An Unexpected Life as an Expat

If you were to tell me 4 years ago, I would be writing from my London flat overlooking the city skyline, I wouldn’t have believed you. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, God shakes up your reality.

Four years ago next week, in hindsight I realize this, I went on my first date with my husband, Matthew. He was visiting the U.S. for the lead up to the last presidential election, 2012. We had been friends for over six years at this point; but, he lived in London, and I lived in Washington, D.C. Long distance professional acquaintances.

Matthew was my one of my “British friends.” He would come to attend a political conference once or twice a year in the U.S., and we would catch up on all the political intrigue from both sides of the pond. His elegant, soft-spoken demeanor, reminiscent of Mr. Darcy, tailored suits, especially in the trousers, and, of course, his British accent, were always appealing, which made him distinct from my American political friends. There is such a charm about those Brits, I say.

As the dinner date progressed, it appeared that there was definitely something different about this catchup from our previous ones.  Electrical currents of chemistry flowed as we talked about our careers and plans for the future over wine and gourmet Indian food. He explained that he was preparing to launch a campaign, which would then take the U.K. out of the European Union. *Gasp* (Fast Forward 4 years: Matthew actually did accomplish this in June 2016 with the E.U. Referendum in the U.K.) By the end of the evening, I felt this strong aboding sense that my life was going to get rather interesting, and complicated, from here on out. 

And it did. I found myself in a whirlwind relationship with a man who lived overseas in another country. And this relationship did not feel like a vacation romance. There was a real sense of purpose and permanence to it.

“But God, this is not what I had planned! I cannot be in a long-distance relationship with a man and determine if he is ‘the one.’  God, I was going to marry a red-blooded American from a BIG 10 school; and we were going to attend tailgates before the football game. Remember???”

About 3 months into dating, Matthew had really impressed me with his answers to my questions about faith, his values, and vision for the future. Though not a Catholic himself, Matthew was a practicing Methodist, and we both respected one another’s faith journey. 

One afternoon, I was cleaning out a file of my confirmation letters from when I joined the Catholic Church in college. As I was reading these wonderful, heartfelt notes of encouragement and faith, the Holy Spirit overwhelmed and reassured me that I would have to trust Him as I did when I joined the Church. It was a very vivid memory in my discernment. I knew in my gut that I would have to visit Matthew in London, and that it would most likely lead to me moving there, away from family, friends, country, and the career I knew. 

My faith was imperative as I took the big decision to leave behind my American life and embark on a British one. It gave me the peace to remember I am not alone, to be not afraid, and that He has great plans for me prosper and to live life abundantly. He has a plan. As I assimilate here, His grace keeps reassuring me that His plan is always much better than what I could have ever imagined for myself. 

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Sarah Elliott is the Managing Director of an international business association after having worked in campaigns, headhunting, and external relations for a number of high-profile organizations in Washington, DC. She thoroughly enjoys bringing together international business leaders and creating the environment for unique, confidential, and key discussions to take place. In her spare time, you will find her traveling to somewhere warm, savoring a curry, and throwing dinner parties for friends and family.