Living abroad is a wonderful opportunity and can be completely amazing. But even for the most adventurous, there will be times where expats simply miss home. It could be that you’re missing home because the honeymoon phase is over, that you simply haven’t found a connection with your new home country yet, you haven’t had a proper taco in ages, or that the distance between you and someone you love is just too much to bear.
Whether it’s one or all of those things, at some point in the journey an expat will relate.
After nearly 2 years of living in England, I consider the UK my home. Sometimes I don’t think twice about the distance between me and the ones I physically left behind because technology fills the gap, but sometimes it’s all I think about.
This week has been one of those weeks.
With forums available for expats to connect with other Americans who miss home too, I discovered a video and post titled “Expat Thoughts” by Grace Morgan.
Grace appeared in my feed as though meant to remind me that these expat feelings are real and we simply aren’t alone.
Whether you live in a different country or a different state, this California beauty’s message resonates about missing home.
An Interview With Grace Morgan About Expat Life & Missing Home
After watching her video, I had to learn more about her expat story and what motivated her to go live for other expats missing home, too.
Grace, where are you from?
I was born in Rhode Island and grew up in Yucca Valley, California.
What made you move to the UK?
Long story short, I met a British boy and fell for the accent! We’ve been married three years now.
How long have you been living abroad?
I’ve been living and working in the UK for 2 1/2 years but if you count all my visits here I’ve been here for about 4 years altogether.
What were you thinking about when you recorded the live ‘Expat Thoughts’ song?
I’ve really been struggling with homesickness this year and this song is about my husband who makes it all worth it in the end. Home is where the heart is as they say!
If you could title the song, what would you call it?
Home Again.
How do you stay connected with friends and family in the USA while living abroad?
Mainly Facebook. I used to use Skype a lot but everything is done through FB messenger now. Yay technology!
When you’re missing home, do you have 1 or 2 tricks to help battle those expat feelings?
I’m working on that! I wish I did. I usually call up an old friend or hang out with another expat and pig out on American snacks!
Also, a new weird thing of mine is listening to country music which I rarely did back home. It just makes me feel like I’m back in the desert or the 4th of July!
Ooh, me, too! What country music do you listen to?
I saw Kelly Pickler live once which was cool. I love Carrie.
Two current favorite songs though are Whiskey Glasses by Morgan Wallen and Down To The Honkeytonk by Jake Owen.
What’s been the best thing about living in England?
Being able to live with my husband. Long distance relationships are very hard, especially with an 8 hour time difference. Also, chocolate is much better here!
What’s the hardest thing about living in England?
I’m in a weird spot right now where I’m too foreign for here and too foreign for home so I don’t really know where I fit in.
I have a very small group of people who are close to me and most of my friends over here are other expats!
If there is one piece of advice you could give someone choosing to live as an expat, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid of being different.
I’ve really struggled with this in the past because I’ve been embarrassed by my accent and didn’t want locals to judge me and think I’m just another annoying tourist.
I was trying so hard to blend in that I lost myself a bit. Your nationality is a part of who you are and you should never feel like you need to hide it or apologize for it.
What’s the one thing you’d suggest to someone struggling with expat life and missing home?
Talk about it!
There’s nothing worse than carrying these feelings around all day long. Talk to your friends and family, find expat groups online. Having discussions about your struggles can help you find ways to cope.
Where can expats follow you or hear more of you?
You can find me on Spotify, Facebook, YouTube or on my website at www.gracemorganmusic.com.
Expat Thoughts: “Home Again” Lyrics
I never thought I’d end up here
A million miles, nowhere near where I came from
Where I was born and raised
I never thought I’d get so sad
Being away from mom and dad and my hometown
But I chose my place
And sometimes I picture things the way they might’ve been
And I forget why I’m even here every now and then
But I see your smile and hear your laugh and I remember when
When I’m with you
When I’m with you
I’m home again
More About Grace
Grace also has a song that aired on BBC Solent. Titled “Tainted”, you can listen and follow more of her on BBC Solent here!
Looking for more expat life resources? Try these.
- 10 Ways to Meet New People
- Tips to Help Your Kid Overcome Homesickness
- Moving abroad? Download the moving abroad checklist. Created for expats, by an expat who moved abroad in less than 3 months. All the steps in chronological order to get you organized to move from the USA to the UK. Download today!
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