Episode 13 - Embrace the Unexpected with Wendy VanStone

Wendy and her husband Eric made a life changing decision 5 years ago to move themselves and their 2 daughters to Saudi Arabia. Their journey in deciding to do this and the experience they are having there is firmly based out of so many of our talking points in this podcast. Their faith, strong foundation, healthy boundaries, living out of their own expectations, and not others, and the ability to go into relationships with open eyes, loving others and accepting and embracing all the layers within those people and cultures, as well as themselves, are all key factors in how they’re experiencing life in this season.

A few key quotes that really stuck out in this episode are:

“We did pray at the very beginning that if this was meant for us that God would open doors, but if not, that they would shut”

“Will we regret not even trying?”

“Learning to just have no expectations, and just be in the moment and embrace that opportunity has been very valuable for her” - Wendy VanStone referring to lessons her oldest daughter is learning in this journey

“When you have expectations, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment” - Wendy VanStone referring to preconceived notions and unrealistic expectations we sometimes try to impose on situations and other people

“Gratitude is huge. Just expressing and being thankful for everything we have is a huge component for that self care and emotional wellbeing”

Wendy is a huge proponent of embracing the journey and living in the moment, and is a lifelong learner. This has opened the door to her being able to see the beauty in the people and situations she encounters. She loves relationships and pouring into others, but knows herself well and sees when she needs to pull back, quiet the noise and refill her cup.Wendy is truly one of the most genuine, welcoming people I know and we talk about how that’s rooted in her early childhood in Puerto Rico with the culture of music, food, and dancing bringing people together in community on a regular basis.Wendy’s heart of gratitude and love for life, incorporated with her grounding faith and knowledge of who she is, come through so clearly in this conversation. You don’t want to miss spending time with this beautiful soul. I hope you’ll take the time to listen and learn from this week’s guest, Wendy VanStone.

Be sure to listen here on the website under Episodes or on our Anchor Page!