It's hard to believe that just a little over two years ago I was excitedly announcing our assignment to Charleston, South Carolina. A week and a half ago, I was still laboring under the delusion that we would be living here happily for at least another year--probably a bit longer.
Then Friday we got the news that we will be moving to Germany. In May.
It's been three days since that shocking, sweeps week reveal, and things are finally starting to sink in. We knew there was a chance that it would happen--we did put our name in the hat, so it wasn't entirely unexpected, but I don't think either one of us expected to actually get picked for the assignment.
There is so much to think about. Colby will be coming home early from the deployment so that he can go to training for the new aircraft from March through April, then we'll be on our way to Europe a couple of weeks later. We have to find out if we can squeeze in a round of IVF. We have to sell our house, we might sell a car. We have to decide what will go into storage while we're overseas, what will come on the quick shipment to live with us while we're in temporary housing. We have to learn some German. We have to get the dogs microchipped and injected full of various substances so that they can become international travelers.
And so, so much more.
But I am so, so excited. Both of us have been dreaming of moving to Germany since we joined the Air Force. We had really accepted that it probably wasn't in the cards for us since there are such limited opportunities there for someone on Colby's career path. Then with our baby plans, it's not the best timing in the world, but one thing I've learned is that there is no such thing as perfect timing and you have to take advantage of opportunities when they arise. Because they may never come around again.
So. Anyone want to come visit me in Germany?
Just one adventure after another! LOL, but now you'll have TONS of stuff to take pictures of. (Hint!) :)
Posted by: Mandy | December 19, 2011 at 05:30 PM
Wohoo! I'm so happy (and jealous!) for you :) Things tend to work themselves out in the grand scheme of things so I hope you don't have much stress over the move. Scotty and I plan to be in Germany in late May/early June, hopefully we can meet up for a beer and a pretzel!
Posted by: Katie | December 19, 2011 at 05:36 PM
Would it be awkward if the first time we actually "meet" it's when I crash at your place for a while? Because, um, that might be a real possibility. I'm SO excited for you. And I've heard great things about reproductive medicine in Germany. I think...I could be making that up.
Posted by: Kateastrophe | December 19, 2011 at 05:39 PM
You are the perfect family to get assigned to Germany, can't wait to follow all your travels out there! Lots to do between now and then, I can only imagine, my gosh. We're moving state side in August and I feel overwhelmed for goodness sakes. (Oh, and IVF is cheaper in Europe by the way!) ;) Hooray for nice surprises.
Posted by: Sarah | December 19, 2011 at 05:46 PM
That's so exciting! My sister is currently living in Germany because her husband has been stationed there with the Army. You'll do great! :)
Posted by: Abby | December 19, 2011 at 05:57 PM
This is SO exciting! I am happy for you & Colby! I believe everything else will fall into place!
Posted by: Melissa | December 19, 2011 at 07:30 PM
Wow! I can't believe it!!! Congratulations to both of you! Where are you going and what plane? We are planning a trip to Germany this fall to see the Richardson's so maybe we will see you then!
Posted by: Amy R | December 19, 2011 at 08:45 PM
Congrats! That's so exciting!! We are hoping to head overseas next go around, that is, if Mr. F decides to re-enlist. My vote is for Italy!
Posted by: Natalia | December 19, 2011 at 10:47 PM
So, SO exciting!!! I will happily come visit you...perhaps on our honeymoon ;-)
Posted by: Stevie | December 20, 2011 at 12:06 AM
Holy cow! That is so exciting. Definitely let me know where in Germany, I've been looking for a reason to go back.
Posted by: Jessica | December 20, 2011 at 01:42 AM
Yeah, I do! We have family friends in Mainz--will you be the Frankfurt area base?
Wow! So exciting!
Posted by: Elizabeth | December 20, 2011 at 01:43 AM
O.M.GEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEee! I step away from bloggy land for a minute (or a month) and you're headed to Germany? How exciting is that? Yippeeee for you!
Posted by: Molly | December 20, 2011 at 02:20 AM
That's so exciting!!! So happy for you two and your new adventure!
Posted by: Solange | December 20, 2011 at 02:25 AM
Wow! Big news! How exciting! And best of luck :)
Posted by: Amy --- Just A Titch | December 20, 2011 at 03:08 AM
This is SO exciting! No time like the present and I can't wait to hear about your adventures overseas!
Posted by: A Super Girl | December 20, 2011 at 04:15 AM
Wow! How long will you be there? My friend and her husband were in Germany, and they loved it.
I want to visit. =)
Posted by: thoughtsappear | December 20, 2011 at 02:49 PM
Angela,
I am so so so so so excited for you. And a wee bit jealous! I have always wanted to live abroad but just haven't had the opportunity and DH is totally non-interested in it so I doubt we ever will. (Damn him for getting his fill of that in college, lol!)
I hope that you can get in a quick (and successful) IVF before you go, but it must feel really good to be thinking of the adventures that await you no matter what. I will be eager to read all about them.
Posted by: janet | December 21, 2011 at 12:53 AM
Wow, that's amazing!
Posted by: Ashley | December 21, 2011 at 08:45 AM
Whoop whoop! We're going to be neighbors! So excited you are moving here! Let me know if you have any questions about the move and Ill be happy to help. I know how overwhelming it is.
Posted by: Kendra | December 21, 2011 at 03:52 PM
YAY!
Congrats for these new experiences! SO awesome :)
Posted by: erin | December 21, 2011 at 07:47 PM
Oh man, I am so excited for you! Germany sounds amazing...I've never been, but hopefully one day! I'm so happy for you guys...what an adventure!
Posted by: Julie | December 22, 2011 at 04:22 AM
Wow, what an awesome opportunity! Thrilled for you guys!
Posted by: laura | December 22, 2011 at 09:25 PM
so awesome and so crazy that you guys are moving to germany!! eee! sounds awesome though. i lived there for two months and it was such a fun place. but yay!
Posted by: katelin | December 23, 2011 at 01:02 AM
angela, i'm still super excited for you, but i just wanted to say TAG!
http://www.reinventingerin.com/2011/12/survey-says/
Posted by: erin | December 23, 2011 at 04:58 PM
Oh my gosh! Congratulations on this upcoming adventure! I bet you and Colby (and the doggies, of course) will have an amazing time - and hopefully you'll blog all about it! :)
Merry Christmas and I'm sure 2012 will be a great year!
Posted by: Jen | December 23, 2011 at 05:48 PM
sooooo exciting! what a wonderful adventure you have! living abroad is so much fun!
Posted by: erin - heart in ireland | December 27, 2011 at 04:03 AM
Wow, Germany!? I'd love to visit if I could, haha. Sounds like an adventure for you and your cute little family!
Posted by: steph anne | December 28, 2011 at 06:09 PM