The following article from International Living Magazine is shared with permission from the author, Tricia Pimental.
Spend Less and Live Richer in Low-Cost Portugal
By Tricia Pimental
“We came to Portugal thinking we would stay one year and then go work in another school in another country the next year. But the people in Portugal were so friendly, we had to stay.”
Linda and Chuck Moehring’s journey is a classic example of knowing your talents and finding the best use for them. Both were teachers in the U.S., although Chuck made several career moves over the years.
“I also provided professional development for a school where we lived,” says Linda, “and worked with the daughter of a school administrator overseas. She said they rarely got professional development. I thought maybe I could help.”
Linda and Chuck then flew to Lisbon, Portugal, where Linda spent a week working with the staff of Greater Lisbon Christian Academy (GLCA) and Chuck helped on a school construction project.
Fast forward two years. When the couple considered early retirement, they reached out to GLCA to ask about missionary teaching positions. “Teachers usually work for a year, go home to spend time with family, and then return. Those jobs need to be filled when they take time off. I emailed and asked if they were interested in having us come on board. We were a perfect fit.”
The Moehrings sold their home, put their household goods into storage, and purchased a condo they could call home when they returned to the U.S. to visit their children and 12 grandchildren.
“Iowas gets chilly enough in winter, and frankly, I don’t miss shoveling all that wonderful snow,” says Linda. “But we do love the weather here.
“Other perks are nearby castles and cultural sites, and being able to visit different countries in just a matter of hours. History has taken on a new perspective for us, because visiting these places makes it come alive.”
with something to do—or eat—around every corner.
Another plus is the cost of living. The couple finds that most items are less expensive in Portugal than in the U.S. That means any support received from their church back home goes even farther.
One exception is gas prices, says Linda. “At home it was a fraction of the cost here. But we enjoy using the metro—we didn’t have that in Iowa—and there’s a bus nearby, too. We also love to hike and walk, and get more exercise here than we did at home. We’re healthier because of it.
“We live in a different place every year,” she says, “typically in the home of a missionary family that is on furlough. They don’t have to put everything into storage. Instead we use their furniture, dishes, and kitchen items, and take care of their house for them. However, it’s not a free exchange. We take over the rental cost. But, as we like trying different places, it’s a win-win for everyone.”
Linda and Chuck are both very flexible in their work. Linda has taught junior-high social studies and American Government, high-school English, and all subjects to third through to sixth grade. With a degree in administration, she also helps the GLCA’s administrator decide where to place teachers each year.
The best part of it all, Linda says, is the people. “I love the comradery of the staff. It’s unlike anything we have ever experienced, this type of fulfillment and professional support. In the past in our careers, there was always a sense of stress. Here we pitch in and help each other, and are each other’s families away from home. We go shopping and to the movies together, and invite each other over for dinner. The children of the staff are like adopted grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.”
Linda’s advice to those thinking about making a change is simple. “Keep an open mind, and don’t be afraid to step out in faith and use your skill set. Be creative. Hopefully you can make a difference every day with those you work with.”
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International Living Magazine Portugal Correspondent
