British psychotherapist, Laura J Stephens, already had the living abroad tee-shirt, and believed that another intercontinental move, this time to a country where they spoke the same language, would be child's play. How wrong she was! This always candid and often humorous memoir demonstrates that things don't always go as expected - particularly with three kids in tow and an oft-absent husband. Setting up home in Houston placed Stephens in the eye of hurricane Ike, a frisky piano teacher and a crushing loss of identity as she came to terms with losing her hard won career. Unafraid to share the truth of the ensuing depression and her recovery, her story will offer expatriates and those who have suffered similar episodes hope and inspiration. Set against a dramatic Houston backdrop, readers will find a host of good ideas that foster resilience. "Written with eloquence and raw honesty, Laura Stephen's insightful journey provides a rich resource for expatriates and others struggling with the challenges of a major life transition." Tina Quick, author of The Global Nomad's Guide to University Transition, www.internationalfamilytransitions.com "Touch, taste, and feel the incredible paradoxes inherent in an expatriate lifestyle.
" Ruth E. Van Reken, author of Letters Never Sent, co-author, Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds, co-founder, Families in Global Transition, www.crossculturalkid.org "Sometimes bumpy. Never maudlin." Apple Gidley, author of Expat Life Slice by Slice www.expatapple.com "Stephens graciously takes us along on her downward spiral into depression, then details what helped as she makes her triumphant journey back." Linda A. Janssen, author of The Emotionally Resilient Expat: Engage, Adapt and Thrive Across Cultures, www.adventuresinexpatland.com "A treasure trove of understanding and resources." Anne P. Copeland PhD, author of Global Baby, www.interchangeinstitute.org "One joins the author in the journey as she poignantly describes her various emotions and efforts to find her moorings and stability amid the chaos of transition. A must-read!" Virginia Travis, Editor, Among Worlds magazine "A brave book that opens us up to expat depression." Carolyn Vines, author of Black and Abroad www.blackandabroad.com
Author Biography:
A psychotherapist with a human resources background, Laura has lived in north and south England, Singapore and the USA. Through her work experience and accompanying her partner overseas she has gained a perspective on expat matters in her alternate roles as employer, spouse, mother and therapist. Reinventing her career to fit with changing circumstances, the common thread in her working/personal life is a desire to listen and connect with others. She has published articles about expatriate life and its emotional challenges. "An Inconvenient Posting: An expat wife's memoir of lost identity" is her first book.
