"You don't have to feel brave to be brave!"
What does it take to survive and thrive abroad? In this "Words to Wanderers" series, expats and TCKs share their experience and advice. Today, journalist and author Vanesa Pizzuto shares her story.
Please introduce yourself! Who are you, what do you do, and what’s one thing you’re loving in your life right now?
I'm an Argentinean journalist and author, now calling England home. I love inspiring readers to develop a healthier image of God — one infused with kindness and compassion, helping us reclaim the terrain conquered by fear.
It’s a bit nerdy, but what I am loving at the moment is the Vagus Nerve (one of the body's longest roads, winding from the back of your head through most organs, finally reaching your digestive system).
A few years ago, I began exploring how activating it can help us reduce anxiety, and feel safer in our own bodies. I stumbled upon these simple exercises that stimulate the Vagus Nerve and was amazed by the results. Slowly, I am learning to listen to and honour my body's subtle needs with deep compassion, and it is such a beautiful, healing journey!
Tell us about your experience living internationally. Where were you born? Where have you lived? And what brought you to where you are now?
I came to the UK with the intention of a one-year volunteer experience, but as my mom predicted, I stayed, and it’s been nearly 18 years. Born in Argentina, I am the sole adventurer in my family living abroad. Despite the distance, I try to visit Argentina annually to spend Christmas with my family.
I believe that if someone had told younger Vanesa she would be living and working in the English language, she would never have believed them! Why? Tell us the story of your language learning journey, and what helped you along the way.
Absolutely! English was a real struggle for me, especially during school. I had such a hard time that, at one point, I even had to retake my English as a Second Language exam during the summer while other kids were on holidays. Did I mention I was in primary school when this happened? To make matters worse, my sister Beth is a natural when it comes to languages (she's now an English teacher and the headteacher of a bilingual school).
If someone had told me then that I would one day live in England and work as a radio presenter, I would have laughed until my tummy ached.
It wasn't until university that English started making sense for me. I won a scholarship that took me to Canada, and that's when the proverbial penny dropped. Connecting English with my passion for traveling and meeting new people made things easier. Talking to real people is far more interesting than learning English from a book!
You’ve written a devotional book for women, published in Spanish, English and French. What inspired you to write “No Fear, No Chains”?
It all began during Tuesday night prayer meetings at my place. For years, a group of women has gathered here to pray, and we keep our conversations and prayers shockingly real. If someone is upset, we cry together. If someone is happy, we celebrate. If I'm wrestling with envy, I’d admit, 'I need your prayers, ladies. I hate how jealous I'm feeling now...' Because of our commitment to emotional authenticity and community, we have seen healing taking place between sips of fresh ginger tea and whispered prayers.
As a writer I often found myself frustrated with traditional devotional books for women. I found them too tidy, too neat, and sanitised. I craved what we experienced in our prayer meetings but in a book format — an honest, vulnerable conversation about trying to follow Jesus, breaking the cycle of female rivalry, or healing from past wounds.
So, I started writing, and together we prayed for an opportunity to have my words published. We were all amazed when the book was published in three languages, and heartfelt letters from readers around the world began pouring in.
I used to have this irrational fear that surrendering my life to God meant He would ask me to do something I'd hate. As a lover of writing, I dreaded God calling me to be an accountant, surrounded by numbers and checkbooks. I feared that 'dying to self' meant undergoing a personality dialysis. However, this experience reminded me that God cherishes my uniqueness, my quirks, and my voice as an author. He takes what I love the most and uses it to bless others (and me!).
How has your life abroad impact your writing generally, or your career choices?
It is interesting because I don’t write in Spanish and in English the same way. When you're bilingual, it means you develop a second way of thinking. It rewires your brain. This has given me a unique perspective and opened up new opportunities to connect with diverse audiences.
How has your time overseas impacted your spiritual journey?
You know what your question reminds me of? Many years ago, when I was wandering around Peru and stumbled upon the breath-taking Cusco Cathedral. Inside, I saw a painting of the Last Supper.
'Can you recognise what the disciples are eating?' a tour guide asked us. When we gave up guessing, he said, 'It is vizcachá,' a South American rodent similar to a rabbit.
The artist, Marcos Zapata, also painted the disciples drinking Chicha, a traditional drink made from fermented corn, and added a cheeky touch by making Judas' face resemble that of Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conqueror who executed the Inca emperor, Atahualpa. Zapata painted a Peruvian Last Supper, unapologetically!
Living abroad felt like looking at that painting again, only inside of me. It made me wonder how much of my picture of God came from my background and how much is straight from God Himself. Can I even tell the difference? It’s been a slow, sometimes intimidating road to freedom, but a journey I am deeply grateful for. The God I now believe in loves me—and everyone else—unconditionally, with tender and unstoppable compassion.
What is something you’ve learned about yourself through your travels/life abroad?
You don't have to feel brave to be brave!
How would you encourage other expats and global nomads? Or, what advice would you give them?
One of the most beautiful things about living abroad is that it makes you both courageous and humble. Not all of a sudden, not all at once. But with every new flavour. With every word that your tongue struggles to pronounce, taking you back to being a child and learning how to speak. With every frustration, but also with every delight. It expands your ability to love what is different, what is other than you. So, on the hard days, remind yourself of this: ‘You are doing something brave.’
Anything else you’d like to add?
I'm super excited about my upcoming book! It explores how boosting our emotional intelligence can improve our ability to hear and understand the voice of God. I share ideas on distinguishing the voice of God from the inner critic, navigating God's will while making a few mistakes, and the crucial role of embodiment and body kindness in hearing God’s voice clearly. I can't wait for it to hit the shelves hot off the press!
Where can we find out more about you?
IG handle: @vanesa.pizzuto
Website: https://vanesapizzuto.com/
Thank you, Vanesa, for sharing with us!
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