Moving to the United States for a better life is something you should get excited about, but it’s something that can bring a lot of sadness as well. Leaving home means leaving behind some of your friends and family.
Although you won’t be able to drop by whenever you want, you don’t have to let go of the people you care about when you move away.
Here are five ways you can continue to stay close to friends and family back in Mexico, no matter how far away from home you move.
Send Money Back Home When You Can
It isn’t uncommon to move to the United States in search of work, and part of moving for work means being able to share your good fortune with your family and friends back home. That means sending money back home when you can. There are many ways to send money, but one of the best is using a money transfer service. It allows you to send cash, even if one or both parties don’t have a bank account. Some transfer services, like Remitly, also have low fees and a simplified process that makes sending money affordable and convenient.
Start a Blog
Whether you moved to the U.S. on your own or you brought your immediate family with you, relatives back home will appreciate feeling like they are a part of your new life. Sending pictures can help, but it’s even better if you start a blog. Instead of trying to keep in touch with everyone separately, a blog allows all your friends and family to check in when it’s convenient for them.
In addition, you can tell a story by using a blog. You can post updates throughout the day and share important things as they come up so you never have to wonder if you remembered to tell your great aunt about your eventful afternoon.
Schedule Calls and Video Chats
You probably already know that it’s important to stay in contact with friends and family by calling or jumping on a video chat, but knowing and doing are two different things. Often, calls fall to the bottom of the to-do list when life gets busy.
Make sure that doesn’t happen by scheduling calls and video chats. You can plan to call a few times a month or a few times a week, depending on your schedule. Your family will start to look forward to your calls and because you have it penciled in your calendar, you can’t put it off.
Send Stuff in the Mail
It’s easier than ever to stay connected thanks to technology. You can check in with friends and family in an instant when you call, text, blog, or send a message on social media. It’s important to do all those things, but if you really want to show you care, nothing beats sending stuff in the mail the old-fashioned way.
Start by writing a letter. A postcard can work too. It will likely find its way to the refrigerator or into a memory box where it will be cherished for a long time.
Don’t forget to send a care package! It’s a great idea if someone is celebrating a birthday or an important milestone, but some of the best care packages are sent just because.
Fill the package with:
- Fun candy and treats that your friends and family don’t have back home
- Something that is expensive back home, like fabric or spices
- Something you made
- An item you found at the store that has a special meaning
Meet up Halfway
These are all great ways to stay in touch with your loved ones when you’re away and you don’t get to see them every day, but nothing compares to spending time with each other face-to-face.
You may not have enough time or money to travel all the way back home, and your family back home may not be able to come all the way to your new place, but that doesn’t mean you can’t meet halfway!
Plan a spot to rendezvous so you can catch up with each other. You can even make a vacation of it by staying overnight in a hotel and planning something fun to do in the area.
Don’t let your relationships with friends and family back home suffer because you don’t live close. With these tips, you can stay in contact with everyone you care about in a way that’s comfortable and convenient for you.
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