The list making has begun, suitcases are about to come out and packing will officially begin. A few months ago I may have done just about anything to get the heck out of here and back to our homeland, but I can honestly and peacefully say that I’m not really dying to leave here. Don’t get me wrong, I’m SO READY to see our families and I am more than excited about spending an entire summer with them… but thankfully, I am enjoying our new life here and I’m in a good place, a comfortable place and I’m really happy. I find this to be a great thing and God’s timing in all of this is just always perfect. If our moving departure would have been a bit later (like originally planned), then summer vacay would have come before I got adjusted and, I am not real sure I could have come back. I wasn’t adjusted, ready or settled enough to leave (and make a healthy return). I always imagined that when we left, I’d be desperate to go and dread our return to Abu Dhabi, but I’m pleasantly surprised I’m not desperate to leave here, and I will look forward to our return. How profound. I’m guessing that it means we think of this as home now? Isn’t that what it feels like to leave home… you enjoy your home, excited to go on your trip and will be happy to come back… hmmm. what an interesting realization.
enough deep thought.. Now, onto the summer! I have lots of fun things planned ahead: Fourth of July Celebrations, Audrey’s Art Camp, Shreveport Trip, Sugar Land Trip, San Antonio Trip, and lots of swimming and boating in between. It is such a strange feeling to not have seen any family (in person) for nearly 5 months, I’m pretty sure it is the longest we’ve been apart in my entire life. I’m excited, nervous, thrilled, and just about to burst with joy.
I’m keeping very very low expectations for the travel day – I wish I could say “flight” but we have 3 flights… yes, THREE. We leave here at 11 p.m. drive to the airport, depart at 2 a.m. – fly to London, layover for 5 hours, then take the second flight into USA (Dallas), layover for another 2 1/2 hours and then fly into Lake Charles at 8 p.m. After factoring in the time differences, I believe it is about a 30 hour travel day.. is that even possible.!? I am praying for lots of sleep for the kids and maybe eve a little for me, the minimal amount of meltdowns possible (for all of us) and for ease in the airport thru gate changes, terminal changes, and customs with two littles and lots of luggage… Did I mention yet that I’m doing this solo? ha. Prayers please! No matter HOW difficult or bad that it might be, it will be over in a day(ish)…and it is 100% worth it.
Since being married almost 7 years, we’ve lived in 5 different homes and none of them have been in Louisiana. This summer is a unique experience for us to have family in the same city, grandparents at an arms reach, and aunts / uncles around. Awesome! It is something I won’t take for granted since it will be a long, 10 months before we return.. but we won’t talk about that part right now… Lets just have FUN this summer!!!
Abu Dhabi Time
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