Why We Left America With Our Five Children to Build a New Life in Ondo

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Anu and Pablo met at a community fundraiser in 2016, married a year later and built a family while living in the United States. But the high cost of living, demanding jobs and a difficult childbirth experience made them reconsider the life they wanted for their children. They first moved to Uganda in 2023 to pursue a slower, more hands-on life and start a farming venture. Visa restrictions, school requirements and business challenges soon made them consider Nigeria instead. After visiting Anu’s family during Christmas 2023, the couple felt encouraged by how easily their children connected with Yoruba language and culture. In May 2025, they relocated with their five children to a small town in Ondo State. Although the transition came with health challenges, they say Nigeria has given them more time for parenting, homeschooling, farming and creative work. For them, leaving America meant choosing family presence and cultural belonging over the pressure of their former life.

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