It is November 2nd. I can't believe it. This is the month when so much happens...the month I have been anticipating forever it seems. I say anticipate, but I also mean dread. I am looking forward to going back to the states for sure, but I can't imagine leaving here either. I remember feeling that same way last time we went to the states for an extended stay. I wrote about how we were excited, scared, and sad all at the same time. I feel those same feelings again. This time though I have much to do to prepare. This time things are different. Last time we went to the states we chose to keep our apartment in Turkey. We had friends stay there for us. This time we have decided to give up our apartment and store our furniture. I have lived in this apartment for the last 6 1/2 years...the longest I have ever lived in one place in my life. Anna Grace, Jacob, and Will have all lived here for over half their lives. It is hard to give it up. I just know that it is the right thing to do for our family at this time. In the states we will be living in a place that is new to our family. Last time we lived in a house that had been in the family for several years. Things will be different this time. And while that scares me some it also excites me. I love a good adventure. I feel like this will be an adventure of a lifetime. We'll see.
And whenever I feel sad about leaving here I just remind myself of all the things I am looking forward to in America. Cheddar cheese, Mexican food, seafood, a neighborhood where we can ride bikes, a backyard, driving a car, Target, shoe shopping, grocery shopping (I know...but believe me it is great compared to grocery shopping here.), central air and heat, my family, and friends. There are so many great things about Turkey that I will miss. To read about a few of the things I was going to miss last time you can look here and here.
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I can certainly relate. We have less than two years left here and then we will go back to the US. After being overseas since 1999, I already feel a little anxious about it. It's like reverse culture shock?!?
I think it will be a great adventure! Everyday will be a new experience-embrace it. Okay--now forward me these ideas in a few years :). I'm sure that I will be panicking....
I've been wondering lately if you were scared. Are the kids scared? Or do they not understand enough to be scared since almost all they know is Turkey?
I'm praying for you guys and the huge transition you will be making.
Plus you'll be back in a "normal" time zone!! ;)
OH the excitement. The move is going to be here before you know it!
And just think of all the blog fodder you'll have... if you even have time to blog during the move, that is!
Whenever we moved, we were in charge of our own rooms - stuff to keep, stuff to toss, stuff to give away. That way my mom didn't have to worry herself over OUR stuff!
I cannot even begin to fathom what it is like for you and what it will be like for you trying to move your whole family across the planet.
I hope that you can remain calm and peaceful throughout the process!
Just bring money! When we first got to TX we were daily in Walmart, Target, HEB, Big Lots, buying stuff -- cheese grater, food storage bags, microwaveable bowls -- and don't forget the cable and internet. See you soon.
Mom and Dad
I hope you are able to enjoy both your last little bit of time there and returning here.
big swing of emotions ~ leaving, gaining, change, excitement, sadness ~ but what an experience! except for the packing and unpacking, that pretty much sux even if you are just moving across the street!
I can't believe you're coming to the states in less than a month!!! See, with you in Turkey, the chance that we might bump into each other was pretty nil, but now, it'll almost be not nil and that is awesome!!
Wow! It must be about 100 times as exciting and daunting as a regular move! It's so hard to live in the moment when all is chaos but just power through it, enjoying as much as you can as you go. My internet's been down for a few days so I was happy to get online and see how you're doing. Enjoy your final weeks in Turkey!
I'm really excited to hear all about your move back to the states.
I just love a good adventure!!!
I couldnt imagine not having a Target nearby. Oh the heartache.
Now get packing!
peace
#2
andrea - definitely reverse culture shock. most definitely. i have loved living here though. i will always love turkey!
headless mom - scared and so much more! it will be good though. i know that! the kids are mostly excited. they know they will miss their friends, but with the internet and facebook it will be easy to keep in touch.
joe - normal...define normal!
andrea - i know! i still have so much to do! scary...it really is scary. i have let the kids do quite a bit of their own stuff. i had to. they had so much junk!
domestic goddess - i know. i can't fathom it either. we did it when we moved here, but for some reason this is way harder!
mom and dad - i know. money...it will be tight. we may have to just live with you guys!
citizen of the world - we are trying to enjoy every minute of it.
friyet - swing of emotions. that's it exactly. exactly how i feel. don't like that part of it much!
over-thinker - i know! and i can totally plan a trip to bump into you sometime! awesome!
mamadallama - it is. i am needing lots of caffeine these days to power through!
sparkliesunshine - i'm sure i will be blogging it. you will have a chance to read all about it!
#2 - me too! and target...i love target!
lynn - hi.
How long will you be back in the US, and where will you be living?
enel - we will be back for at least 7 months. that part is still up in the air. we will be living in the houston area. we might be driving to california at some point during our time there. we'll let you know if we will be passing by your way!
Oh good luck with everything. A month from now you will be here having a sweet Christmas. I am excited for you.
Catch me on FB chat again.
XOXO
rhonda - thanks! i am looking forward to the holidays in the states for sure! and thanks for the chat. it was fun!
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