After a crazy 13 years living abroad, I am excited to share that I am finally returning home to Australia.  It still blows my mind that it’s happening to be perfectly honest.

The last 13 years gave me A LOT. Experience, in and out of the ring and cage.  Friends from all walks of life, spanning from across the globe.  And most unexpectedly, a loving husband and 2 beautiful children.

While I won’t be able to fit everything into a single post or story, I hope to, over the coming months as we prepare to leave, share some of the more impactful experiences that I have had, and give a glimpse into the very un-glamourous life of an expat.

For now, it’s all about the kids, and where can we all thrive…

When I first moved to Berlin, in 2016 (!!), the city was so alive.  It felt safe, in so many ways.  Safe to be out and about, safe to go to a night club, safe to be yourself.  It was the change I had been searching for.

After a very stringent routine in Thailand, focused solely on training and fighting, and gathering as much experience as possible, Berlin provided the opportunity not only for me to train, but for me to really live life again.  

In recent years, the political climate in Germany has shifted.  The far right winged party here (the AFD), have gained significant support and momentum in the polls.  It was subtle in the beginning, so much so that I feel like no one really noticed until they had garnered so much support, to the point where if it continues at this rate, it would soon be almost impossible to form the next Government without them. And surely enough, this shift has really impacted the vibe and culture of Berlin.

In the last few years, I have been faced with some dangerous and insane interactions while out and about, and worse so, it usually happens when I’m alone with my kids.  Despite the fact that they are both Berliners and German citizens, the common ‘immigrants are the problem’ speech that has been creating tensions in the world, is the lens in which they inevitably end up viewed in. We are done normalizing and minimising these interactions.

It has been a difficult and long conversation, ultimately, about what is best for all of us a family. After a whirlwhind trip last year, we were able to experience first hand, what Australia has to offer. Despite all the craziness in the world, it’s our best chance to grow and enjoy life together.

So buckle up!  Stay tuned.

I’m excited to finally be able to share the joys and horrors and outright WTF’s. There’s a lot to be said, and a lot that needs saying.

To the people who encouraged me on this journey all those years ago… To all the people who visited, called, checked in over a message or an email over the last 13 years… To all of the beautiful friends who have stayed with me along the way, through the different seasons of my life, and those who I am returning home to… This time abroard would not have been the same without you.

With a lot of gratitude (and relief), it’s (finally) time to go home.