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Two Months Left



Elisabeth has been excited about playing piano in the school talent show but I just found out that the auditions are the day we are flying back to the U.S.  I wonder if this news will bring her first tears regarding our move.




So far I think the kids are taking it easier than we are.  They don’t think all these big thoughts like, “We thought we’d be here longer” or “What will the transition be like?” or “Will Henry keep his German?  Will any of us keep our German?”  They don’t yet know or anticipate the ache that is left after saying good-bye to dear friends who have not only helped us through a difficult transition, but have brought a dimension to our stay that we never could’ve imagined.  The kids are thinking about the new house, returning to Elisabeth’s piano teacher, homeschooling, VBS at Grace, new gymnastics classes, friends, friends, friends.  I asked Elisabeth what she will be most sad about leaving here, and she said, “Friends!”  I said, “What are you most looking forward to in The Woodlands?”  “Friends!”  Ah, yes, that is good.  And yes, that is something we do have in common.  John and I too will be sad to leave our friends here but we are so glad to be returning to friends and family who love us and know us.  There’s no uncertainty there.  Thank you.   

We’ve passed the 2 month mark--we’re planning to fly back on May 23.  As soon as it was March 23rd I’ve felt like I’ve been split down the middle--trying to soak up every last bit of living here--arranging play dates for the kids, tea with friends, walks with friends, bread (!!), favorite restaurants. . .  while at the same time ordering clothes for Henry who will be a ring bearer in my brother’s wedding on May 26th, looking at flights to the two weddings we’re attending, looking at houses online and then going through the steps to put one under contract.  And yes, we are moving back to The Woodlands.  How could we not?  We can ride our bikes there.  And Google maps has biking directions now for The Woodlands, so I can already see that it will take us a bit more than 30 minutes to bike to church.  
So I’m split, but that is good.  It’s part of what is making this family who we are.  I’m glad we came--what else can I say?
Atop the Rathaus/City Hall (photo by Amy!)

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