Last summer marked a significant milestone for my family and me as we bid farewell to the sunny shores of Curacao, Panama, and Aruba and embarked on a journey back to our roots in The Netherlands. After 17 years of building a life overseas, filled with adventures, friendships, and cherished memories, the decision to return to Europe was not made lightly.

Living abroad, we forged deep connections with our expat community, forming bonds that transcended borders. Our children, raised in international schools, embraced diversity and grew into global citizens, adept at navigating cultural nuances with ease. So, why leave behind such an idyllic life for the rain and cold of Europe?

For us, the decision was twofold. Firstly, with our youngest daughters on the brink of completing high school, the prospect of transitioning from the laid-back Caribbean lifestyle to the rigors of Dutch academia loomed large. We sought to ease this transition, allowing them to acclimate gradually to the Dutch education system and societal norms. And indeed, witnessing their resilience and adaptation has been immensely gratifying.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic served as a stark reminder of the importance of family proximity. Suddenly, the distance that once felt surmountable became a barrier to being there for our loved ones in times of need. Thus, the call to return home grew louder, prompting us to turn our considerations into concrete actions.

Resigning from our jobs and selling our beloved villa, laden with countless memories, was both daunting and liberating. But as I sit in my home office today, surrounded by the familiar hum of Dutch life, I am reminded that home is not defined by walls or geography; it resides within the embrace of family.

The transition back has been a mix of highs and lows. Reuniting with loved ones and partaking in everyday moments with them has been a source of immense joy. Yet, navigating the challenges of reintegration and finding a new rhythm has had its share of hurdles. Balancing work and family life, especially after the whirlwind of relocation, has required a recalibration of priorities.

We landed last July, and the first half-year was dedicated to settling in. Supporting our daughters in adjusting to their new school life, guiding our oldest daughter into her university journey, and my husband adapting to his new job with a relatively long commute were our primary focuses.

Exploring our new country became an integral part of our settling process. Although it felt like a return journey for the adults in our family, for our daughters, it was a new adventure in a country they had never lived in before. After nine months, it still feels as if we’ve moved to another country again, albeit without a language barrier. And we’ve come to accept that, knowing that not everyone around us understands our unique journey, except for our fellow repat friends. After all, 17 years is a long time to be away.

In addition to caring for my family, my days were filled with self-care activities, such as meditation, rest, walks, and tending to our home and garden. But soon, I felt the urge to re-engage with work. However, I knew I didn’t want to return to a traditional office job. Thus, I took a leap of faith and started my own business as a Virtual Assistant. In December, I embarked on a VA training program to equip myself with the necessary skills and knowledge to run a successful business in this digital age.

I’m usually a private person, but I felt compelled to share my journey and the birth of Vanessa van der Veldt VA. The repatriation experience isn’t always easy, and the expat lifestyle changes you in profound ways. It enriches your values, vision, and beliefs. It’s an experience I wish for everyone to have.

In the end, repatriation isn’t just about returning to a place; it’s about rediscovering yourself and embracing the journey of growth and change. And for me, that’s what makes it all worth it.