From Benoni to… New Hampshire

Michaela Balcombe (née Dubois), who has settled in the United States of America, shared this advice with people who are thinking about moving abroad.

BCT: Tell us about your time in Benoni.

MB: I lived in the same house in Morehill from when I was born in January 1982 until I left for the United Kingdom (UK) in September 2000.

I attended Rynfield Primary and Wordsworth High schools, having matriculated in 1999.

BCT: What are your memories of Benoni?

MB: I have fond memories of growing up in Benoni.

I used to ride my bicycle to C R Swart Dam with my friends to have a picnic, go to the Bunny Park, had warm Christmas days, braais at Homestead Dam, shopped at Northmead Mall and watched movies at Northmead Square and Lakeside Mall.

BCT: Why did you leave South Africa?

MB: In 2000 I moved, by myself, to Buckinghamshire, in the UK to be an au pair.

My family and I thought I would have better career prospects in the United Kingdom.

I now live in the USA, in New Hampshire.

BCT: Are you married and do you have children?

MB: I am married to Benjamin Balcombe; we met in 2005 and married in 2009 in the UK.

I have three children: Dylan (6), Owen (4) and Grayson (20 months old).

BCT: What is it like living abroad?

MB: It’s not an easy thing to move.

I have managed to find a few fellow South Africans.

There is a group near to where I live called Amaboston who organise social events, give advice and tell us where we can find SA products.

I miss simple things that people take for granted like having family get-togethers or cousins playing together.

However, I enjoy the safety and freedom.

BCT: Will you move back to Benoni?

MB: No, I am too used to the freedom we have in the USA.

I can leave my car unlocked outside my house and have no fear of my children playing outside.

Packages are delivered while we are out of the house and are still there when we get home.

BCT: Would you urge others to emigrate?

MB: No, not unless they have a specific reason.

Life is short and family is important.

My older sister and niece have never met my children.

Also read:

From Benoni to… Ontario

From Benoni to… Sussex

From Benoni to… Hudson

From Benoni to… Michigan

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