Life After Leaving: Our Two-Year Journey

Two years after our last episode, we're breaking the silence to share the unexpected twists and profound revelations from our journey abroad. What began as a strategic move to the Dominican Republic—seeking affordable living and family support as we welcomed our fifth child—evolved into something far more transformative than we ever anticipated.

When we left Florida in May 2023, we had a clear vision: find a beautiful home near the beach, hire household help to free us from domestic responsibilities, and create space for both parents to fully bond with our newborn. The military-to-civilian transition had been challenging, especially after Alex's abrupt discharge for refusing the COVID vaccine. Dominican Republic offered not just beautiful beaches and surf spots for our kids, but a financial breathing room that allowed us to reimagine family life entirely.

Just as we were settling into our routine, an unexpected notice from our landlord refusing to renew our lease became the catalyst for our greatest adventure yet. Rather than simply finding another apartment, we asked: "Why not travel the world?" Within weeks, we had sold nearly everything we owned, packed our lives into six suitcases, and embarked on a journey that would test and transform us in ways we couldn't have imagined.

Throughout this raw, unedited series, we'll share how living outside the American bubble has changed our perspective on everything—from healthcare (where we've received better care as veterans abroad than we ever did in the States) to the delicate balance between structure and freedom after military life. We'll tell the story of our travels, the communities we've discovered, and the heartbreaking loss of our son Liam that has deepened our commitment to living authentically and sharing our truth.

Join us as we explore what it means to challenge conventional wisdom, find purpose beyond borders, and create a life of meaning while holding space for both individual dreams and family vision. If you've ever wondered what lies beyond the familiar or how to navigate life's unexpected turns with both grace and determination, this series is for you.