This month, I celebrated my ten-year anniversary of living in Africa. It’s incredible to think that a decade has passed since I left my Washington, D.C. apartment and settled down in Juba, South Sudan. So much has happened in the past ten years – I’ve lived in four different countries on the continent, became a Country Director in 2015, tied the knot with Sheila in 2016, and welcomed Levi into the world in 2020.

I had a conversation with a former colleague from my time at the American Bankers Association (ABA) before departing for South Sudan. He asked me when I planned on returning to the United States, to which I replied in two years. He looked at me and predicted that I wouldn’t come back. I laughed at his premonition, thinking it was unlikely. However, he explained that those who leave the country for professional opportunities often find new opportunities that keep them from returning to the United States. As it turns out, he was right. It’s been ten years, and we still don’t know when we’ll return. Before joining IRI and moving to South Sudan, I struggled to find a job. My former boss at the ABA even told me that he thought I would be in Africa by now.

As I was going through my first-anniversary blog, I came across a statement where I had mentioned that I was eagerly anticipating my move to South Sudan because the past six months had been quite turbulent as I was unemployed. Someone had chuckled on hearing this and said that not many people moved to Africa with the intention of finding stability.

Recently, my doctor in Mobile, Alabama asked me if I enjoy living outside of the United States. I replied with a yes, as I have grown accustomed to my life outside of the country. Although there are many things I miss about living in the United States, such as the box supermarkets that offer a wide range of food, the massive freeways that allow for easy travel throughout the country, the over-the-top American holidays with lots of food, and the proximity to my family. Despite being lucky enough to visit my family twice a year in the United States, I am unable to participate in many of their small milestones. However, I have become a global citizen and have come to appreciate the communal and relaxed nature of people on this continent.

I often reflect on the day I arrived in Juba, South Sudan. I was uncertain of what to expect and if I would make it through the month. Unfortunately, after only six months in the country, I had to evacuate. I returned to Washington, D.C. a few months later, but this time, I didn’t have a home in the city. I worked from a makeshift desk in an office that was relocated every two weeks since I was sitting at someone else’s desk. Despite my lack of stability in South Sudan, I found it in Nigeria of all places! I lived in the same apartment for five and a half years.

As I celebrate my ten-year anniversary on this continent, I will use my blog to reflect on how my perspective towards the United States and the world has evolved over time. Additionally, I’ll share my experiences of settling down as a family and raising a child in different countries.