Support for today’s episode comes from the Center for US Voters Abroad Foundation. In this episode, Dione Peart reflects on her journey to living in Mozambique. She shares how her childhood in New York ultimately led her to join the Peace Corps and what led her to extend her service.

Support for today’s episode comes from the Center for US Voters Abroad Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan civic engagement organization that helps Americans living outside the U.S. vote via absentee ballot. Request your absentee ballot today using their tool here: https://usvotersabroad.org/podcast

Meet Dione

Dione has spent her life dedicated to supporting education in development and humanitarian contexts internationally and in the United States. She is a mother, wife, and education and gender specialist living and working in Mozambique for over 12 years. Dione is also the author of a children's book, which gently examines embracing the different aspects of your identity gained through exposure to various cultures.

Connect with Dione

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dione-peart-6926b04/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepeart

What resources (books, blogs, services, apps) did you utilize to help you go abroad & thrive abroad?

My first experiences of thinking of a life abroad was through Evita Robinson, founder of Nomadness Travel Tribe. We went to college together, and following her journey offered a first glimpse of life abroad and showed that it was possible. When I finally decided I would move abroad, it was with the Peace Corps. So, I read a few books, which will remain unnamed, that discussed services as a Peace Corps volunteer.

What's something you wish people would ask you about your life abroad?

Ask me if it's easy. I'll tell you it still has its challenges. People think that when we move abroad, it is to escape the injustice of our home countries or to find new opportunities and surround ourselves with "better" people. But we have to remember that everywhere has its challenges- it's just about learning which challenges we are able to cope with.

What wellness practices/mindset shifts have you adopted to support your wellness, sustainability, and longevity abroad?

I spend a lot of time journaling my goals and aspirations. Building a community is also so important. Having a community is very important to longevity abroad. Loneliness can really be a deterrent to a successful life abroad.

What is the motto (affirmation, prayer, poem, song lyrics, etc.) that you live by?

"Doesn't Matter...Don't Give Up"- that's my affirmation. To remind me that whatever the struggle is, it doesn't matter. When it comes to reaching my goals, don't give up and keep pushing forward. I remind myself of this in all areas of life- work, raising my daughter, health, marriage, and friendships.

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