In this special three-part series, Relocurious explores relocation through the perspectives of three members of the same family.

When Darren joined the Canadian Foreign Service, it set in motion a series of international moves that would shape the lives of his wife Heather and their son Nick as well. Across three episodes, we hear each of their perspectives on the same family relocations — revealing how differently a shared experience can be lived and remembered.

In the first episode, Darren reflected on relocation through the lens of career and public service. In this episode, we hear from Heather.

Part 2: A Life in Motion – Heather’s Story

While Darren’s work determined the family’s postings, Heather’s experience of relocation centered on building a life within each new place.

With every move, she helped create stability and continuity for the family — establishing routines, building community, and helping their children navigate the emotional realities of leaving one home and adapting to another.

At the same time, Heather was also shaping her own path. Over the years, she built a rewarding career for herself while adapting to the constraints and opportunities of life across multiple countries.

In our conversation, Heather reflects on:

* The importance of making decisions together

* Helping children process loss and adjustment

* Balancing the excitement of international life with the practical considerations of moving a family abroad

* Finding purpose and identity while repeatedly starting over in a new country

Her story offers a powerful inside view of the quieter work that makes international family life possible.

About Heather

Heather Johnston is an educator, trainer, and interculturalist. She has worked as a special education teacher in Canada, a volunteer English teacher in Malawi, an in-country orientation coordinator in Honduras, and an intercultural education specialist for the Canadian International Development Agency and Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. She has also taught online for UBC. She is a diplomatic spouse, mother of three boys. She has lived in Canada, Malawi, Honduras, the US, Egypt, and Ghana. She self published a book called Please Be Upstanding about her time in Ghana. She also has a rather large bead collection.

Links:

Please Be Upstanding: Letters from Ghana - Book

Where are you on your relocation journey? Got a big dream, or are you already “there”? Follow others’ stories — and share yours when ready!

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