An inspiring story!

I think-- in many ways-- we find what we look for. If we believe it is going to be hard and lonely, it will be hard and lonely. If we believe it will go well... it goes well. Most of the time.

I'm an expat from Denmark living in the USA... I have lived in many other countries, as well; I'm with you, I never felt like the experience was particularly isolating. But you have to get out there and make yourself be part of the local culture in your new adopted homeland.