3 Bedroom Bungalow to Let in Crazytown: Realities of Living Abroad in the Military

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Realities of Living Abroad in the Military

When Uncle Sam asked us to live abroad in the UK, we knew it came with a time limit. Four years. We are allowed to enjoy England for four years, and then we will be shipped off to another location. When we got the assignment, we were so excited. Now, it is bittersweet. We have moved here, made friends, have our children in school here and have settled in.

The way the primary school in this area works, all the kids in the same class move up together. This means, she will always have the same classmates. The bonds will be closely formed. The thought of uprooting her in a couple of years makes me sick to my stomach. She already has made close friends. Actually, close isn't even the word for her and her best friend, they are more like sisters. Splitting them up, the thought of it, brings tears to my eyes.

I have already talked to the mother of La's best friend. We are trying to think of a way to get ahead of this speeding train. We are trying to head the pain off at the pass and prepare the girls for the eventuality of LaLa returning to the states. Two and a half years sounds like a long time, but in this case, it is not long enough.

Comments (16)

Logging you in...

Dashboard | Edit profile | Logout

Logged in as

+1 Vote up Vote down

bumbling 51p · 782 weeks ago

Oh bless her cotton socks - and yours. That must be so hard - it's amazing to see them build these relationships, but to know they are going to be broken down - heartbreaking.

However, if it's any consolation, having moved as a child myself from Scotland to England, I loved having a ready made penpal in my best friend from up north, and that exchange of letters was often the highlight of my week!

0 Vote up Vote down

jana · 782 weeks ago

This will indeed be hard for La and her friend as they are kids and kids unlike adults form strong bonds that are very hard to forget, atleast initially.

0 Vote up Vote down

Sarah in Italy · 782 weeks ago

Military babies survive this stuff. We really, really do.

There are pros as well as cons.

You are right on the button looking ahead at what you can do to ease the sting, cos the first few moves are the hardest, with you making sure she is encouraged to make new bonds post move and not fall into the "what's the point, we'll just move and it will hurt again" trap it'll be less traumatic.

Don't give yourself to hard a time about the lifestyle you are obliged to provide her with, cos with your evident sensitivity she will be be best placed to take advantage of the plus side whilst you minimize the less fun aspect.

0 Vote up Vote down

Sally, the MADs · 782 weeks ago

It sounds like you're doing everything you can to make it easier.

Also, sorry to barge in on your blog comments but I just wanted to let you know you've been nominated for Funniest MAD Blog for this blog - well done! You can see more info on the prizes and download a blog badge (if you like) from our site atwww.the-mads.com so your readers will be encouraged to keep voting for you!

Thanks!

Sally

0 Vote up Vote down

Irish Gumbo · 782 weeks ago

It will be difficult, painful, this is true. But with you as her mom, I believe the both of you will make it through and be fine.

I wish you all the best.

0 Vote up Vote down

Kathy · 782 weeks ago

We are soon ending our two your contract here in Germany. I think if I lived in UK I would feel the same as you but living in Northern Germany is no picnic and I'm ready to get out of dodge.

0 Vote up Vote down

Aunt Juicebox · 782 weeks ago

Awww. =( Poor kid. I guess though, she'll be going through that several times before she's grown. But it can be a good thing too, to travel the world and make friends all over, see lots of stuff they wouldn't otherwise get to see. I have a cousin who has lived in Germany and Okinawa, and all over the US, and she says she's glad her dad was in the Army because she was able to do that, when most people aren't.

0 Vote up Vote down

SueAnn · 782 weeks ago

This will be tough for Lala! Good thing you are preparing the way now. It will be difficult for all of you. Have a blessed day!
Hugs
SueAnn

0 Vote up Vote down

kittynuk · 782 weeks ago

I really feel for you and your daughter! I am American and live in England with my British husband (who is in the forces as well). The plan was always to live in England until he retired then move back to the States. That time is fast approaching (less than 3 years now) and so much of our lives have changed that it freaks me out a little to think of going. We have an almost 4 year old daughter who is in school now and making friends. It is going to be difficult to say goodbye for us and probably more for her. I suppose we are fortunate in that we have the option to stay if we choose. Military life is not easy (if it was then everybody would do it), and I sometimes think it is hardest on the families. Enjoy every day and keep doing what you are doing - love your blog BTW!!!

0 Vote up Vote down

Granny · 782 weeks ago

She will be fine. She is outgoing and makes friends easily. We moved your mom and auntie when they were the girl's age and it didn't scar them for life. Kids adapt quickly. It is the mothers that seem to have the hardest time. Don't go borrowing trouble. I just can't wait until the man has finished his Air Force career and all of you are back in Charleston permanently. That will be the best move you will make.

Lots of hugs and kisses to all.

Granny

0 Vote up Vote down

If I Could Escape · 782 weeks ago

Awww, this post brought back memories for me. I was a navy brat until my mum eventually settled back in the UK. It was hard to leave friends, however it's also given me the ability to make friends wherever I go.

+1 Vote up Vote down

SmittenbyBritain 71p · 782 weeks ago

I remember some people extending their tours so that's always something to consider unless you are desperate to go back to the states. I can't remember how old La is but Ian moved towns and changed schools when he was 7. I was really worried about him but he was very resilient and made new friends quickly.

0 Vote up Vote down

Captain Dumbass · 782 weeks ago

That sucks.

0 Vote up Vote down

Jenni · 782 weeks ago

That's so tough, poor girls.

0 Vote up Vote down

Mom in High Heels · 782 weeks ago

Oh, I feel your pain. It is hard. We have 1.5 years left in Germany and I'm already concerned about Indy. He's been through 3 moves in his 7 years, but this time, he LOVES where we live and talks about how he wishes we could stay here.

0 Vote up Vote down

Noelle · 774 weeks ago

I won't lie to you, it won't be easy on LaLa. When my daughter was 3.5, four out of her six friends PCSd within six months of each other. She was sad for a long time but it helped to stay in touch on Facebook. And being so young they DO make new friends. Another one is moving this summer, but I'm not telling her! I'm just saying they're going on a long vacation :)

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Realities of Living Abroad in the Military

Forgot password?

Comments (16)

Post a new comment