We finally have our moving orders! Well, actually we have had them for about two weeks but have been so busy, we haven’t had a chance to write an update. The “orders” are what we have been waiting for to start the moving process; nothing can happen without them in hand as they prove your authorization to book things.
I’m laughing at myself now, but I was expecting a big 100+ page package with instructions, on how to book everything. What you actually get is a three page document and the last two pages are just disclaimers. Basically, it just told me to report by a certain date and then listed what I was eligible for. I stressed for a few minutes but with the help of Google I was able to book the packers/movers, book the storage, book my flights and the family’s, book the car shipment and set up our passport appointments within the first couple of days. We are still working on school registration, insurance, banking, and pet stuff.
My flights are officially booked for the second week of May, with Matt and the kids arriving the third week of June. This is going to be the longest five weeks of my life. I’m trying to gear myself up for the separation. I hope to be able to stay super busy house hunting and hopefully unpacking during that time.
We have three days scheduled for packing and moving our household goods and that is coming up so while we wait, we will continue to sort through and downsize our belongings.
Since receiving the orders, we have been busy with our in-processing. What I have learned is that in order to do anything with the military, you must be “briefed” first on the topic. Matt was off for a few days over Easter so we attended a couple virtual briefings while we had the time. I emailed my sponsor to let them know that I had completed four or five and was “just about done”–and then they sent me a four page list of additional briefings we needed to attend. Not exaggerating. Some are only about ten minutes and some up to 30. We are definitely learning a ton and are grateful for the process, just finding out now it takes a little more to do this than just jumping on the plane.
We’ve also been busy meeting lots of new people (who are now friends) that are already there. Friends of ours have connected us with others on the ground and everyone is so sweet and helpful. Ironically, one friend put me in touch with another family who just moved to Stuttgart a few months ago from Prince Frederick. Not lying; its crazy. Ours kids are about the same age and went to school together here and even knew each other. They have been extremely helpful with answering any of my questions (usually every day) and even set up a Zoom meeting for the kids to meet and chat with each other. I know there are many fun adventures ahead for our families!
Gilcrests Abroad 