Did I Make A Mistake In Moving To Grenada? | Moving Abroad With Kids 

Thanks for your kind words. The kids do complain a little less 😄. I've more or less found my rhythm and I'm getting closer to feeling settled. I hope you can visit the island one day

St Lucia and Grenada are very different when it comes to priority for education etc.

@@Swolecows ok. Education is a huge priority for parents in st lucia

@@tristybrooke33 That was the distinction I was making any why she maybe having some issues in Grenada

You're welcome! I think it's important to try to give folks all sides of the experience when it comes to moving overseas... Hope it helps to feel less pressure to have the "perfect" experience.

I had a similar conversation with an expat in Cozumel which is one of my favorite vacation destinations. This was awhile back but I was discussing how even though it’s relatively safe there and exempt (mostly) from cartel activity, there is still some trickle effect. They denied that any crime has happened there until I cited an actual article from one of their local newspapers. So yeah, rainbows and unicorns. They don’t want to talk about anything else.

All expat channels seem to be pretty transparent to me.

I totally agree One of the things i wish Zoe would ask these expats: have you totally removed from the UK or are you still paying into their pension systems for later in life (National Insurance contributions), do you have a bank account in the UK, life insurance etc. Someone people may say, yes I am completely closed out everything that will tie me to the UK, whilst others may say, no I feel that I still need a safety net for later in life, like paying in the State pension system - which one can still do as an expat. Someone may think that this is not a valid question, but we never know what's around the corner and what may happen later in life.

Thanks Aunty P! I always thought you'd moved back when you were younger. Sounds like my son is going through a lot of what you went through when you moved here. Can't wait to see you 🙌🏾

@@ExodusCollective just keep building his community and find ways to boost his confidence. Hopefully in December if not for Carnival 💗

@@patsyandall4781 that's so true. A sense of community is everything! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you🤞🏾

Thank you, its worth it for sure. Best of luck on your journey too!

You're most welcome. It's not the most exciting part to talk about but I imagine I'm not the only one who's going to face these challenges/learning opportunities 🙂

Congratulations Bulelwa 🎉🙌🏾! Had you been to St Kitts and Nevis before? Lots of folks from South Africa here too. I'd love to hear how you're finding it. I wish you and your family all the best!

Thank you so much 😊 It is our first time coming to the Caribbean.Talking about mistakes one thing we did not investigate properly was the school system,it is different compared to back.we start a school calendar in January whereas here they start in September🙆‍♀️ Our son started last week Monday and our daughter will only be starting this coming Monday.right now I can only pray they will be able to cope. Culture is different but we are very positive people and ready to learn.

St. Kitts is my birthplace. I want to relocate back too. Im also looking into Grenada because its outside of the hurricane zone.

Thank you Aimee! I'm glad to hear life in Portugal is treating you well too 😊

I love your words of wisdom! Life is about growth for sure. I'd love to hear more about your move to Carriacou - we should schedule an interview!

@@ExodusCollective I'm to shy & private princess for that kind of exposure . unplanned for sure, but un-regrettable.

@@tehuti9995 completely understand. Part of my dad's side of family hails from Carriacou so perhaps our paths will cross on the island anyhow✨.

@@ExodusCollective Will make it happen. Love too link & share!

Beautifully said

Thank you Gina 🙏🏾

Thank you Theresa, it's really good to hear that folks find this perspective useful!

Thanks! I appreciate your support 🙏🏾

Thanks for subscribing Dionne Marie! I hope you find the conversations useful 😊

I hope it helped and hasn't put you off 🇬🇩😊🤞🏾

@@ExodusCollective no it didn’t put me off but I needed to not just hear all the good things. I needed the truth.

I'm sure you'll fare better than I have 😆

Aw, thank you 🙏🏾! I really appreciate your kind words 😊

Wow speechless - fantastically ststated

Thank you 🙏🏾

Thank you! Yep, it's a reality reassessment for sure but there's no going back 😊

Aw, thanks Karen! I really appreciate your kind words. It's really tempting to try to make everything look perfect but hopefully others on their journey to move abroad will be reassured to know that "wobbles" are a normal part of the process and not necessarily a reason to pack your bags and come home. 😊

Yep, you're so right! You could die waiting for the "perfect" time!

Thanks for letting me I'm not the only one struggling with this! Where are you based?

Thanks Andrew! It's always good to hear from other folks who spent significant amounts of time in Grenada and survived 😁. You're absolutely right, even on the days when I'm pulling my hair out, the stunning scenery and friendly people I'm surrounded by let me know that 100 % Grenada is where I'm supposed to be right now.

Thanks!

That's a relief to hear your son loves the Caribbean now. How long did you spend in Dominica? I'm hoping it'll be the same with my son too - get him acquainted with the island while he's young even if his appreciation of Grenada doesn't kick in until later in life.

@@ExodusCollective we spent just over 2 yrs in DA. I can only imagine how emotionally challenging this must be for you, where our children are concerned we worry about the impact on them, but keep going if it’s what you want and need at this time because if you were not happy in the UK your children would also feel that too! Any change would be challenging. I recall you saying something like - we often remain where we are because we’re fearful and it’s what we know (comfort zone) lots of reflection me thinks and stay in touch with what feels right for you!!!!! Btw, I do enjoy your channel 🙏🏾

@@SylviaSmith_53Brend thank you, I value your wise words!

Thank you 🙏🏾

Thank you 😊

Give it a trial run, even if it's only for a couple of weeks. Anything is possible once you set that intention and take action ✨

The US have always been corrupt. It is just that things have happened in the last couple of years that have opened the eyes of the population to what the US is really all about. I would jump at the chance now that your children are this age, once they hit their teens, it then becomes more problematic. As you rightly said you want your children to have certain values and sense of well being and that is hard within the US and the UK - but it can be done.

Thanks for your kind words Jen, I really appreciate them. We're doing well - it's all just part of the journey I guess 🙂

Thank you Rachel! It's great to hear that homeschooling worked for you and your family. It's definitely an option I've looked into...

@@ExodusCollective I'd like to hear more about your progress. You are already their Primary Teacher 👍✌

You're welcome! Glad you found it useful and congratulations on making the choice to come to Grenada. You're right - perfection does not exist. This is definitely a journey so I guess I just need to trust that the kids will adjust as time goes on. Make sure to drop me a line when you get here and best of luck with your move!

Thank you 😊

Thanks Bubu, you reminded me that we need to connect!

Thanks Lee, I'm trying! Yeah Grenada is awesome but it's not for everyone - it's an acquired taste 🙂. It's small island, that's very laid back and life here moves fairly slowly. If that sort of thing appeals, there are definitely international folks and Grenadians to connect with on the island.

Good luck in making it back to the Spice Isle - definitely drop me a line when you're here.

Thanks Lee! I'm open to all possibilities. If you have any suggestions, please let's chat 🙏🏾

very wise words Sydney, thank you! Yes, Grenada does have it's challenges but where in the world doesn't? Don't worry, I'm not throwing in the towel yet ;-)

Thanks for your words of wisdom! 2022 is definitely the year of the oxygen mask 😊. Funnily enough I am considering alternative education options but I definitely want to get myself in the right place before I embark on that journey. Best of luck with your move too - it sounds like you have a great strategy in place for you and your son.

All I kno is I tink u have done quite well as life has it's ups an down u have to take it in u stride there r so many parts to dis i actually remember other stories of other people who went straight back to trinidad without carefully checking an testing like u did after an then in a matter of a short space if time they return back to d UK after having packed house an everyting an I always could never understand dis as me being a patriot I always look at life to remember where I came from which dat I take into account how laid back it is to prepare for dat going into a post office an taking long some people wanted to leave an come back on dat alone, an now a new thought just arrived having to leave by force I must say u right about having d rite people in u corner for d transition an it was nice to c u I felt so elated excited an happy for u children it was such a nice story I heard part 1 an I was looking everywhere I couldn't find u to c how u progress but now I found u I am still happy some people take there kids without preparation to all parts of d world don't knock u self u done well d kids done well I did d same coming to england mine was worse u r a very talented person an u operate u have dat on u side good luck for d future an tings Will go well with u

Hi Graham, great to hear you're considering Grenada! There are direct flights from the UK (Virgin & BA). Happy to schedule a call with you - do send me an email zoe@theexodus.co (not .com)

Hahaha keep watching, I might sneak the location in there one of these days 😉. As challenging as these initial months has been at times, there's still nowhere else on earth I'd rather be than Grenada.

@@ExodusCollective Thank you for your answer, ill watch out. If i dont have your secret spot by june we will come over!

Thanks Humaline. I'm definitely not throwing in the towel 😊

Sounds like you had an awesome childhood, not too dissimilar from my dad's growing up in rural Grenada. I don't think luck much has to do with my situation but I definitely acknowledge my privilege 🙂

If you speak to a lot of us from the Caribbean, they would tell you that even though those times were hard, it was the best time of their lives Even last night we had some friends over and we touched on this subject. We were poor, but so free and never hungry. There was always something to eat: mangoes, soursop, manciport, fat pork, sugar cane, apples, cashews, almonds, grapes etc and the sweetest water you can ever drink from the mountains. Yes, we can chores to do, no TV or games etc, but we made our own entertainment and enjoyed ourselves with what we had. We spent our time doing things that brought us enjoyment and happy memories now

A "hornest" Grenadian partner? That word sounds about right 😆. Forgive me for teasing you! Grenadian men are indeed very wonderful. Let's see what happens, a good and honest one would be nice 😁

@@ExodusCollective yes we are indeed wonderful...i wish i can say more...but i don't think here is the right place to do so...i wish you all the best...you deserve it....i will be happy if i should walk into you one day...take care of yourself and keep the faith...bye!

Hi Anne, the adjusting is still an ongoing process 🙂. As for the best areas to live that's a difficult one to answer as there are so many factors involved - not everyone's looking for the same thing. Feel free to book a call over at www.theexodus.co or give Miranda at Sapna Homes Grenada a call and tell her Zoe sent you. I'm sure she'd be willing to give you a some advice. Hope those two options work for you 🙂

@@ExodusCollective thank you for the suggestion and feedback..alot of work ahead for me but, a day at a time...🙋‍♀️

I'd love to do an interview with you! Can you please send me your details - zoe@theexodus.co (.co not .com). Thanks!

@@ExodusCollective sure I’ll send a message tonight.

@@SheisEileenLang thank you!

Hi, the lady in question is the fabulous Martha Cuffy. Here's her interview (you can also find her contact details in the show description) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-n-iuebAYZMM.html

@@ExodusCollective thank you that’s cool oh yes I have met and spoke to Martha. Great thanks for sharing.

@@BeHolistic nice! What a small world

Can foreigners purchase property in the Caribbean? Sure they can. I love your ambitions for your daughter. Good luck!

I work remotely with a company based in the UK.

Supply chain is a problem

I'm 100% Grenadian 😁

Definitely!

Enjoy your well earned freedom 🎉🙌🏾! Guadeloupe sounds like an exciting place to be at the moment. Check out this video if you haven't already ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ya-5T7LfGN0.html

Lol, I'd love to be able to afford a home with a pool... I'm not quite there yet 😉

Invite their friends round and serve island food - leave the foreign food that is killing us (McDonald's). Make your own pizza: salt fish or chicken (buy the dough) or get the children involved in planning the menu without the foreign food. Have a games night with their friends: monopoly, ludo, chess (if they cannot play - see if you can get someone to teach them) Not sure how busy you are, but start a chess club within your community - widen their circle of friends. Sometimes you have to think outside the box

Aw, sorry to hear that. What's keeping you from being happy?

@@ExodusCollective I'm not able to make the connections with people the way I thought I would. I really wanted to make friends, create family, but... I'm ... we are experiencing... well nothing close to my ideals. Also, I'm not feeling at home, or completely safe. I moved to get away from race issues and there's still quite a bit of that vibe sometimes and I thought we'd just fit right in but people stare at us during shopping or just being out. I don't mind the staring because I know I'm with a raving beauty, my 3 year old daughter, so it's to be expected 😏 But the main thing, is seeing my sweet girl try to play and make friends, and this little yt boy hit and pushed her. 💔 she was just smiling and talking to him. Wasn't just him, the African kids treat her... well she's outside of their circles. I feel the same, like an outsider, who people just want something from. My host, who's abnb we r living at, has attempted to guilt trip me into paying a cancelation fee outside of the abnb contract because she's issue with me changing our stay from 11 months to 2. I changed because she has a 25 year old son living in the back yard that was not disclosed, three dogs, who poop all over the large, lovely garden, which isn't ok for my daughter to play around, and she lives on the property in the scullery quarters. I was under the impression, we'd be here unbothered, but no. It's just... not... home! We've lived in Joburg, Durban, Pretoria, South Africa. There's a feeling I'm searching for but it's not here. I don't feel relaxed here, and I don't talk much anyway, but here... I talk even less after a few experiences. Feel like a turtle retreating into a shell. And I feel sad, alot, more alone than I was back in the US. Not the mom I want to be right now. The fact that it's winter here, isn't helping because cold just makes me wanna stay in the house. I cry in secret from my little one almost everyday because I want to find a place outside of the US that were we can be us, free, warm, happy, and have people in our lives that mean us well, don't treat us with passive aggressions, or want anything from my pockets... which I don't have! Oh, wow, I wrote alot, sorry, I haven't talked to another adult in like three days so I busting and unloading. Anyhow, I passed on the Caribbean to come to Africa because I thought I'd been here before before my daughter arrived. But it's not the same, I see things differently now.

@@trinadagriff1140 I really feel for you! Are there any groups for black folks who've moved to South Africa? Sometimes finding others who can understand what you're going through can help you feel a little less isolated. I remember catching up with another mum who'd moved with her son to Grenada and we spoke for literally 6 hours straight! Immersing yourself in a new culture is also but a dose of what you're familiar with can often work wonders too... I'll have a look online to see if I can get some suggestions for you. Do feel free to send me an email if you wanna connect privately - zoe@theexodus.co (not .com) Sending you and your daughter much love xx

@@ExodusCollective Thank you! I will email you. I have not come across any groups or other Americans, but once in Durham. Two women, younger than me, dressed like video vixens, hair to the floor, spent the whole time complaining about the food, their lodging, everyone was ugly... I ran as far away from them as possible. Thank you for this talk support is most appreciated. I will write to inquire. Right now I'm struggling with sleep and a serious case of the blues. Thanks again for letting me reach out!

Some people are small minded but enough aren't. I'm discovering that, even on an island of only 110,000 people it's still possible to find your tribe/s.

@@ExodusCollective So true and people in the US or UK are no better You have to take one day at a time and look at people not form the eyes of the UK, but from the eyes of someone now living on an island with your own kind

kids can b mean every where, lame excuse!! our kids don't go around killing dozens of there school friends,now that's mean,or wiping out there whole families,get a grip

@@davidgay5960 Well said.👍🏿

😆

Thank you 🙏🏾!

Thank you Natasha, I think the younger children are the easier it is for them to adjust. In some way your kids are the perfect ages! All the things you wish for are also what drew me to the island and the kids receive all of that in bucket loads (despite their complaining, lol). I guess at the end of the day we as parents just have to weigh up what matters most and accept that perfection is not to be found anywhere on this planet 🙂

@@ExodusCollective Well said