Our Germany trip begins in Austria... (thanks to Family Kiltz)
I'm going to take a moment to retrace our steps...This year in Germany had always been a goal of ours on the far-away horizon of our distant future, pretty much from the time Pierre and I got married. We travelled to Germany as a family in 2010, 2 years in advance of our trip, so that we could get a feel for the city and the area, check out the kids school and begin the gradual process of preparing the kids for our eventual journey. Pierre and I even came back the following year to register the kids (a year in advance) at their future school. We also went to IBZ (host organization for visiting University Professors) and confirmed our rental arrangements (a year in advance) for where we would be living in Munich. Needless to say, we were prepared. We had all the details covered, and we were very well organized...
What a difference a year makes! Looking back on everything now, the past 12 months seem like sooooo long ago, but at the time, it felt like we were under siege! And I have to give full credit to Pierre for being the amazing man that he is. When some of our well organized details began to unravel in Germany, or Visa details, German passports, Grant applications, final exams, his career, etc. became complicated and time consuming issues, he never cracked. My decision to help coach and manage Sam's soccer team also did very little to alleviate the pressure we were under, but once again, Pierre juggled his schedule some more, and picked up the slack when we weren't there. When we bought our new house, we were thrilled to finally be moving into the same neighborhood where the kids go to school. I still don't know what scale to use to measure how quickly our excitement turned to disappointment when we realized just how much time and energy we were going to have to throw into the new house before we could leave for Germany.
At the time, it was hard not to be as involved at school as I would have liked. It was a hard decision not to be playing soccer, and it was hard to not be more involved with our church. It was also really hard not to have the time for our friends. At the end of the day, time was becoming our enemy, because we simply didn't have enough of it.
But with a little bit of prayer, and a lot of God's blessings, we managed. We also managed because we have amazing friends, neighbors and family! To all of those who were there in the trenches with us, Thank You! Thank you for picking the kids up from school; for taking them on playdates; for running errands; for making us meals; for your prayers; for babysitting; for garage sales; for cleaning; for packing; for yard work; for listening; FOR EVERYTHING!! No task was insignificant, no offer ever went unappreciated! To the staff at Rio Terrace School, and especially Heather, thank you for all your support in the final few weeks, and in the support we know is still there. And to Agnes and Patrick (our renters), thank you for your graciousness. We are thrilled that our home is being cared for by your wonderful family.
Finally, Germany.
I find it somewhat ironic that when we finally reached our destination, after more than a decade of anticipation, we basically dropped our suitcases off and went straight to Austria! The Kiltz family made us an offer we couldn't refuse, and we had the use of their rental apartment for a few days (sadly, without them) in beautiful Maria Alm, while they made their way to Munich! And we loved it!! Our only caveat was the weather - torrential downpour and grey skies one minute, blue skies and sweltering heat half an hour later...
Nevertheless, it was nice to finally just exhale. After the chaos back home, the whirlwind tour through Niagara Falls and Toronto, it was great to realize that we did it!! And being surrounded by the beauty and splendor of the Alps was the perfect tonic for our tired family.
So my dear friends and family, as you view our blog, we promise you this; though we will never forget where we came from, and those we left behind, our eyes and minds are firmly on the path before us. We want to embrace the time that we finally have for each other, and really make each day count. Our children are so precious, and their love for us unconditional, and we can't wait to share in this adventure with them, and see how they grow and learn during this journey away from home. If you don't hear from us very often, then that's a sign that we're taking it all in! But don't let that stop you from getting in touch with us. This blog is a work in progress, and we would love to hear your thoughts and comments. It's our way of staying connected to you, so please share in it with us, and share it with anyone you think we may have forgotten.
Lots of love,
KPSJ
