Our Journey: Becoming Parents in a Foreign Land
Becoming parents is a life-changing experience. But for us, raising our 4-month-old baby boy, Elay, while living abroad has brought a unique set of challenges and rewards that we never could have anticipated. I’m not here to talk about the fact that I gave birth in September 2023 while my partner was on another continent, but rather to share my experience as a first-time mom navigating motherhood in a new country.
We moved to Sierra Leone at the beginning of 2024 when Elay was almost 4 months old, and it has been a rollercoaster journey ever since. As a couple, we’ve navigated the joys and difficulties of parenting in a new country, learning to balance our roles as caregivers and partners in an unfamiliar setting.
Adjusting to a New Environment
One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced as new parents abroad is adjusting to a completely different environment. Everything—from healthcare systems to baby products to living in a new apartment—has been different from what we experienced in Lebanon. At times, it’s overwhelming to the point of frustration, but it’s also exciting to see how Elay is adapting to his new life in Sierra Leone.
Living in a different culture has taught us a lot about flexibility and embracing the unknown. Whether it’s figuring out how to communicate with doctors in a new language or finding baby-friendly spaces in a city we’re still getting to know, we’ve had to be resourceful and patient.
The Emotional Toll of Motherhood Abroad
One of the hardest things for me has been staying home alone with Elay while my husband works. It was a completely new experience for me, as I’ve worked ever since I started attending university, and I wasn’t prepared for the emotional weight it would carry.
In the early days, I found myself feeling exhausted to the point of tears. I wanted to be the best mom for Elay, but there were moments when the constant caregiving felt overwhelming. I would sometimes lose my patience and start shouting, only to be consumed by mom guilt moments later, feeling as if I was choking under the weight of it. With no family nearby to lean on and no friends around for a quick break, the days felt long, and the nights even longer.
Sleepless Nights and Mental Exhaustion
Elay’s sleep struggles added another layer of stress. The sleepless nights left me feeling anxious, constantly trying to figure out what was wrong while still being a present, loving mother. The lack of rest, combined with being alone all day with Elay, made me feel like I was running out of batteries.
Sometimes, all I wished for was just a 30-minute break to recharge and catch my breath, but that was hard to come by. The exhaustion, the constant worry, and the emotional rollercoaster were real, and there were days when it all felt too much.
The Small Moments That Make It All Worthwhile
Despite the challenges, there are so many moments that make this experience worthwhile. Elay’s first smiles, his early attempts at rolling over, his first meal, his first steps—every milestone is a reminder of why this journey is so special.
Even though my husband has to work long hours, he has been my rock through it all. There have been moments when I’ve felt completely drained, but knowing he’s there for me when he can be gives me strength. We’ve learned to support each other in new ways, sharing responsibilities when possible, and making sure we’re both taking care of ourselves, even in small ways.
Missing Home and Family Support
Of course, raising a baby abroad isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. One of the toughest parts is the distance from family. We miss having our parents around for extra pairs of hands and the guidance they offer from years of experience. Video calls help, but it’s not the same as having loved ones nearby.
Balancing time between being a mom, a wife, and adjusting to life in a new country has sometimes felt like juggling too many balls. But we’re learning to take things one day at a time and give ourselves grace when things don’t go as planned.
Embracing the Journey, Wherever We Are
As challenging as it can be, raising Elay—who is almost 18 months now—has been an enriching experience. We’ve learned that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, and embracing the journey, no matter where we are, is what truly matters.
We may be far from home, but this adventure in Sierra Leone is teaching us more about ourselves, our relationship, and the joys of parenting than we ever expected. And every day, we’re grateful for the opportunity to raise our little boy in a world full of endless possibilities.
