(This post was orginally posted on Aubry’s blog site. You can find this and other great articles at aubrygrace.com.)

the pros

Obviously this is a big change, but that doesn’t always mean it’s a bad thing. As my family and I prepare to move to Madrid, Spain next summer, these are the things going through our heads, trying to remember the life-changing experience that this is.

• The experience that we will gain as we move to a foreign place is huge.
• My sisters and I will be able to travel at such a young age and see things that most people won’t ever see or experience in their lifetime.
• For me, if I don’t try this out now, I may never. I don’t want to miss such an amazing opportunity.
• Social media and technology is so advanced.
  • Although phone calls aren’t as comforting as talking to people face-to-face, we are still going to be able to communicate with loved ones across the world.
• We will be practicing Spanish daily and will most likely be fluent after awhile.
• For me personally, I will be able to come back to the states if I find that Madrid is not a good fit for me.
• We will meet many new people from Spain, and any other countries we explore while living in Europe. 

the cons

• Leaving friends and family.
  • My brother and his new wife just got married two months ago. It will be really hard to be away when they start a family of their own.
• Leaving the town we were raised in.
• Moving into a completely new culture. (Culture shock)
• We have lots and lots of memories in this small town we call home.
  • As an Enneagram type 6, it’s hard for me to move on from good memories and to leave them behind. Looking through old pictures/videos is a hobby of mine, but it absolutely crushes me at the same time to know that we can never relive that moment.
• Missing out on friend/family get-togethers.
  • I have major FOMO (fear of missing out). I have some theories of where it came from, but seeing the people I love spending quality time together (one of my top love languages), knowing I couldn’t join them even if I wanted, is honestly painful.
• We won’t be able to spend holidays or big events with friends or family.
  • Thanksgiving isn’t even a thing is Spain !! 
• Financial/emotional security.
  • Being so far away from family and friends, we can’t run to them when our emotional stability is at an all-time low. If I can’t find a job, I can’t go back to one of my high school employers to be able to pay the bills. Finding jobs is HARD in Spain. 

tips to cope

• Trust in Jesus.
  • This may seem simple, but is actually really hard to remember when lost in the weight of the world.
• Pray. Pray. Pray.
  • Spending time talking to the Creator of the universe…there is nothing more powerful.
• Remember why we said “YES” in the first place.
• Research more about Madrid.
  • Finding cafes, landmarks, or other places we will likely visit when we get there. Getting ourselves excited!
• Remember, this is such a great opportunity that we are so blessed to have.
• Connect with someone that has previously moved to another country/culture.
  • Ask for some encouragement, share your thoughts. They could give some reassurance.

Change is hard. No matter who you are, I think that most everybody would agree that change is somewhat difficult. But even though it’s hard, you won’t ever be able to grow without it. Even though it can shake you to your core, make you break down mentally, emotionally, and even physically, it’s change that will help you become a better, more experienced individual. Through change and the support of Jesus Christ, we can change and grow physically, mentally, and emotionally.