When we first move overseas, we don’t often think about the long-term implications. It’s hard to wrap our minds around what nearly 20 years of life abroad will look like, or if we’ll even make it to that point. Quite honestly, not many people do stay for that long. Rachel Pieh Jones, the author of the book Stronger Than Death, speaks honestly within this episode about the unexpected grief and loneliness she has felt while staying overseas for the long-haul. She also shares about the things her family has done well over the last 17 years, the benefits of staying long-term, and why we need to start being more honest about the joys and the hardships of life abroad.

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Questions discussed during this episode:

What has it been like raising your kids in Africa and now sending them back to the States? What have been the challenges and joys in that?

Looking back, is there anything you did really well or wish you would have done to help prepare for this time when they’re being launched to extended family and friends?

Was there any awkwardness with the relationships of extended family members or do you feel like your kids fit right in and it was a smooth transition?

Do you feel like this stage in life is something that’s talked about enough in the expat community or something that’s not addressed?

What are some of the amazing things you’ve seen because you’ve been overseas for 17 years?

Have there ever been any close calls where you’ve thought, “maybe we should go home.” If so, how did you decide to stay?

Share with us the story behind your new book and what it’s about.

If you could encourage an expat woman right now, what would you say to her to help her fight the good fight one more day?