I wouldn’t normally respond like this but for anyone about to write a message saying, ‘think twice’ here’s maybe a different perspective.

I live my life with the principle ‘fail faster.’
It means try things.
Muck up.
Take risks.
Take action.

Nick and I have a personal motto for our family which is ‘we don’t make decisions based on fear.’

We don’t see decisions as ‘right or wrong.’ More just learning experiences, and I think so many people stay stuck in their lives in situations they don’t like because they think they have to get it ‘right.’

Will we live in America long term? Who knows.

Will we love it? Maybe.

Will we change our minds? Who can say?

One thing we know for SURE is that we don’t like NZ right now.

Does that make sense to others? Probably not. Does it matter to me if people get it or think I’m mad? No, cause they don’t have full context for our decisions and even if they did it’s not relevant to me what someone thinks of me.

I truly don’t know how to respond to all the ‘think twice’ or ‘don’t come’ comments because what can I say except, ‘ok you’re right I read a comment and now I’ve completely changed my mind…’

The point I’m trying to make is… I’m not scared to make mistakes in life. In fact I want MORE of them so I learn. And as someone who lives with a disabled husband, I know nothing in life is managed by our caution anyway.

If you’re still reading and you find yourself ever questioning your decisions or desires because someone else doesn’t understand them, I want to encourage you to be ok with being misunderstood.

I accept and appreciate all the love and concern and care for my safety in the spirit it was given.

I also appreciate all the support to make my own choices.

At the end of the day neither the support nor criticism matters to me all that much.

Because I’m gonna do what I’m gonna do. ❤

I’m just truly grateful you want to take a peek into my little life and care enough to comment.

How lucky am I!  

Peace 😊

Hi Chelsea, I wish you all the best on your move. I debated on writing this but I lived in NZ for a bit and I'm American and wish I never moved back. NZ is small but it's community, food, healthcare and school system is far better than the US. I'm sure you heard this before, but just felt I had to comment this.

I think it is a wonderful thing you are doing. You can always come back home. Life is SO short, live it, experience it, try it. It will be so beneficial to your whole family. Wishing you the very best and I look forward to following you and your content where ever you go. I think your content will become even richer.

Having lived in another country for a few years (but back in US now), I feel so excited for you. It was the best experience of our life living in a new country and culture. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Congratulations, and here’s to new experiences!

Congratulations on winning the green card lottery! It's not easy, moving halfway across the world. My husband and I are Americans living in France, so I know how challenging the whole process can be. I would like you to keep in mind that every state (and practically every city) in the US has a different vibe, so if you decide that Austin (or Texas in general) doesn't suit you, there is a plethora of towns that could fit your criteria. Good luck, and I hope to keep watching your channel- I find it inspiring and it's helping my mindset regarding food.

so happy for you, we will be so lucky to have you here in the US. we need awesome families like yourselves! ❤

Born and raised in the U.S… I would never choose to live here. New Zealand is an idealic country to live in. The U.S. poisons their foods, medicine, and their people. I wouldn’t recommend living here!! But you do you. I know the U.S. appears to be amazing from an outsiders view but it has its problems. The newness of it all will disappear fast. Wish you the best.

Hi Chelsea, I’m a longtime watcher and huge fan of your channel. You really influence my eating habits.

I moved to NZ from the US full time in 2008. I was born in Dallas, grew up in the panhandle (as we call it), and then went to university at Texas A&M. After that I lived and worked in Austin for a few years before moving to Japan and then NZ. As a longtime viewer who has grown to care about you and your family, I want to join the other voices begging you to think VERY, VERY CAREFULLY about a move to the US. Healthcare in the US is very different from New Zealand. As an example, my father passed away at a relatively young age (61). He had paid over $260 per month in health insurance for the final decade of his life. After his final week in hospital (the only week he spent there) I was handed a bill for $100,000 for the procedures his insurance refused to cover. He had no pre-existing conditions. I had to bargain the hospital down to the price he would’ve paid had he arrived with NO insurance (about half). Just about every American you meet could tell you a healthcare horror story about themselves or a friend or family member.

Gun violence is a daily occurrence in the US. It affects children in schools. Your children will be regularly practicing active shooter drills at their new school. I’m sure every family ever affected by gun violence thought it could never happen to them.

There are so many wonderful Americans and I love my family and friends back in the US. It’s looking like you’ve already made some friends there. Americans are warm and friendly and the country is pervaded with a sort of blind optimism that can be very appealing. But don’t let this fool you. America is a litigious country and its institutions are inhumane. Do a quick search of recent politics in Texas, see what you find regarding reproductive rights, immigration, LGBTQ+, etc.

I love your enthusiasm about this move and I don’t write this comment out of “bitterness”, but out of genuine care. Have an exit strategy. I wish you all the best.

I love the USA....we welcome your family

I live in California and have all my life. 45 minutes from the Loma Linda Blue Zone if you saw that documentary. It’s funny how everyone is skipping over your pinned comment to warn you off. Every country has good and bad areas and good and bad people. I love California and can’t imagine living anywhere else because of the weather. It’s so comparatively expensive, but it’s a weather tax. Whatever news and politics you choose to follow and stay engaged with colors your perception. I’m not vegan, I’m not even vegetarian, I follow you because of your story and your personality. You only get one life. If you have the opportunity to travel with your whole family and experience another country for a year or more, why not? I enjoy your personality and am making your tofu lunch this week to try it. Keep it up, savor your experiences and enjoy the journey. All these people forget you can die in a car accident any day without ever experiencing life, taking a risk, seeking joy, squeezing opportunities for every ounce. Congrats and I can’t wait to see your ten gallon hat vlogs from Texas. 😂 j/k

I'm very happy for you that you are able to do what you want to do.  I would do anything to leave here and trade you places and live in NZ right now!

Let me know if you want to see more of these videos and behind the scenes!

Can I ask why you dislike NZ?  It’s the dream destination to emigrate to for many people here in the uk. America is a dumpster fire right now. I won’t even go on holiday there. How will your husband cope with the medical bills? I see the appeal of a new start. We moved to Singapore eight years ago and it was wonderful. But Singapore is like the anti America. Healthcare is world class, it’s very safe and the people are so chill and friendly.

I think we in the comments are genuinely worried.

I love Austin! So glad you have a local friend there to show you around and welcome y’all in. Hope your journey goes well. Congratulations 🤗

Hey, Chelsea! One thing I can say is that America will be better with you in it! If you have a live meetup I will drive from Arkansas. Please let us know if you have questions, need support, etc. It will be a grand adventure!

I love these lifestyle/life update videos...keep them coming!

I do hope you take on board the many comments from your supporters here. I don't see them as negative, I think they are genuinely motivated by care and concern. I am sure (I hope) you have done a deep dive into the costs associated with living with MS in the US. The MS Society puts it at just under 90K US a year in a recent study. The cost and complexity of the private health insurance system is enormous, the public school system is grossly under resourced and its teachers poorly paid. There are so many other concerns, including soaring gun violence, but it would genuinely be a dissertation here to cover them all.

The US is a beautiful place, the people are immensely friendly and welcoming but I really worry that the huge social issues do not make it the lottery win you seem to think it is.

Please think carefully before you leap.

Don’t listen to all of the haters ❤ America is an amazing country and I think you’ll LOVE it here! What an exciting adventure for you and your family!!

You are the best looking person on my feed!  Just seeing you maintain such a toned and healthy body is SO inspiring! I don't want to look like an Instagram model, I want to be a gorgeous and toned mama like you!

My family moved from New York City to Dallas a few years ago and our quality of life improved SO much! It will be so good for your family to move to Texas!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉  I am beyond happy for you!!

Go you for aiming and getting what you want!
The dedication to move countries is huge and I wish you all the best in this quick turn around you have to pull off before May.
USA will be lucky to have you, and I hope it treats y’all well ❤

So happy to hear that you and your family are moving here to the US. Yall are going to love it in Austin, TX. I grew up there. There is so much to do in Austin. Texas is a great state.