We’re just 26 days away from leaving Korea. How will we ever finish everything we must do? Now that time is growing ever shorter, I find myself choosing between priorities. I wish I could clone myself and assign myself to do different tasks, like writing this blog. Alas, I cannot. Fortunately, the most pressing logistics involved with our move have already been set in motion–our trip is booked, my follow-on assignment is set, and the biggest move preparations are already planned, including scheduling the movers and vehicle pickup. Over the next 26 days, we need to focus on all the "little" things, like changing addresses, finishing my job evaluation, and organizing paperwork for our trip. If you’ve ever moved, which I’m sure you have, you’ll understand all that is involved with a move. I’ve never heard anyone who said anything favorable about moving other than that they’re glad when it’s over.
What is unique about this lifestyle is that moves happen every two, three, or four years. It’s an amazing experience immersing yourself in cultures such as Korea and Paraguay. However, moving around the world nine or ten times over a 25- to 30-year period can be a tremendous grind. This is compounded by the fact that some transitions stretch into months, even years, when training and home leave is involved. For example, we will be on leave for one month, and then we will be in Virginia for four months to study Spanish. During this time, our car and most of our worldly possessions will be boxed up and shipped to Paraguay. For three months, we will live out of suitcases in a furnished apartment in Virginia with no vehicle. Life won’t feel "normal" again–if you can call this life "normal"–until next August, after we unpack the belongings that will be shipped from Korea in about three weeks. I shouldn’t complain, but it is a sacrifice to live such a transitory lifestyle. I wouldn’t trade it for a stable life in suburban America, though. I’m right where I need to be.
