Meet Co-creator of ‘The Wave’, Melanie Kettner-Borough. Melanie discovered we don’t often go straight to destinations, there are stops, pauses, detours which, with the right attitude and understanding, equip and skilled you for an exciting journey ahead.
Read her story.
Why Spain?
We can’t quite believe it’s been 20 years living in this amazing country.
My husband is from the Bay Area in California and I’m from Kenya of British parents. Our children were 6 and 9 when we moved here. I should have known Spain would be in our history as my husband is an adventurous soul and came to Spain in 1979 to study the classical Guitar.
We have both lived in various places and many countries. Spain seemed to be in his blood and my dear mum wanted to buy a place in Spain and do a b&b in the 70’s.
We visited over two years during summer to spy out the land and my husband visited 9 times bringing a choir and various adventurers from churches in San Diego.
The story is too long to write it here…. Just a few highlights.
We moved to the Marbella area after two years in la Colina, Torremolinos to grow a faith community however our son who was about to turn 13 was diagnosed with lymphomoblastic T cell leukaemia. It was a long journey with transplant and graft vs host disease etc. However we continued growing a vibrant church in Puerto Banus called “The Wave” (which after covid moved to the beach in San Pedro and now occupies Sunday mornings at Déjate Llevar Restaurant on the San Pedro Boulevard).
My husband and I became wedding celebrants which has been another adventure exposing us to so many amazing people and places.
I have found that in life we don’t often go straight to the destinations, there are stops and pauses and detours which, with the right attitude and understanding, you will find has equipped and skilled you for an exciting journey ahead.
This said, I finally moved into my original interest in psychology and became a psychotherapist so that I could work with body, spirit and mind…for which I am so grateful.
And where are you now?
We are now in San Pedro de Alcantara, a glorious mix of Spanish and foreigners. Not just British but so many people from all over the world.
We have seen massive upgrades in the infrastructure over the years including the tunnel which has now allowed San Pedro to be this quaint village with many visiting the amazing restaurants and bars, the pebbled beaches and experience the incredible people who make this a wonderful place to live.
There is a lot of construction at the moment, more apartments are being added.
San Pedro has its own heartbeat, so different from Puerto Banus and Marbella. It is a rare precious jewel.
What was the biggest challenge for your move?
As with any internationals move there are challenges. My first of course was where to live (so we visited numerous times). The next was the language, so I enrolled in the government classes which were good for that season. The next was needing to do my theory and practical driver’s license, even though I had been driving for 30 years and held 3 licenses from. 3 different countries. Perhaps because I grew up in Africa, the open demonstrative culture wasn’t really a big change for me. It is certainly something that I cherish, the cariñoso/connectivity of the people. The best way to overcome challenges in moving to Spain is ‘go with the flow’ and be prepared to exchange your old life for a completely new one. Don’t try to live here like you would at home. Summer is a good test of flexibility.Do you have any advice for Women thinking about making the move?
Make sure you aren’t running away to what you think is your dream. Life here is raw and real with sunshine and laughter. Always have outflow, meaning – having a purpose.
How do you spend your days?
Life here is full.
Apart from psychotherapy work, my husband and I are pastors of The Wave in San Pedro, all our work is about people and being there for them in times of challenge, new decisions etc.
We do weddings, funerals, dedication family reconciliation etc.
We have a small retreat place in Granada where we take people to refresh and reset.
In close association with a prominent charity in Marbella, Collective Calling, we assist with fundraising and I am on the event team which is huge fun – fashion shows, 2 fabulous galas a year, beach Olympics, donating to the 2 charity shops and helping out with the MSU (mobile. Shower unit) which serves the homeless in Malaga and Fuengirola.
I have had the privilege to speak at their Change Makers training events at La Sala, Puerto Banus.
My hope is to travel with CC to Tanzania where they have a work with street children.
I crochet when I get around to it, garden, dabble in bonsai, love walks, love music, singing and people.
What is something spectacular you would like to achieve in just one day?
Write a bookSomething you are grateful for?
Grateful for the clear direction of becoming a psychotherapist late in life.Who would be at your special dinner party?
First of course Jesus of Nazareth, because he is the most controversial person ever to have lived (love to hear what we get right 😅) Next, my mother because she was not an outspoken person, but was the demonstration of love, kindness and patience and I’m sure she had more to say. Lastly, my classical guitar teacher who answered all my confused questions about religion and true faith. This changed my life. Why him? Because I can’t find him on Facebook to thank him 😅What’s your secret weapon or accomplishment?
Understanding we all alike, we all need to receive love and be understood. Whether I am with a wealthy business person or someone homeless, life happens – respect for the journey.Do you have a favourite quote?
Love without judging.
– we live in a challenging broken world, perspective is everything.
One thing you had to bring to Spain and could never give away?
Photos – when you are older and photos weren’t digital, you find these so precious. Everything else is replaceable.Do you have a favourite film?
That is a hard one! Movie Forgotten Love. Phew…. Why? Resilience, love, humility, patience, hope and believing the best.Something you would tell your younger self?
Stop hiding – you are amazing!Thank you Melanie where can we find out more?
Our community – The Wave My celebrant workIf you would like to share your story, please complete the online questions here
And read more Costa Women stories in our regular interview feature!
