Kenyan nurse and content creator Judy Maina, known online as Nurse Judy, is leaving California to be with her family in Tanzania.
She shared the news in an Instagram reel filmed in a hotel hallway surrounded by luggage and inside a moving car.
"They heal me. They complete me. And that's the only thing that I want right now."
A Fresh Start in California
Judy packed her bags and moved to the US four and a half years ago. At the time, her marriage had briefly fallen apart for about two years. Seeking a fresh start, she established herself in California and built a successful nursing career.
Within 10 months of her arrival, she secured a US Green Card. She expected her family would soon join her. However, the legal hurdles of American immigration quickly slowed their plans.
"I thought, 'Okay... now my family will follow soon.' Little did I know..."
Almost three years of waiting
The consular process for her husband and children has now taken almost three years. She described it as waiting for one stage to move to the next, followed by more waiting.
Judy says the separation meant missing birthdays and everyday moments. She has watched her children grow up on a phone screen.
"I am tired of being alone in America."
A delayed journey
Judy had planned to visit another country before Tanzania. Complications forced her to push the dates back.
"I've been so empty the last couple of weeks. I've been empty empty," she admitted, before breaking into celebration the moment the trip became real. Despite earning a strong income as a nurse, Judy realized financial success could not replace time with her family.
"And honestly, there comes a point where no amount of money, career growth or opportunities can replace TIME with the people you love."
Five months at home
Judy said she decided several months ago to go home and plans to spend about five months with her family. In May 2026, she said she was considering returning to Africa as a stay-at-home mother while her family's immigration situation was resolved.
She says she wants to be a present mother and wife, and to wake up in the same house as her family.
A story many in the diaspora know
Judy's content covers health education and the realities of migration and nursing abroad. Her audience includes many nurses and young women planning similar moves.
Her latest video shows the personal cost that can come with a career overseas.
