At the Drop of a Hat... everything changes. Sometimes you don't ask for the change... sometimes you do. But with one phone call, all can be turned upside down.
After nearly 9 consecutive years overseas ( a total of 12) , Joe and I have decided that it is in the best interest of Joey's and Holly's educational goals, for us to get them back to the US as soon as possible. To do this, we have officially requested an Early Return of Dependents or ERD for short. This means that upon final approval by the US Government, I will depart Australia with the kids and return to the US. Joe will remain at the Embassy in Canberra until the first available date for him to join us... July 2009.
Our scheduled departure date is October 1, 2009. Joey does final testing and would graduate mid November 2009. Our first choice would have been to extend for 2 months in order for Joey to graduate from his current school; however, we recently learned that this is not an option. We could request a one-year extension. That would simply put us in the same exact boat in 2010 with Holly's graduation. After many late night and early morning and middle of the day conversations, we finally decided our course of action. What we feel is in the best interest of our children.
Once I receive the official orders, the kids and I will fly to Huntsville, Alabama and settle. This is not an easy process when the entire family is intact... I can't imagine doing it all without Joe. I will be buying a house and a car, getting the kids into school... etc etc etc! I know I can do it... but it is a bit scary! Anyone have any insight into Huntsville??? Leave me a comment!!!
So for now, I sit and wait for the official word that my life - my quiet little life - will be in chaos shortly. I am just sitting on the fence... knowing there is a small chance that our request could still be disapproved... sitting on the fence... knowing there are a million things that I should be doing in preparation!
As for life as we currently know it... we have gotten into quite the stable schedule. It has been cold and wet outside... so we have kept it low key for the last few weeks. Everyone is healthy and happy... and for that we are always thankful!!!
2 comments:
OH MAN GIRL!!! That is A LOT! What a tough decision. I hope everything goes smoothly for you and your family. That is a big load to handle. Hugs! Angel
Glad to have you stateside but what a lot to do and take in, without your supportive hubby by your side. Everything will work out like it's supposed to. We'll be thinking of you.
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