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A dream move can feel settled and shaky at the same time. Julie Tallman and Roy McGinnis finally return to Pedasí, Panama and move into their newly built home near the Pacific, only to face a massive 7.7 earthquake eight days later. That contrast turns a “fresh start abroad” story into something more honest and more useful: what it looks like to commit to expat life when the unexpected shows up immediately.

We dig into the real logistics of moving overseas the right way, including selling a farm and rental properties in North Carolina, choosing not to keep a “lifeline” home in the US, and learning to live well with less. Julie and Roy share why they skipped shipping most household items, leaned on local craftsmanship for furniture, and tried to be present where their feet are. If you’re researching moving to Panama, retirement abroad, or a long-term travel lifestyle, their choices offer a practical blueprint for simplifying the leap.

Then we unpack the earthquake itself: aftershocks, damaged roads, and the hardest-hit nearby communities where older generational homes weren’t built to earthquake standards. We also talk disaster recovery and how to help in a way that truly reaches locals, including the work of Hombres de Acción, a community group supporting rebuilding efforts and ongoing needs like potable water in Panama’s “arco seca” (dry arc).

If this story sparked something in you, subscribe for more conversations about living abroad and finding your travel style, share the episode with a friend, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find the show.

To help with relief efforts: https://hombresdeaccion.org/donate-now/

For YouTube video showing "Hombres de Accion" at work: https://youtu.be/3TEcopgEq1g

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"Wherever We May Roam: Finding Your Travel Style" - On Amazon