by Candy Emerson

Communication tools to the outside world…what does this mean? As an expat living in unfamiliar territory, what are the ways in which you can find comfort, stability, and a moment of happiness when your world around you might seem isolating, uncontrollable, and frustrating?

I never realized just how valuable the internet and a blackberry phone is until all the comforts of friends, family, job, and support network are taken away. Getting an email, a text message, or a note through Facebook never seemed so sweet, so precious, when you feel alone in a new country in a new life.

We now live in a world where technology connects us 24/7, thousands of miles in an instant, and time zones upon time zones at a click of a button. Don’t get me wrong, I miss a more diverse atmosphere of human contact but when those connections have yet to be established, what is your alternative?

There are only so many times in a day where one can check their computer or cell phone for messages from the outside world. It can drive a person insane, change a mood, or make your immediate world a better place with one simple technological function. Is this sad or does it provide a ray of hope until networks are established to gain security?

If I were living in my native country, I would think it is sad as more options for a better life are right out your front door to explore. But being in a foreign land with only a few links to your new community does it bring hope for a brighter day and inner peace.

Hopefully this interim is just that temporary. So try your best not to get caught up in hiding behind the computer screen for too long because the anxiety of the new community will fade as long as you keep pushing forward in making your new home more familiar, comfortable, and interesting. The information on your computer is not going anywhere. In fact you can bring it with you on your hand held if it makes you feel better but just make sure you don’t bump into the lamp post or trip over the curb letting your new world pass you by.

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Candy Elkind is a native of Philadelphia, PA. She has a passion for travel, triathlons and working in the non-profit community. She has a BA in Communications from Cedar Crest College and an MA in Philanthropy and Development from St. Mary's University of Minnesota. She recently moved to Guayaquil, Ecuador to be with her fiance where she plans to get married and is currently training for Ironman Lake Placid being held on July 26, 2009, one of her many life-challenging goals. If you would like more information on her experience abroad or creating your own expat community in a new environment, feel free to email her at emerson_candy@yahoo.com