It's getting down to the wire...

  One week from today. Our stuff is getting packed up tomorrow and there's a tiny bit of stress in our house. Okay, there's a lot of stress in our house.  We're not doing too badly considering. There's a lot of heavy sighing but to our credit very little yelling. I guess after you've been married for 25 years you learn how to deal with each other's way of doing things even if it's not the way you'd do it.

  I will be happy to get this portion of things over with. As you can see from the photos below we have quite an extensive pile that has been growing for months. We have everything from pots and pans to pillows, clothing to toiletries and everything in between. There are things that we were advised would be hard to find and things that will help us to remember the comforts of home. The hardest part was getting everything cataloged and trying to come up with a replacement value in case something happens to the shipment. In any case, I will be happy to have the corner of my bedroom empty again if only for a week.

  As far as everything else is concerned I guess we're as prepared as we can be. Yesterday we spent the day in a cultural training class designed to help us adjust to life in a foreign country. It was all very useful information but it was also a lot to take in. By the end my head was pretty much spinning from everything we learned and at this point I'm just hoping I can remember half of it.  

  Now the focus will be on packing for the trip.  We bought 2 new suitcases and are gathering things to go in them.  This part is hard as well because we could be in a hotel for up to 2 months.  It's one thing to pack for a regular trip and think, "I need shampoo" but quite another to think, "Oh wait, I need enough shampoo to last 2 months."  In case you're wondering, yes, Italy has shampoo but it's something else that's very expensive there. 

  One note about my last post: as of last week the friend who wanted to buy Mark's car decided against it but almost as quickly as that happened, the same neighbors who are buying our van decided they wanted the car as well!  I love how God works things out!  We're making the official deals and turning the cars over to them on Saturday.  Fortunately Jake is home for another few weeks and we can borrow his car as needed this coming week.

  I can't believe I'm about to be posting from Italy. I'm excited and nervous and more than a little sad about saying goodbye to everyone here.  This coming Sunday will be our last to attend our church home for a while and it's going to be bitter-sweet I'm sure.  Thanks again to everyone who takes the time to read my scattered thoughts.  My friends and family mean the world to me!

For the last time from the U.S....Arrivederci!

  One month from today...
  
  We will be on a plane headed for Italy. I can't believe how quickly the past 5 months have gone.  We have been very busy preparing as best we can. The work visa has been processed, the doctor's visits and physicals are done, we have our international driver's licenses, and the moving company has evaluated our stuff and will be packing us up on May 24th. Right now one corner of our bedroom looks like an episode of "Hoarders". Since we have a furniture allowance we're not taking any big ticket items but we are stocking up on items that will be hard to find or will be too expensive to purchase in Italy.

  As I've stated before what is completely amazing to me is to see God opening all the doors for us and pushing us through. While we've had to check and double check everything, it seems like the waters are all parting ahead of us and everything is just falling into place. This was most evident to me when we decided it was time to sell our two cars.  If you've ever been through the process of selling a car it can be rather daunting, especially if you're selling to a stranger because you never know if they're going to follow through on everything. A few months ago I jokingly said to my neighbor of 13 years, "Hey, you guys want to buy our van?" She very seriously said, "YES"!  They have twin daughters going off to college in the fall and need an extra car. Then a few days ago my husband called them and not only did they agree to our asking price they told us we could continue to drive it until we're ready to leave. The next day at church we were approached by a friend asking if he could buy Mark's car.  He also agreed to the asking price and said we could drive it until we're ready to leave. An amazing coincidence? I think not! God is definitely working things out for us!

  At this point it's probably a good thing for us to be so busy. That way I don't have time to think about how much I'm going to miss our family and friends here. Our oldest son just graduated from college and has a job lined up which is great but I really wanted to be here to help him get settled in a new apartment. Our youngest son will be going back to college in the fall and I hate the thought of not being here to get him into his new dorms. I know they're technically grown-ups but it's still hard for a mom to let go of some things. I'm thankful that my parents are close by and are willing to help with such things. They have blessed my life in so many ways and this is just one more reason I love them so much!

  We also have a group of very supportive and loving friends that will be so missed. They are taking us out for a farewell party in a few days and while I always enjoy our time with them this one will be bitter sweet.  Saying good-bye is never easy but I know we'll be making new friends soon. 

  As we continue to anticipate the things to come I ask for your prayers. I am confident that God is leading us on this path and I know he'll bring us through any obstacles we come across along the way. Hopefully the next time I post it will be coming from Italia. Get ready for lots of pictures!

  Arrivederci!

  

  Only 2 and a half months to go. For the last few months we've been in "hurry up and wait" mode. A lot of this has been waiting on people and organizations to get back to us with documentation and schedules. Since patience is not my best character trait this has not been easy. I'm torn between wanting as much time as possible here and wanting to go already. Suddenly it looks like all our ducks are lining up and things are starting to happen.

  Over the last couple of days we've received e-mails with at least 4 downloads telling us about packing procedures, insurance, relocation specialists, rental properties, cultural training, language classes, reimbursement procedures, etc...A lot of reading to say the least. All this could be easily overwhelming if it weren't for one thing: I'm seeing God's hand in every new thing happening. 

  Just this week Mark looked up from his desk at work and who happened to be standing there? The guy who went to Italy 7 months ago. He's back for a few weeks and is taking Mark out to lunch this week to answer any questions we have. He's already given us some very good advice on how to avoid some of the problems he and his wife have had since they moved. He also said that since there are several Lockheed people there now,
 the wives are getting together once or twice a week to go to the marketplace and other areas together. He's sending me his wife's e-mail info so we can be in communication before we leave. Yay! I can't tell you how excited I am to know that God is working to smooth our path and prepare friendships for us ahead of time! I'm starting to see this waiting period in a new light. As with everything else that happens in our lives it's God's timing that counts.

  I think we have also found a church to worship with while we're away. The Milan Bible Church is a group of about 100 who cater to English speaking people. They have a doctrinal statement that rings very true to everything we believe: One God, one salvation through his son Jesus Christ, The Holy Spirit to guide our lives, living an upright and holy life through faith...Obviously this is not their entire doctrinal statement but the major themes are there. I know they may worship in a manner that's different from what we're used to but I'm so excited that we'll have a group of believers to help us in our faith journey.  My church family here is so important to me that I can't imagine trying to live without that kind of support, even if it's only for a few years.

  One more thing we found out. There is a company that works with Lockheed to help employees adjust to life overseas. They will be a go-between for us and the realtor and give us a tour of the area. They're even supposed to take us to the local markets and help us with currency. How great is that?

  All of what's happening has put my mind at ease so much. I was to the point of waking up at 3 a.m. thinking about how things were going to work out. Once again I'm reminded of how short-sighted I can be. I'm thankful I worship a God who forgives my lack of faith (along with everything else!). I'm still going to miss my friends and family so much but I know now that I can look forward to the future that only God can see!  Arrivederci!

  

  "Are you ready to go?"

  This is a question I am frequently asked these days. It's kind of a difficult question to answer partly because we are about 4 months away from actually leaving and there is only so much that can be done and partly because there are several answers depending on what the meaning of 'ready' is. If I'm being asked if I'm prepared to go, the answer is yes and no. I am preparing as best I can. I'm learning Italian and although I feel like my progress is slow I do understand more than I speak at this point. I think once I'm in the country and being saturated with the language it will come more easily. I am also gradually buying things that we know or think we will need. Ice trays come to mind. From what we understand the refrigerators there don't come with ice makers and you can't find ice trays anywhere. It's just not that important to Italians to have ice. We're also stocking up on things like toiletries, medications and winter clothing. It's not that we can't buy those things there but there are certain brands I know I can buy here and things are definitely cheaper here. I'm getting in the habit of buying things in two's. One for us, one for the shipping box. We will be able to ship 3000 pounds and we're not taking a lot of furniture so hopefully we'll have everything we think we need. 

  Also in the 'prepared' category is all the paperwork involved. My wonderful husband is handling all of the documentation. Most of it is on him because he's the one who will be working over there and he's interacting with the people in charge of everything. I just sign things he tells me to sign. I'm very thankful for him because between the two of us he's the detail-oriented one who will see to it that everything is taken care of. So far all of the immigration paperwork is done and we're just waiting on confirmation of what needs to be done next. We will still need to have physicals and possibly some immunizations but that's still a few months away.

  The other meaning of "are you ready?" is "are you excited?" Once again the answer is yes and no. Granted, there is plenty to get excited about. I am going to be living in one of the most beautiful places on earth. I'm going to meet new friends, travel, learn new customs and visit incredible museums and landmarks. All these things are wonderful and yes, I am excited. On the other side of the coin is home. My family. My friends. I am going to miss them more than I can say. I already miss my kids terribly and they're only 3 hours away. I cannot fathom not seeing them for months at a time. In that respect it is so hard to leave. A tiny part of me wants to say, "I've changed my mind." But I also know that 2 years will pass quickly. We've got a small window of opportunity here, before our kids marry and have kids of their own and before our parents get old enough to need our help. We'd be really foolish not to take it.  I would much rather look back on my life and know I took a giant leap into a unique opportunity rather than taking the "safe" and "comfortable" road.

  So I'm ready and I'm not ready. I've noticed that change is an interesting thing. For the most part, people say they hate change. What I've noticed is they only hate change they can't control. When you're the one who has decided to change it can be a good and exciting thing. I'm slightly apprehensive about this change but mostly it's on the good and exciting side. I've said before and here again, we are relying on God to guide us through this change. Yes, we are the ones who decided to do this but there is no way it would be happening if God had said no. I know He is with us and is going before us and if I can focus on that, then yes...I'm ready!

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!

  It's really beginning to sink in. We're moving to Italy. In six months. 

  Six months to make a million decisions and answer a million questions. What do we do with the house? When do we sell the cars? What do we take with us? What do we leave here? What kinds of housing options are available in Italy?... just to name a few. We also need to learn more of the language and culture and so many more things I can't even begin to contemplate them all. I'm beginning to realize how little time we really have.

  I recently bought a spiral notebook and divided it into different categories so we can begin to answer some of these questions and make lists of what we need to do before we leave. Putting it down on paper helps to alleviate some of the anxiety so I don't have to keep all that information in my head. A dangerous place to keep stuff if I do say so myself. 

  What's really coming to light in all this is how much we're relying on God to pave the way for us. It is amazing to me how the doors to this opportunity are just flying open. Problems and issues that others in our position have been facing are being resolved with little or no effort on our part. Some of the other people who have applied for the available positions are being met with all kinds of red tape.  So far that has not happened to us. I really believe that God has a purpose for us to go at this time. Right now I don't know what that is but as long as God knows, I'm good.

  Just to be clear on the subject, this does not mean I am anxiety free in all this. I'm working on it but let's face it, this is a BIG deal. Moving anywhere is stressful but this is moving to a completely different environment than we've ever experienced before. The Italian culture is nothing like the American one and although we will likely encounter people who speak English the majority will not. I have no doubt we are in for some huge culture shocks, and this on top of everything else is making me a bit nervous.

  But I also know that God is with me whether I'm at home or far away. My fear is really based in the unknown, not on God's ability to keep me in His care.
I know we already have a lot of people praying for us and I greatly appreciate it. Knowing we have that kind of support means so much to me. I know God can chase the fear away but I also know I have to let Him do it. I'm working on that but I can always use the prayers of my friends.

  I'm working on a schedule so I can check things off on a daily, weekly or monthly basis as needed. This, along with everything else is going into the notebook and I believe that when I'm able to see things getting done it will help to calm some of those nervous feelings.  Also my plan is to update my blog at least once a month so you guys can see my progress as well. It helps that I can get my thoughts and feelings written down so I'm thankful for anyone who takes the time to read it.  I think one of the hard things about this is the thought of leaving my wonderful friends and family.  Even if it is only for a few years it's going to be very difficult. But knowing I have your support and your prayers warms my heart and is what will keep me going. Thank you!

Arrivederci for now!