CLIENT TESTIMONY: From Africa to the US and Now Mérida, Mexico – Building a Life Abroad | EXPATS LIVING ABROAD EXPAT-STORIES
From Africa to Global Living and to Limitless Horizons. - Maura K.
When most people think about moving abroad, the questions that immediately come to mind revolve around logistics, finances, language, and culture shock. For Maura, originally from East Africa—Kenya to be exact—her journey has been one of resilience, discovery, and building a new life filled with purpose. Raised in Seattle, Washington, Maura’s life story is a tapestry of cultures, experiences, and a relentless pursuit of a meaningful existence. Today, she calls the sunny, magical city of Mérida, Mexico her home, thanks to the support and guidance she received from Expats Living Abroad (ELA).
In this Expat Story, Maura opens up about her journey—what led her to make the leap from the United States to Mexico, the challenges she faced along the way, and how working with ELA helped make her transition smoother than she ever imagined.
"From the bottom of my heart I want to thank the ELA team and Lottie,for carrying me with such grace into this new chapter.Your teams dedication and personalized care made my transition not only seamless and smooth but truly empowering"-Maura K
Early Beginnings: From Kenya to Seattle, USA
Maura was born in Kenya, East Africa, where family values, traditions, and community shaped her early childhood. As a young girl, she immigrated with her family to Seattle, Washington—a city known for its vibrant culture, rain-soaked days, and thriving opportunities. Growing up in the US provided Maura with access to education, career development, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Yet, despite these opportunities, she often felt a longing to reconnect with her roots and live in a place where community, warmth, and balance were at the center of everyday life.
Why Mexico? Why Mérida?
For Maura, Mexico wasn’t just a random choice—it was an intentional decision shaped by years of research, exploration, and conversations with other expats. Mérida, in particular, stood out as one of the most attractive cities for expats worldwide. Known as the "White City," Mérida offers a blend of colonial charm, safety, rich culture, and affordability. Beyond that, the city boasts excellent healthcare, a strong international community, and a slower, more fulfilling pace of life compared to the hustle of Seattle.
“I wanted somewhere that felt safe, culturally rich, and full of opportunities to grow as a person,” Maura shares. “Mérida was a city that checked all those boxes.”
The Challenges of Moving Abroad
Relocating to another country isn’t without its challenges. Maura admits that at first, the process felt overwhelming. From visa applications and documentation, to figuring out healthcare, housing, and banking in Mexico, the to-do list was daunting. There were also cultural nuances to learn—like the importance of speaking at least basic Spanish, navigating the local transportation system, and adjusting to the warm climate.
But Maura was determined. “I wasn’t going to let the challenges stop me. I knew I needed help from people who understood the ins and outs of moving abroad.”
How Expats Living Abroad Helped
This is where ELA stepped in. Through personalized guidance, ELA supported Maura at every stage of her journey. From explaining the legal visa requirements for moving to Mexico, to connecting her with trusted local service providers, ELA simplified what could have been a stressful process.
“They really made it feel possible,” Maura says. “Instead of being stressed and overwhelmed, I felt empowered and informed. They walked me through the financial requirements, the housing process, and even introduced me to the community I now call family.”
Building a Life in Mérida
Now happily settled in Mérida, Maura enjoys the slower, more intentional pace of life the city offers. Weekends are often spent strolling through colorful markets, enjoying local Yucatán cuisine, or connecting with fellow expats and locals alike. The sense of community in Mérida has been a cornerstone of her experience.
“I’ve found my rhythm here,” Maura explains. “There’s a magic in Mérida—it’s the people, the history, the vibrancy. I feel more at home here than I ever did in Seattle.”
Beyond lifestyle, affordability was another key factor that made life in Mérida appealing. From affordable housing options to accessible healthcare and a lower overall cost of living, Maura found she could enjoy a higher quality of life compared to what she had in the US.
🎥 Watch the Full Interview on YouTube: Expats Living Abroad
Lessons from Maura’s Journey
For anyone considering a similar move, Maura’s story offers a powerful reminder: it’s possible to create the life you’ve always imagined abroad. Her advice to future expats is simple:
Do Your Research – Learn about the destination before you go.
Get Professional Help – Services like Expats Living Abroad can make a world of difference.
Be Open-Minded – Embrace the cultural differences instead of resisting them.
Take the Leap – At some point, you just have to go for it.
Final Thoughts
Maura’s exodus from Africa to the US and now to Mexico is a testament to resilience, courage, and determination. Today, she stands as an inspiration to anyone considering the life-changing adventure of relocating abroad.
Her story, like many others, reminds us that building a fulfilling life overseas is not only possible—it’s achievable with the right support, planning, and mindset.
"I am her-story of movement-past and present woven into limitless horizons.I choose healing,I choose freedom and I choose the adventure of becoming more" - Maura.K.
If you’re thinking about making a move, let Maura’s story encourage you. Life abroad is not just about changing locations—it’s about building a new chapter full of possibilities.
🌍✨ Let’s not just move abroad—let’s live abroad responsibly.
→ For relocation support, sustainable housing referrals, and cultural immersion tips, visit: www.expatslivingabroad.com
Join the conversation on our YouTube channel and Facebook group. Let’s grow together—respectfully.
📢 **Copyright & Intellectual Property Notice**
All content, including text, images, and original ideas published on this blog, is the intellectual property of Expats Living Abroad™️ and is protected by international copyright laws.
Unauthorized reproduction, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. If you wish to share our content, please link directly to the original article and credit Expats Living Abroad™️ as the source.
We actively monitor and take action against copyright infringement, including issuing formal DMCA takedown requests and pursuing legal remedies where appropriate.
📧 To request permission to republish our content, please contact us at: properties@expatslivingabroad.com.
© 2025 Expats Living Abroad™️ & Orové Properties™️. All Rights Reserved.