Lately I’ve been forced to question my time in Kenya.  “Do you love it?” “How long are you going to be here?” “What’s next?” I’ve moved about 10 times in my life for jobs. The whole uproot and start over game has become a process of assimilation.  In fact I wrote it down a few years ago and recently revisited it.  

To be clear, I don’t move for the sake of moving, rather the romantic dream that there might be something more meaningful out there… I digress.  Whatever the reason is, it’s not always an easy transition.  This list is a general guide I’ve developed for myself.

1. Find a place to live that’s safe.  Then find a new place to live within 2 weeks to 2 months because you didn’t check for mold, pests, noise… Oh, and go grocery shopping, even if it’s at 2a.m. Being lost and hungry is the pits.

2. Smile and meet your new co-workers.  They don’t know the real you.  This is your opportunity to be the smart, sophisticated, mysterious woman you’ve always pictured.  This may also be the main reason you moved.  Put your best foot forward.

3. Set your affairs in order.  License, insurance, house problems, don’t let them linger.  They will be constant reminders of the things keeping you from feeling like you belong.

4. Find a way to do a hobby you’ve always loved.  Join a gym.  Not just join, submit your application for employment, and take on as many fitness classes as they’ll let you teach.  Ahhh, comfort zone.

5. After two weeks, and the initial, “I made it!” Call your mother.  Call your father.  Call anyone who doesn’t think you were crazy for moving in the first place.  And let them build you up.

6. Find a professional organization that fits you.  I generally resort to a young professionals group or in some cases whoever holds the most happy hours.

7. Find a way to do charity.  Connecting with locals who know the place and could use a hand is the quickest way to make a home. 

8. Start a new hobby.  Nothing gives you energy like something new to learn.  I took kickboxing so seriously I now have wrist and shoulder injuries… Oops!

9. Treat yourself.  Indulge in the comforts of home modestly.  After all, chicken wings and beer have made me who I am!  Something familiar can always reinstall the confidence when you start to feel out of place or misunderstood.

10. Choose friends wisely.  You’re vulnerable.  It always takes time to learn who you can trust. You make an easy target with your American accent.  Don’t be a fool, but do make friends.  All of the above will give you plenty of time to meet others.

This list is generally in the order I’d prefer, but naturally will have its own path.  When I realized my process was complete is when none of the things that stressed me out had anything to do with location.  On the bright side, none of the joys I experienced did either.  

You will always be exactly who you are no matter where you rest your head, however the beauty of travel is that it will continue to unveil little truths about you that you didn’t know.  For better and for worse.

If you’re happy, stay.  If you’re miserable, leave.  If you’re not sure, listen to the way you speak about your life to others.  If you’re selling them a story, or constantly complaining…