Lessons Learned and Essential Tips for a Successful Move Abroad
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 (NLT).
Most of us professionals and businesspeople who have moved cross-culturally have experienced life's challenges in a foreign country. Facing the unknown, developing new habits and building a new network of friends are lessons that help us grow personally and as believers. If we think of life as a school, living in a foreign country can help us achieve a life skill PhD. We can benefit from the lessons learned for the rest of our lives.
So, let me give you some context of my experience before sharing some valuable lessons I have learned on my journey as an immigrant.
I have lived in two foreign countries. I moved to the first one, motivated mainly by a lack of satisfaction since I could not find a job after finishing my degree. At the same time, I desired to have a life adventure. When I moved the second time, I desired to learn English, thinking that this would enable me to find a good job and have a better life.
On both occasions, I was not led by the understanding that God had a purpose for my life nor by the desire to be an instrument in His Kingdom. I learned these things later on my journey, and I am convinced that God used the challenges I have been through to reveal himself and his plans for me.
So, here are some of the valuable things that I have learned:
1. Faith.
If you move abroad, you must put your faith into practice. The Bible says, "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." Hebrews 11:1 (The Message)
When you move to a new country, you set yourself to face the unknown. Even if we have easy access to information and can get a picture of the country and culture where we are going, we do not know how we will react to situations and challenges. You have to have faith. You need to believe that things will work out well for you.
The future is unknown to us, but we can trust the one who knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10) and practice our faith through every step and situation we face because we know He loves us and has our best interest in mind. Through Jeremiah He reminds us,
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29.11 (NIV).
2 . God will never leave us alone.
Living far away from family and friends is one of my biggest challenges.
But I have learned that as God promised, he will never leave us alone. He said, “I will never, never fail you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (The Message)
On my journey as an immigrant, I have not only experienced His presence in the most difficult times of loneliness and other challenges, I have also learned that I can count on Him to bring people into my life who will help me in my struggles - people who are there for me even if they are not close relatives. God gives us a new family in Christ that will help us keep focused and firm in our purpose.
I feel very blessed to see the connections God has given me. Now, I can go to places I’ve never imagined I would and meet my big family in Christ. If we belong to Him, we will always feel at home and with family wherever we are.
3. Dependency.
Living abroad has helped me recognise how dependent I am on God. When we continue to do things we know, we get the sense that we can control situations, and we get the attitude that we can do things in our strength.
In another country, you get confused when you see that doing things the way you are used to does not work. Then you start to realise how much help you need.
If we let God be our helper, we will learn that he is always faithful and that whatever we go through in life, we can find rest in his presence, knowing that he is always there.
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. "
Ps 121:1–4 (NIV).
Challenge
Reflecting on all the lessons you have had in your journey, how can you apply what you have learned to the challenges you face today
Pray
Dear God, I can see how wonderful and faithful you have been through my life journey. I am so grateful for everything you have done in my life. When I face challenges, help me remember that you are always with me and for me and that I can be rest assured that you will help me get through once more because you love. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
By Viviane Meneghin
