Finding Home: Navigating Life After a Nomadic Journey

ByMercedes Diane Griffin Forbes

If you’ve followed me for some time, then you know I used the abrupt pause in my career during the pandemic to complete my Masters degree in Public Health. I graduated from George Washington University in May 2022. My son soon after graduate from high school in June 2022. This prompted my decision to leave Washington, DC, a city that had been my home for 17 years. So in June 2022, my nomadic journey began.

It took me all around the United States, to Costa Rica, to Zambia, to Ecuador, to Guyana, to Uzbekistan, to Qatar, to Turkey, to Portugal, and to Spain. All of these countries were purposely ones I had never been to before. During these travels, working and living in all these places, I had many magnificent life-changing experiences, I met phenomenal people, and I was taken beyond the limits of my comfort zone many times.

Traveling the world has been an incredible experience for me. It’s allowed me to learn about different cultures, meet new people, and have a greater appreciation for the world we live in. However, it’s not without its challenges. Since the end of June 2023, I’ve been back home in NC, processing all I’ve seen and done, trying to figure out what’s next. Now, I’m on a new journey in my life and it’s somewhat scary. Trying to find a new job and a new place to call home where I can continue to make an impact and feel like what I offer still matters at 48 is a big challenge.

My plan is to document as much as I can. I find that it’s therapeutic for me. Hopefully, my stories will also help others in some way. Whether it’s inspiring others to take a leap of faith and explore the world or simply providing a glimpse into different cultures, I hope to make a positive impact.

In conclusion, my nomadic journey has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has allowed me to grow in ways I never thought possible and has given me a new perspective on the world we live in. While it’s not without its challenges, I’m excited to see what the future holds and to continue to explore the world around me.