In January of 2006, two days after having two embryos transferred into my perfectly primed body, during a discussion my husband and I were having, he casually says, "Well, what if it's twins" ... I was shocked beyond belief ... I had never considered for a moment that I was pregnant with twins .... I wasn't the first time ... why now? But I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was pregnant with twins. Every fiber of my being was telling me this was so ...
I had that same feeling the moment my husband mentioned Guam.
And that looks like where we are headed.
So much happened yesterday that my head is absolutely reeling. I started the morning excited at this new adventure and then the day ended with sadness for my kids ... they will miss their cousins and grandparents that have been a big part of their life since we moved to Texas two years ago. Jack cried when we left Houston last weekend ... he didn't want to leave. Jamie has cried before too about leaving.
I know that they will adjust, but are we taking something they will never get back ... something I think is important.
But this opportunity is amazing in many ways and if it was just the two of us ... we wouldn't have a doubt. Actually me ... my husband is on board 100% ... he thinks it will be great for the kids. But he was born and raised in Saudi Arabia. His parents shipped him and his siblings, when they each turned 14, back to the States to attend boarding school. They then spent their holidays with various relatives or made their way back to Arabia BY THEMSELVES .... at 14 ...
Obviously he is from heartier stock than I am ... I'm a fairly pampered girl from California who has been around my family my entire life ... I felt a huge separation from my family when I moved from Texas ... I can't imagine how it's going to feel being 6000 miles away.
But I think I'm on board. I'm excited about a totally new way of life. I hope the kids will look back on the experience and say that they loved it. My husband and his family loved living in Arabia and have great memories of the experience.
I have concerns ... will my kids regret being pulled away from the cousins and grandparents? Will our parents live long enough to see us back in the states in a few years so our kids can get reacquainted with them? (We would have been moved away from Texas anyway ... and we would have only been visiting once a year as was our practice before we moved here) ... and will our 13 year old dog make the trip without dying in transit?
Uggghhh ... The start date on this new job is probably going to be June 1. The amount of stuff that needs to be done between now and then is overwhelming. Just the doctors appointments alone that need to be done before we move, to get everyone as up to date as possible, is huge.
Well there it is ... our life right now. I can use any and all suggestions from everyone.
Anyone know anything about Guam?
Posts
14 comments:
I met a lot of people from Guam when I went to school in Hawaii-- they said it was very, very similar to Oahu, just less populated! One of my friends was obsessed with Guam. She always talked about home and how beautiful it was and how nice the people were.
While it is sure to be a major adjustment, I think it sounds like a wonderful opportunity! Especially while the kids are still young. But then again, I dream of living on an island ;)
Are you going to keep blogging from Guam? I'd LOVE to keep in touch, here on things are going...
Prayers are with the 5 of you!
Personally, I'm disappointed that we won't be neighbours, but I can't help but be excited about your Guam adventure. I know nothing about it, but I did grow up on several continents, and would love for my children to have a similar experience. If you'd like, I'd be happy to put you in touch with an old teacher and an elementary school friend (herself a Third Culture Kid, who teach at international schools and may have some insights on how to deal with culture shock and distance from extended family.
How exciting! Especially if this is a short-term thing - what an adventure!
Honestly, the only thing I know about Guam is that my grandfather absolutely loved it.
He survived Iwo Jima and Guadacanal - then waded to the shores in the Liberation of Guam. He was greeted with affection and celebration by the grateful Guamanians.
Until he died, if he ever encountered a Guamanian in the States, he would promptly offer to take them to lunch - out of gratitude.
It is a special place!
I know there is a military base in Guam. Some people have really enjoyed it!
Oh, wow! Exciting and scary! I know nothing. Good luck on your new journey!
Thanks for stopping by my blog and for the follow - nice to meet a fellow aging mommy! Look forward to reading so much more about your exciting new adventures in life.
Wow, this is a huge decision but not one that you'll regret from the sound of it!
It's much easier to make a move like this while the kids are young...just think about what a wonderful experience this will be for them.
I don't know anything about Guam so I'll just have to rely on pictures and descriptions from you, once you're there!!
Wow! Guam! How exciting. I can see why there may be some pros and cons to your thought/feelings about going, but given that this seems to be the way things will go, I think you've got a great attitude about it. Although you will be farther from family, it sounds like a fantastic opportunity for the kids to see another part of the world. And hopefully with email, phone calls, blogging, etc. your kids can maintain those close connections with grandparents and cousins. Good luck as you prepare for your big move!
One step at a time, Merri Ann. One thing at a time!
You prolly don't want to hear this, but what I wouldn't GIVE for an adventure like that! ESPECIALLY when my kids were little. i have watched my girlfriend (air force brat) and her experiences have helped to solidiy her into a very well rounded person!
I know zippo about Guam. You are being a really good sport. I would be hysterical I am sure. I know you must be busy, so I hope everything is going well.
I for one, could do with a change of environment.
I say go for it!!
Are you hanging in there? Feel free to e-mail me if you need to vent.
Your kids will love living overseas. Yes, they'll miss their family, but they have you with them and they'll make cool friends.
The Boss has wanted to move home for a long time (he didn't care for Kuwait) but he still made good friends there. He has friends here that he's going to miss but has FB and e-mail to keep in touch. Plus with family here we'll be here for vacations.
The Peanuts only have memories of visiting the States since we moved over here when they were 1. They don't know anything else.
You're giving them the best education possible...living in another culture.
BTW, learn as many native recipes as you can. Cheaper than trying to recreate American food all the time and probably healthier. Save the American food for special treats. Plus it's a good way to get well acquainted with your neighbors. ;)
Post a Comment