Life's journey

A Short Tale about Migrating, Identity, and New Beginnings

Javier Feliú

Sep 1, 2023 — 2 min read

Almost two years ago, we started my USA permanent residence permit while still living in Panama, Central America, and still running my 8-year-old business. Now, I am writing this from a cafe in Boca Raton, Florida, after dropping off my wife for her first day at work.

Back in 2020, COVID-19 changed the future of my business, and we quickly realized that either we take hold of this opportunity to make a drastic change or keep pressing onto an already slippery slope economy, we decide to make a change.

Me and my brother close our business and start looking ahead for a better future. I started an MBA and also dedicated time to my children for over a year. This, while freelancing on digital marketing, one of the many skills I learned while managing my furniture business.

Out of the blue, but close to our approximate time to get an embassy appointment, my wife got a Job offer in Florida, and we took it without knowing if we were actually going to be approved; we did, and now I am here.
This was not as easy as it sound; I did not get my passport back in my hands until about 1 hour before my time to check in at the airport in Panama. Sure, my wife could have gotten there with the little children worth it, but that was just going to be hard on all. Thank God's faithfulness and mercy. We got to start this journey as we wanted together; so many do not have this opportunity.

Next steps

Now, I am on the lookout for cars, houses, daycare, business ideas, or(and) a job. I know all this will come together; as a parent and a husband, I am always worried about getting my family's needs covered, but it is also my joy to be present for my family in times like this.

What is behind is always present

Leaving my family is always hard, but this time it hit differently; there are so many legalities that could keep me stuck in a country not of my own for an undefined time frame. The feeling of being stuck if something major were to happen in your home country is overwhelming, and you just have to trust God everything is under his control. My home and my family are always present with me as long as I am intentional in making them present. This is one of the miracles of this day and age of improved communication we live on.

I hope to share more soon! Until the next one,

Javier

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