Natalia from Costa Rica : A story of faith, resilience and community

Costa Rica is one of the smaller countries of Central America, both in population and in size. It's also historically been much more stable and secure than many of its neighbours and its efforts to preserve and protect its natural environment has made it a biodiversity hot spot. As a result, Costa Ricans haven't emigrated at the same rate as some other peoples in Latin America. Hence, it is a bit of a surprise to find a Costa Rican living in Burnie, in northwest Tasmania.Natalia grew up near the capital of San Jose, and had always imagined that she would travel. However, the way it happened was totally unexpected.When she was 19, she started learning English from a young Australian man. A connection developed quickly and it was not long before she was on her first ever plane journey to start a new life in Hobart.Her first 18 months in Tasmania were incredibly challenging. An unexpected pregnancy, little English and no driver's license, it was not surprising that she felt isolated and homesick. Discovering a supportive community of Latin Americans in northwest Tasmania, she convinced her husband they should move there, but it was then tragedy struck, with the sudden loss of her husband. At 21 and pregnant with her second child, Natalia had considered returning to Costa Rica, but the support of the community she had found and her personal faith helped her to stay resilient. Almost 20 years later she has managed to build a good life in Burnie, having remarried, raised 4 kids and recently getting what she considers her dream job providing support for children in out of home care.