Thursday, January 10, 2013

And so the countdown begins...

  We now have our official e-mail confirming that we will be deployed to Italy. That's the one we've been waiting for because although we received word in November that we would indeed be going, this makes it official in Italy. I'm really glad because it would have been a little embarrassing to backtrack and tell everyone, "Nope. Sorry. False alarm. We won't be going after all." 

  The e-mail also means the "business" part of going has begun. My passport should arrive next week and Mark has applied for his work Visa. I was recently scanning an e-mail that was sent to us regarding all of the official documents and papers we would be needing. Can you say, 'overwhelmed'??  Oh my goodness! I guess I knew there would be a lot but I wasn't prepared for the list. There's not only a ton of paperwork required for Mark to work over there but just the approvals and forms involved in finding a place to live, renting or buying a car, getting our dog over there...the list goes on and on. We even have to provide a certified copy of our marriage certificate.  I wanted to tell them that I just want to live there for a few years not run for the highest office in Italy! Basically we were told that it would probably be about 6 months after we arrive that everything will be official and we'll begin to feel at home.  I guess we're going to be pretty busy for a while.
  
  On the positive side of things there are people already working there who are standing by to answer any questions we have and they've already been helpful.  Mark knows someone who's moving there in just a few days so we'll probably be arriving just as they get everything settled. It's kind of nice to know we'll have American friends there who have been through the process.

  Also, I've been looking at some of the real estate that may be available for us. We decided not to take the house hunting trip because we'd only have one week to find something. We would much rather just go and get to know the area first. We'll likely be in a hotel for the first few months depending on how long it takes to find a place to live and get approval.(The local police have to come out and document that we are indeed the people who will occupy the house.) But according to the website I've seen there are some really nice places and really bizarre ones!  I looked at one house where the interior was entirely pink including the kitchen with white cabinets and pink appliances! (I think I'll pass on that one!) I'm looking forward to getting to see some of these places in person and from what I've seen the area is beautiful. 

  This is all falling into place and I know it's going to be upon us before we know it. As I stated in my previous post we're really relying on God to take us on this journey. I'm excited about the possibilities and still a little nervous about the unknown. I'm also having some sad feelings about not seeing my family as often as I would like. Thank goodness for skype, facebook and all modern technology that will allow us to stay in touch.  I will continue to update my blog and keep everyone informed. I can't wait to start adding pictures as well. Until next time...Arrivederci!