A year ago we were on the edge of change, with retirement 6 months in the future. This December we are on the other side of the retirement divide, but still wandering through the fog. The path is not clear beyond one step at a time.
Things are still unsettled at work with aftershocks happening regularly. Josh still has a job, but no boss. The only assurance he’s been given is “keep doing what you’re doing and we’ll hopefully find a place for you.” Between that and receiving messages with potential job listings, I’d say our future is as uncertain now as it was a year ago.
Strangely enough I’m at peace with that, but the general fatigue that comes from living in a state of uncertainty is wearing on me (and him, and probably the kids too). Every time Josh gets a text or phone call from work I find myself playing detective, seeing if I can tell what will be happening to us based on one half of the conversation. Its very similar in feel to being part of a deployable unit and waiting for that phone call giving us the time to go.
In reality, no matter what happens with his job, we can technically stay here through the summer. Rent is paid until September, school is paid for the year, and we could do visa runs to stay current if our residence visas were cancelled (cross over into Oman every 30 days, renewing a tourist visa each time).
Not much more to share, just laughing that this year has been one big CRAZY ball of unknown. And that a year ago I was dreaming that things would be settled and we’d be on track for Adult Life 2.0 by now. Not even close!! Oh well. It keeps us praying and keeps me flexible. 21 years of military life was perfect preparation for this.
I’m enjoying having all of us back under one roof for these 3 weeks. We aren’t doing presents, but instead have budgeted to do fun things together. #1 was a visit to Motiongate in Dubai where Camille was finally tall enough to ride the Capitol Train (she’s been waiting for 12 months).
Welcome to MotionGate
(Universal Studios-ish)
Front row (Carter, Josh and Caleb) 
The Smurf coaster is faster than you’d think!
finally tall enough to ride . . . 
Here we go! UP and upside-down!
And you got Calvin home for Christmas before everything breaks loose. You and Josh are my heros. I couldn’t not do it. But I’m looking forward to what God has in store…and it better be good after all this!
Hate to mention it but your last paragraph after the visa sentence is hid behind the pictures that follow. If it’s something important, update, otherwise carry-on. These too are good days.
Love, Jan
In case my adjustment doesn’t work, here is what it says:
Not much more to share, just laughing that this year has been one big CRAZY ball of unknown. And that a year ago I was dreaming that things would be settled and we’d be on track for Adult Life 2.0 by now. Not even close!! Oh well. It keeps us praying and keeps me flexible. 21 years of military life was perfect preparation for this.
I’m enjoying having all of us back under one roof for these 3 weeks. We aren’t doing presents, but instead have budgeted to do fun things together. #1 was a visit to Motiongate in Dubai where Camille was finally tall enough to ride the Capitol Train (she’s been waiting for 12 months).
And thank you for pointing it out! 🙂
I appreciate your faithful encouragement.