We are about to embark on the journey of a lifetime. In July, 2012, Darren received orders to be stationed in South Korea. I was given the choice to try to join him or stay behind. I knew right away that I didn't want to miss out on all the fun! Ha. . . If I chose not to go, Darren would only be required to stay in Korea for one year. This year would be much like a deployment for Emmalyn and I, with the exception of an occasional visit. The other choice would be to join him and we go to Korea as a family for a minimum of two years. After a much prayer, it was decided that I would try to go with him and the application process for Command Sponsorship (means the Army pays for moving expenses and living expenses for the family in Korea) began. We were APPROVED!!
Now the fun part begins-- preparation to move to another county. This includes finalizing paperwork, visas, passports for the baby, and sorting out which belongings will go into storage and which will be shipped to Korea. We are allowed to take about half of our belongings and it is nearly impossible to decide what stays and what goes. I never imagined it would be so hard to part from such things as wedding china and other dishes, books, and furniture, but it is only temporary and the opportunity is well worth parting with a few things for a couple years.
As we begin to wrap up the process of deciding what will stay and what will go, ultimately the hardest thing to leave behind is our bratty, yet beloved beagle boy. Kimber will be staying with my parents in Colorado for the two-ish years we will be overseas. I am hoping he walks into their home miraculously trained. Again. . . HA. LOVE YOU MOM AND DAD! I am hoping the money we pay my sister Abbie to doggie sit will be payment enough for the Beagle brat. :D
We will now start the countdown to the big move. 8 weeks and counting! We are ready to inhale our first breath of Korean air and taste our first true Korean street food. As for what we will be doing with our final weeks in the U.S., we will be soaking up the people we love with one more long drive home to Colorado and Wyoming and enjoying plenty of Mexican food along the way, as I hear that might be difficult to come by in the far east.
Adios!