Wednesday, September 23, 2009

The BIG life changing decision

It started months ago. A simple question from my darling husband. What would you think about moving to England. Huh? I don't think so. My answer was clear --it was a no. Our family is here, our friends are here, our children know only this life, the one that we have in a pretty suburb of Columbus, Ohio. We live in a beautiful house, with a white picket fence, and a big playground for our children. Was he crazy?
But now, months later, and the third time this offer has come up, we are beginning to seriously consider it. Do we dare make this move? Will it help my husband's long term career goals? Will it be an adventure or a big mistake?
We have been watching and looking for signs. I have been praying and asking for answers and peace to make the right decision. We have listed the pros and cons. Some of the bigger pros -the International experience for my husband's career, the cool experience for the children, who will be 5 and 2 by the time we make the move, seeing new places, exploring Europe. The cons -- leaving our family and friends, storing our things, selling at least one of our cars, trying to rent out our house, and not knowing what we will come back to. But the biggest one for me --leaving our family dog, the one that I have had for 12 years, my first baby, with my parents. I know my mom and dad will love her, and play with her, and even let her sleep with them (hint-hint mom). But for me, this was by far the hardest decision. We can't take her with us, she would not handle the flight well, or the quarantine required to enter a new country. Our family will be here when we come back from this temporary gig in 2 years, our friends will still be our friends (I sure hope!), but chances are my beloved dog will not still be with us. I still tear up just thinking of leaving her, and as of this moment, she is sitting beside me on the couch. At this time, we are saying we are 90% sure we are ready to go. But only time will tell.........