It is 1:45 am and we leave for the airport in less than 5 hours. We found out we were moving to Japan in September and some days it seems like time has flown and other days the time has drug on (especially on days when Matt was already in Japan and I was having a trying day with the kids). But the day is here and it is mixed with emotion.
Today my heart broke watching Emily burst into tears after she finished her gymnastics meet (which she did awesome at, but that is a post for later) and several times throughout the day as she said good bye to those who she has grown to call her sisters, brothers and second mothers and fathers. It broke my heart watching her friends cry. Sam cried, but well it's Sam. She feeds off those around her right now. Chris hasn't shown much emotion, but since he is still awake with me, my guess is he is more worried then he lets on (hey we will at least be on Japan time, ha ha). I have to, once again, be the strong one for my children. I can't cry or let them see just how nervous I am about this whole move (well honestly right now it is just the flight with these three that have me terrified).
It is hard to leave our friends, our family, our house, the area we have grown to love and the schools. I have four friends who are going through personal struggles and I hope they know how I am there for them no matter the distance. It will be hard to see family for a large chunk of time rather than 2 or 3 times throughout the year, even though we will actually see them more days than what we do now. It was strange leaving my house tonight, empty, knowing that some family will be living in it (hopefully) until we return. But in the end, this is temporary, and we will be back. That brings a sense of peace.
At the same time, I know that this is an opportunity of a lifetime for our family, especially our children. The experiences they gain will help mold them into the people they will be. No matter what, this is a time they will never forget. They will get to travel to places not many people, let alone children, get to travel. They will get to learn another language and culture. They will get to go to an amazing school. Emily will train at a premier gym in Japan. I won't get into it, but there are so many things that have happened that there is no doubt in my mind that this is a complete God thing and this is where we are supposed to be. And this is what I remind myself when I get worried, nervous or upset.
So no, this isn't a goodbye to all my American friends and family. It is just an "I'll see you later." And stay tuned, I have a feeling there will be some interesting and silly blogging ahead as we embark upon this journey. With us Jacobs', how could it not?
He was to be in Japan for 3 months and then the kids and I would join him at the end of January. We made it through saying goodbye with only a few tears and then went to the Waffle House as a little treat to ourselves. I remember looking at the kids thinking, holy $#*%. What was I going to do with them alone for 3 months? But hey we made it!
And while he was off enjoying his new adventure I was back home plunging the sink and toilet, trying to get ready to move 12,000 miles away, and doing all this exciting stuff.
