Packing.......

I have never considered myself to be much of a drama lover, and still don't. But sometimes I wonder how many times I have to learn to relax before I have a stroke. I've spent the last few weeks concerned with visas, kids schooling, my wife's resignation (from her job - hopefully on a permanent basis), my job duties between two countries, etc. However, I was very worried about the moving process - perhaps I remember the painful parts from the last relocation, or have just built up an international move in my mind to some pinnacle that truly doesn't need to be built.

Or, perhaps I am only experiencing the best part of the move. Our moving team was here on a Saturday, and have accomplished a great deal, with little more effort on my part than driving to Wendy's to buy the packing crew their well-deserved lunch. They have packed all of the hard to manage items, like large furniture, artwork (bubble wrap and double walled boxes), and most of the decorations of the house. All of the public rooms are neatly organized with furniture (this too bubble wrapped), and neatly stacked and labeled boxes. Monday/Tuesday, they finish the packing, and then load the container for the trans-Atlantic journey. So the US side of the move seems to be moving along well. Wonder what's waiting once the container arrives in customs/makes its way to Belgium? or unpacking?

In any case, just enjoying the completion of day one of the move with as little projection to the rest of the process as possible. More soon......

GOING, GOING, GONE!

Ok - so it's a bit dramatic - but we finally sold our house. Roughly 80 showings in 90 days. Trying to keep the house clean with three teenagers and showings nearly every day, during the hottest part of the summer! We sold to a nice couple from our home state of Ohio - a doctor and her husband, and even better - they're Ohio State Buckeye Fans!

We have met with them and they are very kind, and we're really glad the house will be with someone who will really appreciate it. We invested in an amazing pool (pictured in an earlier blog), landscaping, and improvements inside as well. We will miss it, but are very happy to be on our way to Belgium!

My wife has also tendered her 2-week notice, and is effectively retiring! I am so glad we can finally have her at home, and she can care for the boys, and keep in touch with our daughter (staying in the US to go to college).

We leave on August 4th, and really look forward to our new adventure! See you all there!

Finally a Travel Date!!

Well, at long last, Belgium will need to prepare for the Martins! Although the house hasn't sold or rented yet, to get the boys acclimated, settled, and otherwise de-Woodlandized before school starts, we've decided that I will take the boys (and Allie for a couple of weeks) to Brussels on August 4! My wife will stay here with the house until it is either sold or rented (sorry Baby!).

We've been talking about, planning for, and waiting for this time since November, 2009. It's taken a significant effort both at home and at work to get this in line, and to finally make it happen. I'm trying to wrap up some details at work and the house to keep things moving here as I depart for Belgium.

I'm very excited to have the kids in Europe for a few weeks to explore, understand the local area, and get used to their new life! We are so excited. I know my wife will be lonely without us for a few weeks, but soon she too will join us in our new home and to begin anew in Europe!

See you all soon!

Fourth of July

To those who aren't American, I will provide you with an out up front. This post is about the US celebration of the 4th of July - our independence celebration.

As you all know, Americans are very proud of our country, and rightly so. We are very proud of the achievements, accomplishments, contributions, victories, and freedoms of those and afforded to those in our country. We love our freedom, our lively spirit, our determination, hard-work, and never-say-die attitude!

Many soldiers have fought and died over the years to protect the freedoms not only of Americans, but of the entire world. We continue to do so today, and will continue to do so in the future. We have a duty to defend those who cannot defend themselves, and to protect and promote freedom everywhere.

We are sometimes villafied for this belief, but that's ok, we can deal with the misconception - which is tested about once in a generation. In WW II, we freed much of Europe and Asia from the Germans and Japanese, and at the cost of hundreds of thousands of American lives. We gladly sacrifice for the freedom of the innocent everywhere, to end tyranny and oppression, murder, violence against women and children, and the ruthless savagery of dictators. We will never be fully appreciated, but that is not our goal or desire. We simply desire freedom for everyone.

One day soon, again we will be called upon to defend the freedoms of Americans and our fellow human beings somewhere. We gladly answer the call.

Today I thank those who fought for me (and continue to do so today), and preserved my freedoms, my right to free speech, free assembly, and the pursuit of happiness and the American way of life. Your sacrifice is remembered today and always by many. Your gift to us is the preservation of the American way of life, and the continued freedom of many around the world. God Bless you and your families, and thank you for your service!