Continuing its series of stories about people who have returned to Latgale from abroad, the Latgale Planning Region invites readers to meet Signe Pujāte-Balandiņa, a woman originally from Kurzeme who has returned to Latvia after spending nearly 20 years in the United Kingdom. She has chosen Kārsava, in Ludza Municipality, as her new home. Her story is one of love, a sense of belonging, the courage to start anew, and the desire to preserve family roots.
Life sometimes takes people far from their hometowns, yet the feeling of home often remains unchanged. Signe's journey has also been full of twists and turns – from her hometown of Saldus to the United Kingdom, then back to Latvia, abroad once again, and finally to Latgale, where she is now building a life together with her husband. Signe moved to the United Kingdom in October 2006. She spent a significant part of her life there, gaining work experience and discovering new opportunities. After approximately ten years, she made her first attempt to return to Latvia, choosing Liepāja so she could be closer to her son. However, the high cost of living made it difficult to settle in her homeland, and Signe decided to return to the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, her son remained in Latvia to continue his education. It was after returning abroad that Signe met her husband, whose family roots lie in Kārsava. Their shared desire to return to Latvia gradually developed into a firm decision – to move into her husband's grandparents' house in Ludza Municipality.
A Home with Room for Both Peace and New Beginnings
Signe and her husband have now been living in Latvia for seven months. They are both working, settling into their daily routines, and gradually restoring the family property. Unlike life abroad, where her days largely revolved around work and home, Signe particularly appreciates the open space, nature, and opportunity to cultivate her own land in Kārsava.
"I don't need anything more. I'm not confined to four walls – I can go outside, I have a hectare of land and a garden where I can work and keep myself busy. We are very happy here," says Signe Pujāte-Balandiņa.
For Signe, living in Latgale means more than simply returning to Latvia. It is also an opportunity to find peace and satisfaction in the simple pleasures of everyday life. Having her own yard and garden, being close to nature, and enjoying the freedom to work on her own land are things that cannot always be measured in money.
When the Heart Tells You It's Time to Come Home
Speaking about her reasons for returning, Signe acknowledges that the United Kingdom offered better financial opportunities, friendships, and a familiar way of life. Nevertheless, over time, her desire to be in Latvia grew stronger.
"Why did we come back? Because our hearts told us that this is home. Yes, there are friends there, there is money, there are great opportunities, but that feeling of being home..." Signe admits.
Another important reason for choosing Kārsava was the desire to preserve her husband's family property. His grandparents' house is more than just a building – it is part of the family's history, memories, and roots, which they both wanted to carry forward. And so, after nearly two decades abroad, Signe has returned to Latvia – not to her native Kurzeme, but to Latgale, which has become her new home.
Everyone Has Their Own Journey Home
Signe acknowledges that deciding to return is not easy and that every family must carefully consider its own circumstances. Relocating can be particularly challenging for families with children who have already become accustomed to another country's education system, language, and way of life.
"It's very difficult to give advice to others because everyone's situation is different. It's especially difficult with children – things are different for them in one country compared to another. Of course, I would love to see more people return so that there are more of us living in Latvia," Signe reflects.
Nevertheless, her own experience shows that sometimes the most important thing is to have the courage to make a decision and take the first step.
"My advice to everyone is this: if you have the desire, then do it! Don't wait!" encourages Signe Pujāte-Balandiņa.
Returning Home Is More Than Just Changing Your Address
Signe's story reminds us that returning from abroad is not simply about moving from one country to another. It is about reconnecting with one's roots, restoring family properties, building a new everyday life, and finding a place where one truly feels at home. That place is not always where we were born. Sometimes we find home where love leads us, where we have the opportunity to begin again, and where our hearts finally find peace.
Signe Pujāte-Balandiņa's experience is another inspiring story of return migration to Latgale, demonstrating that even after many years spent abroad, it is possible to return and build a future in Latvia.
The Latgale Planning Region continues to share the personal stories of people who have returned from abroad, highlighting their different journeys, challenges, and the opportunities that life in Latgale has to offer.
Translated by AI
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