Many of us have dreamt of one day living abroad, spending our time traveling from coast to coast, and experiencing new countries and cultures—all without having to clock vacation days. Kiera Walker is on a new adventure of doing just that. A journey that she calls “Somewhere Thriving.” In her newsletter, she updates her subscribers on her learnings along the way. Here is part 1 of her journal entry:

After 8 years, I said farewell to my beloved New York City (for now because temporary hiatus), spent 7.5 months in South Carolina with my mom and sisters and worked with my newest coach to prepare and transition for my new life abroad.

Fast forward to today, I’ve officially been living in Mexico City for one week.

I’m *loving* the cost of living, weather, food, practicing Spanish daily, and connecting with expats the most so far. And it’s beautiful, refreshing, and comforting to see a strong Black and Brown expat community thriving here, especially black women.

Yesterday, I was on my new rooftop reading my journal from the beginning of the year until now, and I’m so, so proud of myself. Especially for having the faith and courage to manifest this new chapter of my life.

Last Wednesday on my flight to Mexico in deep gratitude and reflection, I wrote in my prayer journal:

Dear God,

The endless, eternal gratitude I feel in this moment is unparalleled. Delay after delay, but never denied. Your timing is always impeccable. With you, everything is always on time. Trust the timing of your life is speaking loudly to my spirit in this very moment. I can’t even fully express how transformative embarking on this new journey and life chapter of traveling and living abroad has already been and it’s only Day 1.

I’m so, so excited to see how you will use me and this experience to cultivate the kingdom and glorify you, God. You have been at the center of it all, God. It feels like it was just yesterday when I declared and affirmed aloud: “I am going to live abroad next year.” AND HERE I AM. An entire year later, April 13th at 3:54p ET, I’m on a plane to Mexico. One of three destinations I’ll travel and live abroad in 2022. An entire year later, I manifested this life. A life of freedom and beyond. I am here because of you, God. You deserve every ounce of glory. Every ounce of honor. And every single ounce of praise. YOU DESERVE. And that’s an understatement.

Thank you for planting the essential and necessary seeds within me—especially courage—and allowing me to cultivate these gifts to live the life I’ve been divinely created to live. Endlessly, eternally grateful this is only the beginning.

I’m beyond excited for my journey ahead and to share my journey with you—and the world.

Follow Kiera’s journey on Instagram @somewherethriving.

Do you have a travel story you’d like to share? email info [at] thestylingsoul.com.

With Style & SOUL,

Kindra Moné