I picked up this saying for a friend, and it works well for me. There are just some times when 'I want to set my hair on fire'. Its usually during times of high stress. Don't get me wrong, we are doing fine, things are great. But its just what an upcoming move across the big pond does to me.
We've done it several times before. But this time is signifanctly different. For one thing we have a daughter to consider. We still have money to raise. People to see. Goods to sell. Boxes to pack. Affairs to put in order. Not to mention my job as a travel agent, and relationships to maintain in the meantime. And then there is the emotional aspects of any move. Our days are filled with 'lasts'. Last time to see this person and that person. Honestly, I'd take care of the physical things any day.
One of the biggest things is making sure all of our paperwork is in order. Good news - the sponsorship for Jason's Religious Worker visa has been approved. Now we just have to gather all of the appropriate, certified documents and mail them off to DC. And wait. Ella has her US passport, and her paperwork for 'Australian Citizenship by Descent' is also in the works. Once we get that back - we apply for her Australian passport. Just found out yesterday that means a trip to Houston. We have an appointment booked for December 9th. Now I pray that the her paperwork, and all supporting documents, are in fact back in my hands by the 8th.
We have to move out of our apartment by November 30th. So I am anxious for all the paperwork we have out there to be back by then so we don't have to be too concerned about the whole forwarding address thing. Both of my passports, Ella's US passort, our original marriage certificate and original birth certificates are all at the mercy of the USPS right now. Yes - I often wake up in the middle of the night thinking of yet another thing I have to take care of.
We are currently in Oklahoma on an 18 day road trip. The trip was extended because of an opportunity to meet with another church. This is a good thing. We will be home in Austin for four nights before getting back on the road. This time bound for Tennesee and Georgia. Once we get home from that trip, we will be furiously packing and getting rid of our things, arranging for international movers to come and get our things, before heading to Abilene for Thanksgiving. You can probably see why I was not thrilled about another road trip to Houston.
Please remember us during this time. Pray for our strength. We get tired. Pray we will provide Ella with a safe, happy and loving environment in spite of the constant physical changes. Pray that we all remain healthy. And please pray that Jason's visa, Ella's citizenship and all goes smoothly and comes back in a timely manner.
We sure are blessed though to carry this little one with us on our journey . . .
