Azores

Back in March we found out that our next station is the Azores. It's a group of small island off of Portugal. It was our first choice on our hope list followed by Turkey, England, Germany. I frankly didn't think we would get any of our choices...least of all our first pick, but fortune was smiling upon us.

Since that time it's been scrambling to get ready for an over sea's move. I've moved so many times in my life, but never overseas. I have to say this move is in a league of it's own. There is so much to do, and while it's all thrilling and exciting, there is also stress involved.

First step was getting medical clearance, which involved a lot of running around on my part getting Robynn's and my doctors to look over paper work and sign things. Then we met with the board who officially cleared us to move.

Next more paper work, running around, and securing of passports after that our official orders came in.

We found a house and I feel so fortunate. The house is amazing...the person who Charles will be taking over his job lives there now and recommended it. He is also our sponsor and has been wonderful helping coordinate and and giving us information. The pictures of the house are amazing. The people who own it costumed built it, and it really is a dream house. After speaking with the landlord, who is a very sweet and helpful person, I had a very detailed idea about the property and surrounding area.  I feel very comfy and happy with our choice knowing we will love our stay.

After some more details being worked out, and getting our exact date of arrival, it was then down to scheduling movers. Because it's over sea's we have to ship everything early, if we want it there when we arrive. There are a few ways to do a move overseas, but after reading some military blogs, most agree that the place where you have the most support then live without there. This seems like good advice. I would far rather live without our stuff here, with the support of my parents down the street, and have our things waiting for us when we get to the Azores.   Most of our stuff will ship out 40 days before we fly out. We can keep 1000 pounds to ship last minute. We also will have to ship a car super early, so we have one when we arrive.  Now that we have these details sorted (just recently)  I'm down to trying to get us super organized, and figure out how to make things most comfortable during our transition, and none scary for Robynn.

The hardest part and most emotional of this move will be saying goodbye to my parents and sister who live near to us. It's already getting painful...every time we see each other we know it's one last time before we move. My family is thrilled for us, and of course they will come and visit, but it's not like having us down the street where we will get to see each other every week. No matter how thrilled we are about the adventure and opportunity, I couldn't agree more with how one air force wife put it in her blog, "goodbye's are stinky." Leaving family behind is going to be really hard.