WHY I MOVED ABROAD | Moving to FRANCE
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
- WHY I MOVED ABROAD | Moving to FRANCE
I thought it was about time I share my story on why I moved abroad. Moving to France was a big transition for me and it's not the fairytale story you may think it is. It's been a year since my french husband and I started the process on our move from the US to France. Being an American Expat isn't that easy and you face a lot of challenges but this experience opens your eyes to all the new and exciting adventures your journey might take you through. I hope my story inspires you to embrace the challenges that come your way because in the end you will see the beauty.
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🌻 ABOUT ME:
I’m an American who moved to the south of France and am sharing my journey with those interested about life in France. I’m sharing everything from culture shocks, what it's like to be an expat in Europe, to my everyday life in the French countryside. I hope you enjoy your virtual escape to the south of France.
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#whyimovedabroad #whyimovedtofrance #movingtoeurope
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Even though I know the story 😭😭😭😭 I remember when you told us that the green card was denied and you said it was not an April fool's joke. How I cried for weeks. Your move was so heart wrenching and I miss you soooo much I am happy that you, Paul and Sophie are together and happy. That you are experiencing a beautiful life in France. I am glad Popops was with you to get you through the first months. Love you
I miss you so much too Mama! I'm glad I'm able to create videos for you to feel like you are here. I'm so grateful that Pops was able to get me here safely and settled before he passed, truly the best dog!
@@SamFournier Oh you’ve had a hard time losing your dog 🙏🏻
@@jellybeanparis584 yes, he was my best friend and I miss him every day.
It really bothers me that countries are willing to separate couples just like that! You guys were MARRIED!!! MARRIED!!! Why make life harder on both of you?
anyways I am glad you were able to stay in France with Paul! Imagine if you had complications there too (God forbid)!
It gives me a lot of hope to see you guys together and happy in France!!
It's really sad how families are torn apart and I'm just grateful that I am able to be with my husband in a beautiful country. Thank you so much for all your love and support, it doesn't go unnoticed.
I think you ended up in the best place! I moved to France from England in my early 20s and really haven't looked back. The wonderful culture, people and the beauty of the country enrich my life everyday, and I share my life in Normandy on my youtube channel which as you say, really helps bring together a community and inspires others. Bisous!
So happy to hear you’ve had such an amazing experience here in France. I definitely feel so blessed that I ended up here.
Everything happens for a reason. France is the most beautiful country in the world (at least we think so 😊). This video is so personal, thank you for sharing. Also, the production level is great! Bravo
Yes, I agree! Thank you for taking the time to watch.
Sam and Paul, through the peaks and valleys of life is a moment that will pass, like everything else. Through the struggles you both have grown from them and I believe it will shape your life and your marriage. There is always purpose in our pain. Thank you for sharing your story as I have been watching since I found your channel last year. You can see the love 💗 you have for each other, not when it’s easy but when it’s difficult and the future unknown. Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Thank you for always sharing such kind words Maria, I truly appreciate it.
@@SamFournier 💖😊
This video was so well made! Thank you for taking the time to share your story. Loved this!💗
Thank you so much, I really appreciate the love❤️
This video was so beautifully edited wow ! Une vidéo très touchante ( a very touching video ) thank you so much to both of you for sharing with us your story and i wish you all the best for the rest of this beautiful adventure haha❣️🧡 sending you a lot of love from Paris 🥐✨
Thank you so much for sending love from Paris and for watching our story, we appreciate the support!
It’s still hard to watch even tho i know the story... 😘
It really is but I couldn’t get by without you by my side😘
O dear Sam and Paul, I am so sorry you’ve had to experience this. I can only imagine how stressful it must have been and how hard it was to be separated during such a challenging time. It makes me so happy to see the two of you so happy en enjoying your new life in France in your videos!
Take your time to make this country your home 💜
Please let us know when you’re around in Beaune. We would love to meet you! My husband is a musician too!
Thank you so much, it was quite the journey here but I feel so blessed to discover a new world and I have so much gratitude for life guiding me here unexpectedly. We definitely will have to cross paths one day and share our love for France and our husbands can discuss music 🙂💕
I am so touched by your video. There is a purpose for everything. May you be blessed in every possible way in your new country!
Thank you so much Helana! I truly believe everything happens for a reason it's just sometimes hard to see it in the beginning.
👍👍👍
Loved this video!!!! Good job very well filmed and edited!!
Thanks for always being a big support, we appreciate you🙏🏽❤️
@@SamFournier of course girl!!
Thank you for sharing your story. I feel your sentiments of a being in a new country abroad and learning about a new culture. I am planning to retire abroad and been researching others who made that leap abroad. I am a traveler and fell in love with Europe. I love the culture and the way people live life. Also the food is awesome. It’s fresh and taste like real food without the additives or process that America puts in their food. I’m researching South of France and Portugal. If you don’t mind suggestion places that are more favorable to live I can research. Ive been to Paris a couple of times and know it’s more expensive to live. Ive enjoyed watching your videos about living in France.
Thank you so much for watching my videos. So amazing that you are going to be retiring abroad. It is such a different way of living in France, it truly feels like you’re living. I really enjoy living in Provence, it’s hard for me to advise places to live because everyone is so different. I can tell you that I love Provence because of the weather, I’m not one to enjoy rain and cold weather and Provence is full of sunshine. I also love that the sea and the mountains are just a drive away. I’m sorry I can’t be specific of places but that’s because I have only lived in Aix for a year and have only visited places for a day or two. The best of luck to you on finding your new home ❤️
This made me remember my own experience. My husband was brought undocumented to the US as a child. We got married 10 years ago when I was 18 and have worked very hard at school to get careers. Long story short, one day we received the Request for Evidence. Since we had been married for two years and we didn't have kids (by choice) nor did I have any health condition, then they didn't see a reason for me not to leave with my husband to Mexico. Luckily, it all worked out at the end but it was such a hard time. We even had to leave to Mexico for over a week for a final interview.
Oh my goodness Monica, this breaks my heart that you had to even go through this. I’m so glad everything worked out for you guys and I wish nothing but the best for you two moving forward.
Okay ! Such a story ! Welcome to France 😌
Thank you so much Lina, I'm glad to be here.
huge hugs to you two, such a crazy experience to go through
Thanks for watching, I'm so glad we were able to connect and I look forward to some fun adventures with you!
Merci de partager votre histoire
Je comprends mieux votre situation maintenant
Merci beaucoup. Ça me touche beaucoup que vous regardiez mes vidéos toutes les semaines!
You have a great cinematography! I thought if one is married to an American citizen you can stay in US?!
Thank you Karen. I thought the same but I guess it's not that simple anymore.
I have to say this was a very hart warning story. Very well done....you will have a lot to tell your children some day.
Je vous souhaite le meilleur pour le futur.
Aww thank you Carla, I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Sam, I started by watching you flying home and surprising your family. That was the only one I was watching. Then I watched Paul organising your Mum's trip to France.
Then I watched how you came to be living in France.
Now I'm subscribed.
You're both amazing young people with GREAT families.
Now I've got to go (watching the rest 😁)
Thank you so much for this kind comment, it made my day. I’m so glad to have you here and I hope you enjoy the videos of France. Have a lovely Sunday💕
I don't know much about immigration but as a child of immigrants the fact that your wife was a US citizen should have automatically granted you a green card especially because it was a legitimate relationship. Sadly our prior US administration was questionable at best. Will you two try again or is France a permanent move?
Yes, I wish it was that simple. I think years ago it probably was. Right now we are finally feeling settled so it's not in the near future but who knows where life will take us, maybe we will return.
Things happen for a reason, and most of the time it's for the best. I am sure that everything will be all right!
Thank You so much! I completely agree, sometimes it’s hard to see when it’s happening but in the end things are clearer.
Cool and beautiful story! Thank you for sharing - *Big thumbs up*
Thank you so much, I appreciate you ❤️
Sam.. loved your video, loved every part of your journey. You and Paul visited me with a beautiful orchid when my Yeye transitioned. The three of us and Dede :) sat on the chairs outside the airbnb I was in.. and talked and talked, while the sun was setting. When I was travelig back and forth, you stayed at my appartment with my babies and loved them as if they were your own. I have kept your journey close to my heart for this last year and a half. As an immigrant myself I have struggled and cried, and lost hope and found it again. I am happy to know that you are safe, loved, interested in life, optimistic, curious, and enjoying every step of this new chapter. Behind every loss, every grief dear Sam there is always a blessing. I am so happy to witness the blessing in your life unfolding in front of your eyes. Much love to you both.
I remember that day. I'm so grateful for you allowing me to be a part of your babies lives, they will forever be in my heart. We appreciate all your love and support.
What a great adventure !! Not a bad trade, Aix for LA !! I hope you feel at home by now. I moved to LA long ago from Amsterdam to marry my American husband. It was not easy. Best wishes for your French life from an old Dutch lady !
At first it was something I didn’t want but now I don’t want to leave. I feel so blessed to live here in Aix. Thank you for watching Yvonne.
Hi Sam, just chanced upon your excellent videos and duly subscribed :). thks for all your heartfelt sharing. Wish you all the very best in France
Thank you for your kindness🫶🏽
Thank you for sharing your story !! I'm glad you can live in peace now :)
Thank you so much Justyna!
Thank you for sharing your story! I love your channel and hope you continue with it. France is a beautiful country, and as you say, this is the start of many new adventures for you both, good luck!
Thank you so much Hannah, I really appreciate your positivity and support💕✨
That's an amazing story! I wish you the best! I know from personal experience, your journey is going to be challenging, but it will be so stimulating, life changing, and you will grow beyond what you ever imagined. If you have any questions along the way, let me know. I've been through it - well, actually continue through it.
Thank you so much Jodi! We really appreciate your support, it truly means a lot!
So beautiful you guys! It has been hard to have my sister so far away, but I really think it brought the family together too! We're here for you always dear sister. So proud of what you guys have done with this chapter in your lives! Keep it up! P.s. this video was so we'll done! 👏👏👏👏
I miss you so much Bruder! Thank you for always being a big support in my life, love you!
This story is wild!😯 Best of luck in France😊
Thank you so much!
So romantic! I love your eye for detail and poetic sense.
Thank you so much
Hi Sam
Thanks for the awesome videos
We are keen to retire in France
Although it’s a few years away !
I found your channel while looking for an apartment to buy Preferably in South of France
Thanks for the superb info!!
🙏🏻🙏🏻
I am an Architect here in South Africa so might get an apartment that I can renovate
Hi Collin! Thank you so much for watching and I hope you find the perfect home in the South of France!
@@SamFournier hi Sam
Thanks for your response
We have researched property but it does not make financial sense
Se we opted for various parts of Europe for our retirement
A few months per year during summer (our winter 😀😀)
Thanks and all the very best
Collin
It's sad that you had to go through all of this but Everything Happens for a reason.
That we don't understand Love You and sending many BLESSINGS.
Thank God for Technology. 😗😗😗
Thanks Tia! Love you😘
Thanks for sharing :) such an amazing story
Thank you for listening!🤗 I hope you have a great weekend.
I enjoyed hearing your story!
Thank you so much for taking the time to watch.
You touched my heart from the very first video I saw of you. I think we encountered from a thumbnail you were trying to get advice on. I don’t remember which one exactly but to me, they were all good and you were destined to be my friend. ❤️👍🏼
Thank you so much, so kind of you ❤️ I appreciate that you are here!
Thank you for sharing your story
Thank you for listening 🥰
Why can't Paul stay in the U.S. as spouse of an American?
I wish it was that simple.😢
This is a beautiful love story! 🧡
Thank you so much Christina ❤️
You need to write a book Sam!
If only I had the writing skills 😂
I stumbled upon your You Tube videos a few weeks ago, I was crying initially what both of you were going through, but there was happiness in the end except you losing your beloved Kingston. Please share more about your every day life, what Paul is doing now for work, and your delicious and healthy meals.
I'm so glad you found my channel, thank you for watching and coming along on our journey. It was very difficult, especially losing my best friend but he keeps me strong as I know he is still here in spirit. Thank you for the video request, I will incorporate more day in the life videos!🙂
Beautiful
Thank you so much Wendy❤️
Very touching rendering of your move to Aix en Provence , I discovered you on Nicki Positano your comments are so positive and wright on! Hope you are able to stay in France and how do can you get dual citizenship? We love France and have been all over , wishing you all the best as a new subscriber!
Nicki’s work is amazing and she seriously has the dream home, I adore her and Carlo. Thanks for subscribing, I hope you enjoy the content we put out.😊 I should be able to get dual citizenship after I’m fluent in French🙌🏽 What was your favorite place you visited in France? I would love to know.
@@SamFournier Good morning Sam&Paul our favourite place(s) were Beau de Provence, Collioure, Ste Maxime near St Tropez and the city of Bordeaux even though we're not city people! In Italy I left my heart in Positano! Cheers,ciao,aurevoir! :)
@@sunrise1304 I really can’t wait to visit Positano but for now I’ll live vicariously through Nicki!
So anyway, welcome in France 🇫🇷. But, I still not understand... Why vegan???? No, no, no... Sorry but I can't 😄
Thanks for the welcome. I am a huge animal lover and I don’t want to contribute to the pain and suffering they go through just to satisfy my tastebuds.
What a wonderful story of how you met! Granted it has its ups & downs, you both were reunited in France.
It’s such a romantic story too.
Sam what did you do for work in LA?
Is it something you can continue to do in France? Anyway you 2 were meant to live in France, at least for a few years. My dream is to live 6 months in France & 6 months in LA. But with COVID, dreams are on-hold.
Anyway, you are such a cute couple ❤️
Thank you so much Anna! It definitely has its ups and downs but I’m so glad to be here. I worked with animals in Los Angeles, I did pet sitting, dog walking and worked at Healthy Spot. Sadly those types of jobs don’t really exist here in Aix en Provence. I hope you’ll be able to live out your dream soon, it sounds lovely.
This is such a touching story! It's so sad that families are torn apart like that but it happens in a lot of countries unfortunately. I always get sad when I hear about such cases, but I'm glad that you were able to move to France and that it has opened your eyes for traveling! I do think that living abroad is one of the best things you can do, it's just sad that you guys were forced to move.
It really is so sad, I am one of the lucky ones who got to stay with my husband. It’s heartbreaking to see children separated from their parents.
Living abroad is life changing and even though this wasn’t my plan I’m so grateful for this beautiful experience.
Bonjour, I Just found your channel. Amazing story, but sad that you had to leave. I think living in France is wonderful. My mother was french, my dad was American. Lived there in my youth. I miss my family in France so much, I was last there in 2019 . its so nice to see your videos thank you ❤️
Salut! Thank you so much for watching, I’m so glad you stumbled upon my channel. Living here has definitely opened my eyes and I absolutely love it here, just missing my family of course. I hope you can return soon to visit your family💕
OMG Sam this is awesome! This is Joe, Tracey’s Neighbor. This is amazing what you’re doing! I’m so happy for you! I can’t wait to tell Alma about it. By the way I subscribed to your channel 😊
Thanks so much Joe, so glad you got to discover my channel, it means a lot. Thanks for the subscribe, sending you and Alma all the ❤️
Wow!!! What a nightmare and in the middle of a world pandemic!!!
You’re awesome.
I wish you all the best.
It definitely was a nightmare in that moment but I’m forever grateful for this experience. I’ve learned a lot. Thank you so much for your kind words and for listening to my story.☺️
I love your story but America took a loss losing you both. God has a bigger plan for you Sam. I wish you both the very best.
Wow, you are so sweet. Thank you so much Laura, it truly means a lot to the both of us. I truly do believe God has us here for a reason and I trust he has great plans for us.
Is there a timeframe your husband can re apply for a green card?
We haven’t looked into it, we need to talk to another lawyer about our case.
I am sorry that you went through this circumstance but I am curious. I have had four boys go to college. Every one of them had a laptop computer that had all of their homework, term papers, etc on it. Didn’t you have one?! How did you complete your assignments? It stinks that the school was a fake it really put you in a tough spot. Sorry for the trouble.
I simply didn’t keep anything. My ocd is terrible that I just delete emails and texts or anything that I think Im done with and don’t need! Lesson learned tho
Haha, once my husband is done with something out it goes. He deletes all texts, emails etc. He learned the hard way.
such a sweet story - much love to you both, I love the south of France and will move there too
Thank you so much Wes. How exciting, I wish you the best on your move here.
@@SamFournier thank you so much Sam! Enjoy your classes! I am taking classes too..not easy but as you say, we´ll get there. Cheers from Berlin, Wes
I miss you guys sooo much!
We miss you tons!
How did you make the move?
It was a long process, my first two TH-cam videos show the move if you care to watch😊
@@SamFournier definitely!!! I’ll watch 😘
Administration. .....
Tell me about it😂
@@SamFournier well german Administration (and french) is sometime strange.i got some Probleme with my son name. French name( he is french as myself)and german name are different. Needed 3 years until german Administration admited their fault but they tell they can do nothing and that problem can be solve if he take german pass and ask after to change is name .All at our cost (2000+euros)!!!
@@amelief2711 oh my goodness, that is horrible! I’m so sorry you had to go through that long process and spending all that money.
@@SamFournier it s not finished yet😉
Thanks again Paul and Sam for letting us in on your adventures in France. This is the only time You guyze lost me with long explanations! Keep it moving with more about what you're doin as you move about France, Real life stuff is what I want. Break a leg and God Bless. db 2021.
Well, it worked out for the best. Meanwhile make a political contribution to a congressman and then keep rattling his cage until he gets it fixed. Nothing like politicians breathing down the necks of bureaucrats to get results. Telling your story to the press wouldn't hurt.
Thanks for the recommendation Randy, not a bad idea.
I understand why people move to our country !! It's actually super hard for French people to move abroad and obtain VISA even if you're married or if you have degrees (especially the US)
I feel so blessed to be able to stay here❤️