#13 BIG STEPS

ALMOST THERE

It’s been a while since my last post, but trust me, we haven’t been sitting still. Life in El Salvador has been a whirlwind of excitement, and the past few weeks have brought some of the biggest milestones yet in our journey to make this beautiful country our home. From signing life-changing documents to meeting our wonderful neighbors, here’s a peek into the giant leaps we’ve taken.

A Dream House Becomes Ours

On April 10, Jim and I hopped into our rental car and drove to San Salvador for a moment we’ll never forget. In a cozy office in Mary’s apartment, we gathered with the sellers (Mary and her brother), our realtor Alejandro, a notary, and a translator to sign the final deed for our dream home. Two plots of land and a gorgeous house in Las Veraneras, a gated community in Los Cobaños, Acajutla, are now officially ours—no bank, no loans, just ours. The feeling is indescribable!

That evening, Jim and I celebrated with drinks, music, and a little dance party for two, soaking in the joy of this massive step.

What made the day even more special? The friendships we’ve forged along the way. Mary, one of the sellers, has become a dear friend I chat with at least three times a week, each conversation filled with laughter and warmth. Alejandro, our realtor, is now my go-to for late-night WhatsApp banter and jokes. Even the notary and I exchange friendly messages now and then.

Cruising in Style (and Safety)

Next up: we got wheels! El Salvador’s roads can be an adventure—think chaotic traffic and fearless drivers—but we’re now ready to tackle them in style. Our friend Luis, whose son is studying in the U.S., offered to sell us his son’s car. Knowing Luis and trusting his reliable judgment, we jumped at the chance. This isn’t just any car; it’s a super cool, sturdy ride that makes me feel safe navigating the wild Salvadoran streets. It’s the perfect companion for our new life here.

Building Our Future: The Business

Another big win? Our business is almost official! Alejandro connected us with a fantastic team of corporate lawyers in San Salvador. Jim and I made another trip to the capital to meet them, discuss the company structure, activities, and share distribution. The vibe was spot-on, and we knew we were in good hands. Just yesterday, we signed the company deed, and it’s now awaiting registration with the authorities. In a few days, our firm will be a reality, paving the way for our next adventure: securing residency.

The Road to Residency

Speaking of residency, we’re almost there! To live in El Salvador long-term, you need to prove you can support yourself without relying on the state. Once our company is registered, we’ll be one step closer to calling El Salvador home! Our lawyers will file for a Business Residency on our behalf. The process involves a few formalities, like submitting a criminal record extract from Belgium, apostilled and translated into Spanish. A huge shoutout to the fabulous Femke and Leen from the Leopoldsburg municipal office for their help with the paperwork, and to my former professor Rita Roggen for the fast and flawless translation.

We also had to visit the police in Santa Ana for a background check to ensure we’re not, say, hiding from Interpol (spoiler: we’re not!). Our lawyer joined us at the station, where we handed over our passports, answered some questions, and even had our fingerprints taken. It felt like a scene from a movie, but the officers were so friendly and chatty that it quickly turned into a fun experience. While waiting outside for the results, the staff struck up conversations and—get this—sold us a bottle of homemade honey! Only in El Salvador, right? The trip to Santa Ana (a 1.5-hour drive each way) was well worth it for the stories alone.

A Warm Welcome from Our Neighbors

Living in Las Veraneras is like being part of a little paradise. Most homes here are second properties of people living in the city or abroad, used for weekends and vacations, but seven families, including us, live here full-time. Last Sunday, one of our neighbors hosted a get-together for all seven resident families, and it was a blast! We spent the afternoon laughing, sharing stories, and connecting with these kind, vibrant people. It was an instant reminder of why we fell in love with this place—the warmth of the community is unmatched. Naturally, we added our new neighbors to the guest list for our upcoming housewarming party.

A Celebration to Remember

With the house, car, business, and residency all falling into place, it’s time to celebrate! On May 24, we’re hosting a housewarming bash in our stunning garden. We’ve invited 40 amazing people who’ve helped us settle into life here, from Mary and Alejandro to the notary, lawyers, and our new neighbors. The caterer’s menu is set, the garden furniture is booked, and every guest has RSVP’d with a yes. We can’t wait to raise a glass with everyone who’s made this journey so special.