“I was energised by the idea of a new beginning, even if I wasn’t sure what life would be like in Asuncion,” says expat partner Karina da Silva.
First year blur
“I feel like the second year in Paraguay was harder for me because everyone else in the family had settled but I still had feelings of uncertainty and isolation,” says Karina, a Venezuelan who lived in Spain for 15 years. “In Spain, I had a job that I loved. My husband and I were very involved in the school community. We also had a big circle of friends and family members around us and we were very active members of Regnum Christi, an apostolic body in the Catholic Church. It was a lot to give up but I always knew that difficulties always lead to growth…”
On a mission
“Before we left Spain, I remember thinking that our Regnum Christi had a presence all over the world but sadly not in Paraguay! One of the Fathers said to us: ‘Well, you should start one there for us!’ So that’s what I did with the support of my husband! It’s still in its infancy but the community here is growing,” says Karina, who also plans to set up her own coaching and mentoring business for families in future.
Family bonds
“Being in a new environment and having to rely on each other from the beginning has been incredibly enriching for us as a family. We’ve learned to communicate better and face challenges together with a positive and growth-oriented attitude,” says Karina. “It has brought us closer as a couple and as a family. We’ve learned that even though we’re far from our loved ones and our previous life, we can find happiness and stability as long as we stay united.”
Good for the heart!
In December 2024, Karina completed a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She also enrolled in a coaching and personal growth programme named Dream Builder. “That has been very beneficial for my expatriation process,” says Karina. “I’m really grateful for the support from my husband’s employer, which has helped me pursue my academic dreams and professional goals. Every chat I had with my Global Connection consultant Josien Berkenvelder has always been so helpful. To know that you are being accompanied on this journey, and to know that there are many other expat partners just like me, it’s good for the heart!”
Photos: Karina and her family
All Global Connection’s corporate clients are leading multinationals. Due to some of their policies, we do not use their name in public articles. However, expat partners signed in to our private Media & Network can see the multinational’s name.
