“More calm, more life, more connection.”

Three words that capture what this step has brought into our lives. From the outside, our decision to move to Spain may have seemed impulsive, but internally it had been building for quite some time. We already knew we wanted to leave our previous hometown. We were ready for something new, a different environment, a fresh start. At some point, a simple thought surfaced: if we are going to make such a big change anyway, why not make it truly meaningful?

That is how Spain entered the picture.

As a blended family, we were not only thinking about ourselves, but especially about our children. We wanted this move to be enriching. For Sevgi’s teenage son, Djon, we hoped it would mean growing up with a broader perspective. A new language, a different culture, experiences that shape you. That combination of personal change and enrichment for our children gave us the courage to take the leap.

What we found here first and foremost was a different rhythm.

In Valencia, life feels softer. Less rushed. We spend more time outdoors, live more spontaneously and pay more attention to one another. We notice it in our relationship, but also in our family life. The days feel less crowded and, at the same time, more meaningful. As if space has opened up to live more consciously.

At the same time, we learned that emigration is never a uniform experience. It is deeply personal for each member of the family. In the beginning, we moved to Spain together with Arnoud’s daughter, Lola. We truly started this adventure as a family. But over time, she realised that her heart was still in the Netherlands. That was not an easy phase, yet we respected her feelings and gave her the freedom to return. It showed us that everyone has their own pace in such a life-changing step. What feels like coming home for one person can feel different for another.

Throughout this process, the guidance of Match Better Valencia meant a great deal to us. We did not just receive practical support; we felt genuinely seen as a family. There was attention not only to logistics and paperwork, but also to the emotional side of moving abroad with children. That involvement gave us calm and confidence during a period filled with important decisions.

If we could offer one piece of advice to those who are still hesitating, it would be this: do not stay stuck in doubt for too long. If you feel ready for change, explore what is possible. Especially with children, such a step can be incredibly enriching, even if each person walks their own path within it. With the right guidance and trust in your instincts, a big decision becomes much more manageable.

For us, this new chapter can be described in one simple sentence: more calm, more life, more connection.