Wow...there is SO much that has happened in the last 6 weeks that life has pretty much been a blur. After returning from our amazing CA trip, Adam was once again offered the position in Abu Dhabi (the one we originally left Hawaii for but didn't end up taking because I could find an advanced practice nursing position there- since they didn't exist)....well, all of the stars aligned because:
1.) We really couldn't refuse such a great opportunity
2.) The UAE just started recognizing Clinical Nurse Specialists (what I do for NIH) in February
3.) We were looking for some sort of change in our life
So he accepted the position. In the last 6 weeks we have:
1.) Sold all of our furniture (every last piece of it)
2.) Sold my Jeep
3.) Donated all of our household goods to Goodwill
4.) Made a trip to NH to hand over our kitty Maia to my parents for safekeeping while we are abroad, drop off sentimental items (i.e. wedding album, family heirlooms, pictures), and for Adam to say farewell to my side of family/friends
5.) Journeyed to Johnstown and Pittsburgh to say farewell to Adam's side of family/friends
6.) Shipped 300lbs of "essential" belongings Abu Dhabi (the things we CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT for a few years). It is interesting what you determine is pertinent, ours was:
a.) Travel gear: Packs, tents, sleeping bags, clothes, hiking poles
b.) Diving gear: So grateful to be living back on the beach and this being a regular activity again!
c.) Workout equipment: Yoga mats and kettle bells
7.) Send Adam on his merry way to the United Arab Emirates (he has already been there for 2 weeks)
8.) I moved out of our apartment and in with some AMAZING friends (shout out to the fantastic Pennock clan for adopting and enduring me for the next few months!!!)
Everyone keeps asking about Adam's Audi (Lola), we are going to be putting her in storage up at my parents once it is time for me to leave, so no...he didn't give up his baby.
Yes, it has been an incredible whirlwind.
So the big questions: What am I still here and Adam is already over there? Because I am a dedicated person. I was committed to so many projects at NIH that I felt bad leaving them hanging. That and my research protocol that I have worked SO hard to get up and going over the past year would die if I didn't complete it, and I am too passionate about it to let that happen. It really needs to come to fruition because the data will literally save lives. So my husband is both amazing and incredibly supportive...so this is what we are doing. Hello long-distance. My goal is to be joining him in June, fingers-crossed.
One INCREDIBLE thing that has come from this whole thing is that MY PARENTS GOT THE INTERNET (Hi Hoisington parents!!!) ! Yes, it only took moving overseas AGAIN for this to happen, for the benefits of Skype. Well, I am not even abroad yet and we are Skyping 2-3 times a week and loving it. I am also grateful for Skype because I can still see Adam's handsome face and hear his voice on a daily basis without paying long-distance fees. It really does make it SO much better, as hard as this distance is. I feel closer to him now living 14 hours flying distance apart, than the year apart we did when he was finishing up Juniata and I was at nursing school in Philly (only 3 hours driving apart). If you want our Skype names, just send us a message!
I have pictures from all of these wonderful trips and activities that I will eventually get around to posting, but I just wanted to give everyone an update as to where we are at. Also, we will have plenty of space for visitors in our new flat in Abu Dhabi, so start planning your trips now!
