It's been a long December, and there's reason to believe that maybe this year will be better than the last. . . .
Okay, so we aren't as depressed as the mood of the Counting Crows song conveys. We're actually very excited about this new year. We just have to make it though December.
The movers come next week. We close on the 9th. Dan leaves on the 12th, and comes back on the 24th. We all leave on the 30th. New Year's in Waikiki. That means that from December 6th through who knows how long the Stanleys will be bouncing from grandparents' houses to hotel rooms and everywhere in between. 2 weeks without Dan, but we will be with our families for Christmas. Thank you, God.
The Good News: We do NOT have to stay in the tiny hotel room on base until our housing opens up. We will get an allowance that is surprisingly spectacular, so we will get to stay at a condo on the beach in Ko Olina for the entire month of January! (Our view below) Yeah. So we're kinda praying that base housing never opens. I am so excited to learn how well our country takes care of it's military families. In an unrelated story, I've discovered a way that we can cut about a billion dollars from the federal budget.
The Bad (?) News: We're number 19 on the waiting list for a home on base. We have no idea what that means. Our wait will be at least 20 days, and maybe even beyond the 60 days that they will pay for temporary housing. Which means that we would have to find a short-term lease that we could afford. Yikes. We're pulling for the 60 days.
I'm worried about my kids having any sense of stability over the next 30 - 90 days. I'm terrified to take them both on a flight across an ocean. (Any tips on flying with infants & toddlers are VERY welcome.) I hate it when Dan is gone. I have to put on a bathing suit 6 days after Christmas. I'm concerned that I might be very mean to the movers, because they are taking away my lovely little home I've grown to love. I'm afraid that when they carry away our things, they will also carry away our memories.
I can't wait to see the expression on Axel's face when he sees the ocean for the first time. I can't wait to watch Joslyn take her first steps on the sand. I'm excited to watch Dan love his work. I am super excited to have a good, year-round tan.
Life is full of blessings and difficult times. Isn't it strange when we mix up the two? As if we're trying to make the blessings into hardships. Sometimes I do that. "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
December will be difficult, but it is not a hardship. It's such a blessing that we have multiple places to sleep at night. That most of our expenses are being taken care of. That our house is sold. That we are close enough to family to get in a lot of grandparent time. That Dan will be able to scope it out down there before we arrive with 2 babies. Now that I think about it, December will probably go by pretty quick.
Thanks for sharing this blog Kaysi. What a great idea. We'll be praying for you and your family, even though God already has it under control.
ReplyDeleteI'm super excited for your family. What a wonderful experience!