“Leaving home in a sense involves a kind of second birth in which we give birth to ourselves.“ Robert Neely Bellah
- 4 months ago my husband accepted a position across the world and we began preparing to be first-time expats
- 2 months later my husband relocated while our dog and I stayed behind to wait on my visa, the pet relocation details and the movers
- 1 month later our dog got sick and had tumors removed and we waited for his test results and for him to heal
- Last week the movers came and packed and loaded all of our things and we said goodbye to Tulsa
- Today, my dog and I are technically “homeless” but thankful for the opportunity to visit friends and family!
- Next week, our dog will have his first flight and my husband will be there to welcome him to his new home
- Within a week of his departure I will sell our car and board a plane too
Soon our little family will together again!!!
In this time of planning and waiting I’ve been reminded of several things:
- That I am so thankful for my husband. (Although he is former military and we have had to be apart a lot in our lives, I am increasingly aware that I feel like half of a person without him! …And frequently find myself thinking of people have lost a spouse or been distanced from them.)
- That my beautiful four-legged furry baby is an even bigger source of comfort and companionship than I realized and I’m so thankful that he will be coming with us!
- That it takes a village to make an international move! I’ve been blessed with family and friends that have loved, supported, connected, encouraged, helped me clean, and provided food, rooms, transportation, help charging and replacing car batteries and prayed for this journey
- That the smallest things bring great joy: Green grass, blue skies, fields of yellow flowers, warm sunshine, cool breezes, beautiful music…
Tell me something: Where are you in the midst of change? What are you learning? What are you thankful for? What brings you joy?
Great post. We’re going to miss you. Mike…
Thinking of you! I’m grateful for adventure and I’m also thankful for coming home. I recently flew across the country to a vibrant wonderful city – one of my favorites in the world. I went for a conference and my husband and children did not join me. In the past, I’ve felt like when I flew back to our (expat) home, I was cutting myself off and flying into isolation. This time was different, I was flying home.
It may take a little time for it to feel like home for you but the most important things are already there waiting for you! Your husband and your sweet dog (who is thankfully healthy and able to make the trip!) Can’t wait to hear about your personal adventures and learning!
Alli – I am so anxious to hear about your conference, and to hear more about why this new place suddently felt like home!