Expat Family Connection

Sometimes we lose track of how we impact those around us. Recognizing our power to effect change can be very uplifting. David says, “Thinking you can fix the world is totally naive. But it's not naive to think you can change it. We change it all the time, whether we like it or not.” Then it’s up to us to know when and how to engage with others who hold vastly different viewpoints. In this episode we talk about * Why so much patience is required when “returning” from abroad; * How to know when others have the bandwidth to hear what we have to say; * What a peaceful society really is; and so much more. RESOURCES mentioned in the episode: David’s Patreon community [https://www.patreon.com/DavidLaMotte] is where he shares music each week and hosts monthly gatherings online. This is a great way to support his work and get regular inspiration. At DavidLaMotte.com [https://www.davidlamotte.com/] you can find out what David’s up to these days, his TedTalk: Music Can Help Us Understand Peace and Conflict [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdwip2_gM8M], his book WorldChanging 101 [https://www.davidlamotte.com/worldchanging-101/], and so much more. Note: Music and books are most helpfully bought from DavidLaMotte.com [https://www.davidlamotte.com/]. LetsBeNeighbors.org [https://www.letsbeneighbors.org/] has signs, banners and stories related to building community and stepping across dividing lines. Kim is hosting a “Book Club” discussion group [https://resilientexpats.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/1125365] for international schools teachers / staff and parents. Sign up here [https://resilientexpats.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/1125365]. RATHER READ? I’ve got you covered with a transcript and blog post [https://resilientexpats.com/ep-28-you-are-changing-the-world-with-david-lamotte/]. ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? * Take a screenshot and share it with your friends … tag @ResilientExpats. You may also like: * ABOUT TODAY’S GUESTS: David LaMotte is a songwriter, author, speaker, and activist with over 3000 shows on five continents to his credit. He is also the co-founder of a non-profit organization that works with schools and libraries in Guatemala, and a husband and father. His passions include conversation, photography, peace work, music, poetry, and the Appalachian mountains, where he lives with his wife Deanna and son Mason. David is a Rotary Peace fellow with a masters in Peace and Conflict Resolution from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, and is the former Clerk (Chair) of the AFSC Nobel Peace Prize Nominating Task Group. His books include Worldchanging 101: Challenging the Myth of Powerlessness, and White Flour, a children's book inspired by the true story of a Klan rally that was subverted by a clown rally. He has traveled extensively and lived for a time in France, Australia and India. CONNECT WITH David LaMotte: Website DavidLaMotte.com [https://www.davidlamotte.com/] LetsBeNeighbors.org [https://www.letsbeneighbors.org/] signs, banners and stories Patreon community [https://www.patreon.com/DavidLaMotte] ABOUT YOUR HOST: Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream. CONNECT WITH KIM: Learn more about my Coaching & Mentoring services [https://resilientexpats.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/1122987]. I’d love to help guide you in your expat life journey. Live Q&A’s in my free Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/ResilientExpats] for international school teachers & parents Email [kim@resilientexpats.com] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/resilientexpats/] Resilient Expats LLC [https://resilientexpats.com/] website Facebook page [https://www.facebook.com/ResilientExpats]

Do you like the idea of built-in community and connection combined with plenty of privacy? Do you wish your children had freedom to play outside and with neighborhood friends at any time? Do you want to retire in a country with low cost of living, gorgeous weather and deliciously fresh, healthy food? Then it's worth your time to learn more about Greek Village Cohousing. “It's really for anyone who is drawn to community. That's what it comes down to. If you have a desire to be in greater connection with other people and connection with the land, then cohousing is for you.” Learn * What cohousing is (and isn’t); * Why it’s great for families; and so much more. I think you’ll be inspired! RESOURCES mentioned in the episode: Book your Free 30 minute call [https://www.picktime.com/ResilientExpats] to ask Kim anything! I’d love to help guide you in your expat life journey. Greek Village Cohousing website [http://www.greekvillagecohousing.com/] or Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/Greek-Village-Cohousing-100948052091127] Article in Athens Insider [https://www.athensinsider.com/were-all-in-this-together-cohousing-comes-to-greece/] about Greek Village Cohousing Video - hear from families & children [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HowsXEQhuJg] about the cohousing experience The Cohousing Association of America Cohousing.org [https://www.cohousing.org/] is a wealth of information and resources. Greek Village Cohousing are planning a community focused on healthy and relaxed living, being in nature near the sea and mountains, and giving children the enriching experience of having people around from many nations with all sorts of talents and skills to share. There’s an information coffee Zoom every Friday, and the Outreach coordinator and original founder Pare Gerou is available for any and all questions. Greek Village Cohousing has just re-opened membership, and has had lots of interest from expat families who recognize the wonderful advantages of living in a cohousing community. It’s an instant tribe for the children, with an enriching environment and wonderful sense of freedom. It’s a strong support system for parents and leads to a relaxed and more fulfilling life as a parent: No more planning playdates or driving children all over the place. Pare says she found her years in cohousing transformational as a parent. RATHER READ? I’ve got you covered with a transcript and blog post [https://resilientexpats.com/ep-27-re-imagine-community-with-ivy-summer-and-pare-gerou/]. ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? * Take a screenshot and share it with your friends … tag @ResilientExpats. You may also like: * Episode 18 - Identity and Belonging, with Anna C. Seidel [https://resilientexpats.com/ep-18-identity-and-belonging-with-anna-seidel/] ABOUT TODAY’S GUESTS: Ivy Summer is a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) expert with a decade of experience who has helped hundreds of people routinely become proactive allies to marginalized and oppressed groups in a multitude of ways. Her mission is to empower organizations to benefit from unique contributions that stem from the diversity of their employees and customers. She has coached folks in building a routine in their own business by doing an internal audit on contracts, websites, sales copy, imagery, email campaigns, and marketing to make inclusion a cohesive component in a brand. Outside of her DEIB work with community-based organizations, nonprofits, and big tech, Ivy has coached yoga instructors, piano teachers, retirees, parents, social media influencers, and more to help them make incremental changes to express allyship in both business and interpersonal parts of life. Aligned with her mission to empower and enable others, she offers pre-built event plans for DEIB-themed workshops that are designed for you to facilitate in your own community. Pare Gerou is an Immigration Attorney with a specialization in refugee law, and she spent many wonderful years raising her son at Touchstone Cohousing in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was there that she fell in love with cohousing as a parent, and during the pandemic, she decided to marry her love of cohousing with her love of Greece.  As a child, she relished her summers on the beautiful island of Lesvos.  Now with her cohousing group of wonderful talented people, she is looking forward to fresh food from the Greek gardens and cooking with friends, trips to the beach and hiking in the mountains, learning Greek folk dance and listening to music, living with warm and welcoming people of Greece, exploring a beautiful country, and living a Greek lifestyle that is genuinely happier and healthier in her opinion. CONNECT WITH Ivy Summer and Pare Gerou: Greek Village Cohousing website www.GreekVillageCohousing.com [http://www.greekvillagecohousing.com/] and Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/Greek-Village-Cohousing-100948052091127] Email Pare: GreekVillageCohousing@gmail.com [GreekVillageCohousing@gmail.com] Email Ivy [ourlifeinreview@gmail.com] Ivy’s website: ThatPlace.Rocks [https://thatplace.rocks/] Ivy on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pocketfulofawesome] Instagram: @LunchWithIvy [https://www.instagram.com/lunchwithivy] ABOUT YOUR HOST: Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream. CONNECT WITH KIM: Book your Free 30 minute call [https://www.picktime.com/ResilientExpats] to ask me anything! I’d love to help guide you in your expat life journey. Email [kim@resilientexpats.com] Resilient Expats LLC [https://resilientexpats.com/] website Facebook page [https://www.facebook.com/ResilientExpats] Free Parents Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/ResilientExpats] on Facebook

As TCKs (and adults) work through the complex issues of identity, place and belonging, it can be really hard to express what’s going on inside. We may need an expanded vocabulary. We may need permission to be outside of prescribed standards. “When we use creativity and tell our stories in creative ways, it opens up a different way of processing. It helps us to get past the expectations we have for ourselves.” In this episode we talk about * How telling their own stories helps TCKs connect with others; * Why practicing telling their own stories is important even for families who are great communicators; * The critical life skills built through interacting with the arts; and more. RESOURCES mentioned in the episode: Check out the monthly interactive online Art Party for little global learners. It's perfect for ages 4-10 and it's a ton of fun! For Art Party announcements, make sure you’re on The Culture Canvas newsletter [https://culturecanvas.org/about/]; you’ll also get TCK book recommendations and learning resources, and updates on a workshop series for families in transition to connect around the dinner table and creatively process together. Mosaics activity [https://resilientexpats.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/1090732] for processing life events and intentionally shaping our narratives. Flash Sale: Buy this week and get a live debrief session included. expats.together. weekly live chat [https://www.facebook.com/AdaptandSucceedAbroadCoaching/events/] for a dive into interesting & relevant topics, and find connection + social support RATHER READ? I’ve got you covered with a transcript and blog post [https://resilientexpats.com/ep-26-unlock-hidden-expectations-with-abby-williamson/]. ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? * Take a screenshot and share it with your friends … tag @ResilientExpats. You may also like: * Episode 21 - Creating Life Mosaics [https://resilientexpats.com/ep-21-creating-life-mosaics/] * Episode 22 - Reclaim Agency through Storytelling, with Kate Jetmore [https://resilientexpats.com/ep-22-reclaim-agency-through-storytelling-with-kate-jetmore/] * Episode 23 - Craft Your Story with Purpose, with Christine Taylor [https://resilientexpats.com/ep-23-craft-your-story-with-purpose-with-christine-taylor/] * Episode 24 - Theatre Skills for Life, with Natasha Rekhi [https://resilientexpats.com/ep-24-theatre-skills-for-life-with-natasha-rekhi/] ABOUT TODAY’S GUEST: Abby Williamson is an arts educator living and working in Kathmandu, Nepal with her husband and two sons. She is committed to creating learning resources and learning environments for kids to grow in global perspectives, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. She started The Culture Canvas out of a passion for the arts and how they can be a catalyst for creativity, compassion, and connection. CONNECT WITH Abby Williamson: Website: CultureCanvas.org [https://culturecanvas.org/about/] Instagram: @abbyverity [https://www.instagram.com/abbyverity/] Email [abby@culturecanvas.org] ABOUT YOUR HOST: Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream. CONNECT WITH KIM: Email [kim@resilientexpats.com] Resilient Expats LLC [https://resilientexpats.com/] website Facebook page [https://www.facebook.com/ResilientExpats] Free Parents Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/ResilientExpats] on Facebook Apply Now for 1:1 Support [https://resilientexpats.com/adapt/] to smooth your transitions & maximize your expat experience

Saying goodbye is unfortunately a staple of expat life. For me it’s the worst part of living abroad. I was recently asked, “Do you have any tips for a teen who resists saying goodbye?” Here’s my expanded answer. The tips I share here are relevant for adults as well as children, whether you’re the one leaving or staying. I talk about * Being in denial; * The normal process of disengaging; * Honoring different styles; * Prompts to help those who aren’t sure how or what to say; and more. RESOURCES mentioned in the episode: Check out the gift ideas for expats [https://resilientexpats.com/vip-vault-opt-in/] I’ve put together for you. Healing Your Grieving Heart for Teens: 100 Practical Ideas [https://amzn.to/30ejU04] Simple tips for understanding and expressing your grief by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. Mosaics activity [https://resilientexpats.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/1090732] for processing life events and intentionally shaping our narratives. Flash Sale: Buy this week and get a live debrief session included. expats.together. weekly live chat [https://www.facebook.com/AdaptandSucceedAbroadCoaching/events/] for a dive into interesting & relevant topics, and find connection + social support RATHER READ? I’ve got you covered with a [LINK] blog post. ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? * Take a screenshot and share it with your friends … tag @ResilientExpats. ABOUT YOUR HOST: Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream. To inquire how Kim can support you, send an email or use the contact form [https://resilientexpats.com/adapt-succeed-together/]. CONNECT WITH KIM: Email [kim@resilientexpats.com] Resilient Expats LLC [https://resilientexpats.com/] website Facebook page [https://www.facebook.com/ResilientExpats] Free Parents Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/ResilientExpats] on Facebook Apply Now for 1:1 Support [https://resilientexpats.com/adapt/] to smooth your transitions & maximize your expat experience

Theatre gives kids a chance to relax and express themselves -- and explore new ways of being -- outside the boundaries of classroom rules or societal expectations. “When they're in a very safe environment, like a theater class, they feel very relaxed because it's not like the general classroom environment. They also don't know what to expect, so it is a bit of a surprise. It's a safe place. It's a social place.” Theatre helps develop language and communication skills, resilience in stressful situations, and acceptance of people from different backgrounds. We also talk about * Being playful together, even if you don’t have a creative bone in your body; * The benefits of collaboration in any form; * The four C’s woven into all of Theatre4Kids sessions: Communication, Concentration, Creativity, and Confidence. and more. RESOURCES mentioned in the episode: For the latest opportunities to build theatre skills with ages 5-17 -- summer camps, virtual productions and interactive virtual plays on Zoom where audience and actors solve the mystery together! -- contact thetheatre4kids@gmail.com [thetheatre4kids@gmail.com]. Online drama is a creative and engaging activity, safe and convenient for families. It’s a great way for kids to socialize, share and connect with children living in different countries, and a virtual production provides a great way for families and old friends to connect long distance. Mosaics activity [https://resilientexpats.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/1090732] for processing life events and intentionally shaping our narratives. Flash Sale: Buy this week and get a live debrief session included. expats.together. weekly live chat [https://www.facebook.com/AdaptandSucceedAbroadCoaching/events/] for a dive into interesting & relevant topics, and find connection + social support RATHER READ? I’ve got you covered with a transcript and blog post [https://resilientexpats.com/ep-24-theatre-skills-for-life-with-natasha-rekhi/]. ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? * Take a screenshot and share it with your friends … tag @ResilientExpats. You may also like: * Episode 21 - Creating Life Mosaics [https://resilientexpats.com/ep-21-creating-life-mosaics/] * Episode 22 - Reclaim Agency through Storytelling, with Kate Jetmore [https://resilientexpats.com/ep-22-reclaim-agency-through-storytelling-with-kate-jetmore/] * Episode 23 - Craft Your Story with Purpose, with Christine Taylor [https://resilientexpats.com/ep-23-craft-your-story-with-purpose-with-christine-taylor/] ABOUT TODAY’S GUEST: Natasha Rekhi is a drama educator and public speaker based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. She has taught children in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. During the global pandemic she founded Theatre4Kids: a virtual drama education program that has since been accessed by 15 nationalities across two continents. She is also a teacher of drama at the International School of Amsterdam and a presenter on the radio station Broadcast Amsterdam. Natasha aspires to make theatre education accessible to children around the world by providing a safe, convenient and multicultural learning environment that promotes diversity and inclusion and develops empathetic and innovative thinkers of tomorrow. CONNECT WITH Natasha Rekhi: Email [thetheatre4kids@gmail.com] Facebook: kidsoftheatre [https://www.facebook.com/kidsoftheatre/] Instagram: @theatre4kids [https://www.instagram.com/theatre4kids/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-rekhi-bba45551/] ABOUT YOUR HOST: Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream. To inquire how Kim can support you, send an email or use the contact form [https://resilientexpats.com/adapt-succeed-together/]. CONNECT WITH KIM: Email [kim@resilientexpats.com] Resilient Expats LLC [https://resilientexpats.com/] website Facebook page [https://www.facebook.com/ResilientExpats] Free Parents Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/ResilientExpats] on Facebook Apply Now for 1:1 Support [https://resilientexpats.com/adapt/] to smooth your transitions & maximize your expat experience