is extremely important. Most cities here in the US are lacking Biblical churches. I’m guessing the trend is as bad or worse in other parts of the world!
Oliver
That is a good point. I’m sure it would be harder to find true, biblical churches in many countries around the world.
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