What happens when the world shuts down, and you find yourself stranded in a foreign country with no way out?

Continuing the journey of Redefining Home, host Debra Josephson shares her raw, unfiltered journey of making a foreign land feel like home during one of the most challenging periods in modern history—the pandemic. As a solo Gen X traveler and expat, Debra delves into the struggles and revelations of living in a vastly different culture. Drawn to China by abundant opportunities like teaching English/Visual Art and a vibrant society, she quickly encountered the harsh reality of being a perpetual outsider in a culture deeply rooted in its own ways.

As strict lockdowns transformed daily life into eerie empty streets and constant surveillance, Debra found herself isolated yet determined to adapt. Through forging connections via creative groups and digital platforms like WeChat, she discovered resilience and the importance of community. Amid the chaos, a chance encounter with a rescued dog in Beijing blossomed into an unbreakable bond—an unexpected reminder that survival is not only about enduring hardship but also about finding connection in the most unforeseen places.

From the highs of cultural discovery to the lows of loneliness, Debra uncovers the realities of living outside conventional boundaries and explores how survival isn’t just about enduring hardship but also about finding connections in the most unexpected places.

Key Takeaways:

• 01:31 – Redefining Home: From New York to the Philippines
• 01:47 – Living in China During the Pandemic
• 02:59 – Challenges and Adaptations in China
• 07:11 – Navigating Cultural Differences
• 09:51 – Making Connections and Finding Community
• 16:41 – Reflections on Home and Freedom
• 19:00 – Starting Over and Embracing Change
• 26:05 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Follow Debra on Social Media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebraExperientExplorer
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/experientexplorer/
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@experientexplorer/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExperientExplorer

Visit Debra’s multimedia website at www.dmeryl.net

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