No fancy tips or yummy recipes today-just a little personal update for those of you that have been reading the blog for a while now. For anyone new here, our family has been living in England since last July so that my husband could attend a United Kingdom military course.
His course has students from over 60 different countries and we live in an amazing, close-knit international community here. Bottom line-a once in a lifetime experience that unfortunately is only one year long!
We found out in January that my husband will be a Battalion Commander in the Army (super big deal for his career) and we've been not so patiently waiting to find out where exactly that command will be and where/when we will be moving. So.....drumroll please....
I was in shock when I found out-it's just an hour and a half from my Dad and extended family near Charleston, South Carolina-we've never ever lived that close to family. And-it's a beautiful part of the country that we've always wanted to live in. But there are three big things that this move have brought up that we have to figure out:
We're thinking of buying a house! {Scary!}
Gosh, just talking about all this makes me realize how old this blog is! We built a house in North Carolina in 2012 and loved it but had to move away to Washington DC just two years later. We had rented it out but sold it when we learned we were moving to the UK.
I've talked a lot about our debt-free journey, so our original plan was to spend the next few years saving up money to buy a house when my husband retires, being stationed in Fort Stewart speeds up that process a lot so we're still trying to figure out the best way to go about that.
We also sold both of our vehicles in the US before our move (as part of our strategy to become debt free) and have been aggressively saving this year because we will need to purchase two vehicles when we return. So there are a lot of working pieces to sort out as the move approaches and we are trying to be wise financially as well.
Right now we are working with a realtor and I am thinking of flying back for a fast trip in the late spring to look at houses and hopefully put in an offer on one. Great news is that the area we are looking in has wonderful schools, a lot of military community, and houses in our price range are fantastic-everything we would have hoped for!
Our moving timeline is insanely tight
The school year here in England is set up very differently-almost like a year round schedule in the US. My three boys started school on Labor Day and don't finish until the last week of July.
In Georgia it's very different and the new school year starts the second week of August. So obviously this creates a problem. I want my boys to start the new school year on the first day so that they can quickly acclimate and meet new friends so I am going to do everything in my power to get us moved and settled quickly.
I may need to pull my boys out of school here and move early and leave my husband behind for a few weeks while he finishes up his course and he can join us just before school starts.
And then the tears....
Honestly, I can't even talk about leaving this community without getting emotional. I was so happy to learn we'd be moving to England just because I love experiencing new cultures and traveling but I never anticipated the friendships I'd make here.
I'm completely torn when I think about leaving this place. I'll miss so much being able to bike my children to the village school while chatting with my friend from Brazil. Having a bonfire with people from 5 different countries-oh the conversations we have!
The people in this community are priceless. I'm working so hard not to mourn our upcoming move and to enjoy the time we have left.
Part of the reason it's so difficult is that in the military usually you run into the same people over and over, you'll make a friend, go to separate duty stations for a while and then perhaps end up living down the road from each other a few years later. This time I know my friends will be spread across the world-but at least I have all the more reason to travel to see them in the future!
So that's my little update now, I'm sure as we go to look for houses and start the move I'll update you again-in the meantime, I'm always posting on Facebook and Instagram if you'd like to follow along!
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Melody says
God bless you and your family. Hope you like your new home.
Melissa says
Thank you so much Melody, we're optimistic about our new home! ~Melissa
jeanie says
Excited for you all as you look to your next duty station! As a navy junior who lived every other tour outside the USA, I know its a fabulous way to live- and the friendships you made in the UK will last your whole life. Thanks for sharing your life with us!
Melissa says
Thank you Jeanie-we're very excited! ~Melissa
Susan NJ says
It really sounds like a positive move, especially since you will be closer to family. It is a lovely area..
Melissa says
Thank you Susan, it really is one of my favorite parts of the country!
Vikki says
Shame you are leaving the UK, but great that you are going somewhere that sounds so good. Would take the kids out of UK school as soon as you need to and ensure they are back in the US in plenty of time to start the school year there. Good luck with house hunting, but don't think rush into buying somewhere if you are not sure. I wish you all the best luck with planning the next part of your lives xx
Melissa says
Yes, we had not planned on buying but this was one of our top contenders for places to retire eventually so we're exploring options. Honestly, there are so many beautiful homes there it will be hard to go wrong as long as we take our time deciding and don't rush like you said!
Karen M. says
What a beautiful home in Georgia. What fun to look at new houses. Just a new adventure. Have a wonderful time and safe move. Bless you and your family and safe travels.
Winnie Noller says
Melissa, I am so happy fonear Santeer you......love Savannah. I live near Santee, SC. It will all work out for you , just pray. So enjoy your blog. Winnie
Melissa says
Hi Winnie-my Dad and stepmom are actually near Santee right now fishing-small world!! ~Melissa
Sarah G says
So bittersweet!! Congratulations on a happy moving location though! It truly makes leaving a great place not so bad 🙂 Enjoy the process! I'll be patient and awaiting a blog about it 🙂
Diane O'Bryan says
wow you are living my dream of travel. Especially to England and Scotland and Ireland. I have friends in Georgia,Mississippi and Tennessee. Also family in Florida. The best of everything to you and your family. Thanks so much for all the fun and informative and tasty things you keep bringing my way. I appreciate you!
Jody says
Who'd of thunk you would be so close? So glad you are coming home. Poor boys get no vacation this year. Hope you find a lovely house and have a safe move.
debbi says
i live in Dahlonega Ga just about 2/3 hours away from base. hope you find a great home soon.
Jan says
Melissa, I love your blog, and hope you find a great house in Savannah. did you think about renting? Saves lots of hassles!! We have lived in Mexico for almost 14 years, and have always rented!
Melissa says
Hi Jan-yes, renting is definitely an option. We're hoping we find a good home to buy since we see retirement on the horizon and would like to get our kids set up to stay in the same school system (our ten year old has moved 6 times already) and avoid moving twice if we rent first. But definitely we have been looking for rentals as a back up plan. I had ideally wanted to get a furnished rental for the first two or three months while we look for a place to buy but there isn't much for options like that in the school district we are trying to get into. I'll keep you updated!! ~Melissa
Sue Moore says
So very happy for you and your family ! I live in Charlotte NC but live live live the Savannah area! I know moving can be hard but you are so very right about the experiences you gain in the journey. I moved a lot with my 4 sons years ago with my husbands job before we settled here. And we had to do the leave early thing also for school purposes. God has his plan for you all and whatever path you choose he will be closely leading the way ! Thanks for the update!
Moving to UAE says
When buying a home, you need to make sure you get it inspected. A home is a huge investment, and you don’t want to end up buying a home that is too expensive.