The Adventure Before Parenthood: Our Year in Spain

A year in Spain: It was the period between our wedding and raising four children. Moving abroad was the best thing we did for our partnership, as it brought us closer together, and I'm grateful for the chance to journey the globe before the journey of parenthood.

Embracing a New Culture

Every midweek I cycled to my Spanish language class in central Madrid, sipping from my travel mug while practicing basic phrases with classmates from distant countries like Russia and Thailand. Sundays were spent exploring El Rastro’s vibrant stalls, offering items like bright scarves and bargain-priced underwear.

Right after tying the knot, and long before our family grew, we decided to leave our careers and relocate to Spain for twelve months. My husband secured a teaching contract at a local middle school, which facilitated our visa and housing. Meanwhile, I worked remotely for companies based in the US and Australia.

Strengthening Our Relationship

Residing thousands of miles from familiarity forced us to become each other's support system early in our marriage. This experience taught us to depend on one another deeply.

Our initial challenge was securing an apartment. We found a place but needed a rapid deposit, only to be stalled by ATM troubles. Joe, fluent in Spanish, ultimately found us a suitable location by Madrid Rio.

On the Camino de Santiago trek, Joe’s bee sting left him unable to carry his pack. I stepped up, carrying essentials between lodges, which tested and fortified our problem-solving and trust.

Exploring Europe Together

Long weekends and school holidays saw us exploring Europe, utilizing affordable flights to places such as Greece, Ireland, and Poland. Our journeys took us hiking in the Pyrenees, celebrating in Dublin, and reuniting with family in Lithuania, where we indulged in local traditions.

Without major responsibilities, we embraced the freedom to travel extensively within our budget, engendering a playful and joyful spirit in our relationship. It was an opportunity to dream expansively about our future.

Creating Our Own Path

Away from the familiarities of home, we had the freedom to discover what was truly significant to us, from adopting a slower lifestyle to forming a strong community and exploring uplifting locales.

I've often been told how fleeting childhood is, which I acknowledge, but I also recognize that marriage progresses swiftly. Neglecting time with one's partner results in missed moments together.

Future Dreams and Present Joys

While we aspire to live abroad with our children someday, doing so at present with a young family of six poses logistical challenges.

Until then, photos from our travels decorate our home, serving as a reminder of the strong bond and dreams we continue to cherish amidst the bustle of family life.