A Life-Changing Decision: Why We Chose El Salvador Over Canada
It’s been far too long since I updated this blog, and for that, I apologize. Life has been a whirlwind over the past few years, filled with profound realizations, significant decisions, and an entirely new chapter for our family. I finally have the chance to sit down and share the story of how our lives took an unexpected but deeply fulfilling turn.
Last summer, we embarked on what we called a “scouting mission” to El Salvador. The idea was to see firsthand whether this small Central American country could be the place where we’d want to raise our children. Little did we know, that trip would forever change the trajectory of our lives.
The State of Canada: A Tipping Point for Families
For many years, Canada was our home, and we cherished so much about it. But as time went on, my husband and I became increasingly concerned about the direction the country was heading. The Canada we grew up loving seemed to be slipping away.
The authoritarian Liberal regime currently in power has taken the country down a path that feels deeply unsettling for families like ours. Policies that erode personal freedoms, skyrocketing costs of living, and social environments that don’t feel safe for children have made Canada less and less appealing as a place to raise a family.
It was heartbreaking to come to terms with this reality, but we couldn’t ignore the signs. We realized that staying in Canada was no longer in the best interest of our children or their future.
A Scouting Mission to El Salvador
When we began researching alternatives, El Salvador wasn’t initially at the top of our list. Like many, we held preconceived notions of it being a “third-world country” riddled with challenges. However, as we dug deeper, we began to uncover a very different story.
The El Salvador of today is a country on the verge of greatness. Under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, we saw a nation undergoing a profound transformation. Crime rates, once a significant concern, have plummeted thanks to bold reforms. Infrastructure is improving rapidly, and the spirit of innovation is alive and well.
So, we packed our bags last summer and flew to El Salvador with open minds and hearts, eager to see if it could truly be the right fit for our family.
Discovering a Land of Opportunity and Hope
What we found in El Salvador exceeded every expectation.
From the moment we arrived, there was an energy in the air—an undeniable sense of progress and optimism. The streets were bustling, the economy was growing, and people were full of pride in their country. It felt like stepping into a time machine and landing in the United States during the 1950s, a period marked by growth, innovation, and community spirit.
El Salvador is a nation building itself up, and we could feel the excitement of being part of its history. Unlike the stagnant and often discouraging atmosphere we’d left behind in Canada, El Salvador radiated hope.
Safety and Prosperity: A Surprising Revelation
Safety was one of our primary concerns before visiting. But what we experienced on the ground was vastly different from the outdated and exaggerated stories we had heard. We visited bustling markets, serene beaches, and lively neighborhoods where families were out enjoying life.
The government’s tough stance on crime has brought about a sense of security that’s palpable. We walked freely and felt safe wherever we went—something we hadn’t felt in Canada for quite some time.
But safety wasn’t the only thing that impressed us. The economy in El Salvador is flourishing, with new businesses popping up everywhere, infrastructure projects underway, and opportunities for growth in nearly every sector. It’s a country on the rise, and we felt drawn to the momentum and promise of a better future.
Making the Decision to Move
By the end of our scouting trip, the decision was clear: El Salvador was where we wanted to be.
Returning to Canada after that trip felt like a step backward. The contrast between the two countries couldn’t have been more stark. Where El Salvador was growing and thriving, Canada seemed to be stagnating and crumbling under its own weight.
The idea of staying in Canada began to feel like a disservice to our children’s future. So, we made the bold decision to sell everything and move to El Salvador.
The Challenges of Starting Over
Of course, such a significant move comes with its fair share of challenges. We had to navigate the emotional weight of leaving behind everything we’d ever known—our home, our possessions, and the life we’d built in Canada.
Selling everything was a daunting task, but it also felt liberating. We pared down to the essentials and embraced the opportunity to start fresh in a place that aligned with our values and aspirations.
Saying goodbye to friends and family was bittersweet, but we knew this move wasn’t about leaving people behind; it was about creating a better future for our children.
A New Chapter Begins
Now that we’ve settled in El Salvador, I can confidently say it was the best decision we could have made. Our children are thriving in an environment that feels safe, nurturing, and full of opportunity. We’re surrounded by a community of people who are working hard to build a better tomorrow, and we’re proud to be part of that journey.
Living in El Salvador has given us a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude. We’ve traded the stress and uncertainty of Canada for a life that feels grounded and full of potential.
Reflections on the Journey
Looking back, it’s incredible to see how much has changed in just a few short years. What began as a scouting mission turned into a complete transformation of our lives. We left Canada with heavy hearts but arrived in El Salvador with open minds and an overwhelming sense of hope.
This isn’t just a move to another country—it’s a new chapter in our family’s story, one that’s full of promise, growth, and opportunity.
What’s Next?
I plan to share much more about our experiences in El Salvador—the challenges, the joys, and the lessons we’re learning along the way. If you’re curious about what life is like here or considering a similar move, stay tuned.
El Salvador has given us the chance to start over, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead. Thank you for being part of our journey, and I look forward to sharing more with you soon!
This decision wasn’t just about leaving Canada; it was about finding a place where our family could truly thrive. And so far, El Salvador feels like home.
You can follow our video journey through El Salvador starting with Day 1 above
