Next Month, We'll Be Living In Russia
The title of this post is something John chose to say to me the other day, and I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around it.
I feel like we're slowly making progress toward our move. We've got a working list of things we're getting rid of, taking, and storing, plus a very long list of things we need to buy. You know those families at Costco that load up an entire pallet like they're preparing for the apocalypse? That's going to be us pretty soon. If any of my FS friends have any suggestions, I would LOVE to hear about them in the comments. Supposedly we can buy pretty much everything we need in Russia, but there are certain things I'm not willing to take a chance on (my list includes things like deodorant and diapers; John's involves chia seeds and cheese-making supplies).
It all still feels unreal, to be honest, like it's happening to someone else, or it's not *actually* happening at all. I have a feeling it won't be until our house is packed, our cars are gone, and I've stepped onto the airplane that reality will hit, probably like a ton of bricks. And I am worried (justifiably, I think) that the fact that I can say raspberry and dill in Russian isn't going to get me very far, at least not outside of the farmer's market. I can't allow myself to think about how much I'm going to miss certain people here, because then my heart starts to race and my throat closes up and I run the risk of losing it.
But I also can't pretend that I WON'T be living in Russia next month. Because I will.
Ugh, that was serious. To lighten things up, help me pick what kind of mascot we should carry around with us on our travels and photograph in various places.
I'm open to suggestions... Oh, and everyone wish John a happy birthday tomorrow!
I feel like we're slowly making progress toward our move. We've got a working list of things we're getting rid of, taking, and storing, plus a very long list of things we need to buy. You know those families at Costco that load up an entire pallet like they're preparing for the apocalypse? That's going to be us pretty soon. If any of my FS friends have any suggestions, I would LOVE to hear about them in the comments. Supposedly we can buy pretty much everything we need in Russia, but there are certain things I'm not willing to take a chance on (my list includes things like deodorant and diapers; John's involves chia seeds and cheese-making supplies).
It all still feels unreal, to be honest, like it's happening to someone else, or it's not *actually* happening at all. I have a feeling it won't be until our house is packed, our cars are gone, and I've stepped onto the airplane that reality will hit, probably like a ton of bricks. And I am worried (justifiably, I think) that the fact that I can say raspberry and dill in Russian isn't going to get me very far, at least not outside of the farmer's market. I can't allow myself to think about how much I'm going to miss certain people here, because then my heart starts to race and my throat closes up and I run the risk of losing it.
But I also can't pretend that I WON'T be living in Russia next month. Because I will.
Ugh, that was serious. To lighten things up, help me pick what kind of mascot we should carry around with us on our travels and photograph in various places.
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| Garden gnome? |
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| Cardboard cutout of Sarah and Minky? |
Great blog Mara! How long are you guys there for? Frank and I and the kids of course are headed to Japan in September and you really described exactly how I am feeling but I just couldn't say it as eloquently! We are there for 3 years, so we have an end in sight (which I am aleady looking forward too). Not sure what your duration will be. Best of luck to you guys! I am sure it will be full of adventure!
ReplyDeleteJamie Savarese
Jamie!! I didn't know you guys were moving to Japan! We'll be in Russia for two years. Where in Japan are you going? You probably already know people who've been there, but if you want more people to talk to we know several families who have lived in various parts of Japan, and they all loved it :) I can put you in touch if you want!
DeleteMara, your post reminds me of the time I was preparing for the move from Japan to here 5 years ago from now. The only person living here I supposedly knew that time was my aunt - I heard I'd met her in Korea when I was less than 1-year old but (of course) had no memory about her. Plus, I wasn't able to speak and understand the English language when I came here. 5 years after, I've gotten so precious memories and met the treasures (friends & spiritual father) who will remain forever in my life.
ReplyDeleteI'm more than glad you're moving to Russia with your lovely husband and adorable boy Jack!!! Yes, I can feel your concern about the move from the post and think that's so understandable. But I want to tell you that you'll be with all the love from your family here, friends, and other significants wherever you go. One suggestion - maybe you can bring letters from the people who are important to you? I believe you're a big fan of writing and love words. I found handwritten letters from old friends mean a lot to me especially when they're away.
I'm sure you already have some connections in Russia, but if you need an extra, I could connect you to my friend in Moscow. She lived here for years and just went back to Russia. Feel free to let me know.
Happy early birthday to John!!!
Yoonsuh - please excuse me for this long comment :)
Hi Yoonsuh! Long comments are always welcome :) And I would love to receive letters when I'm away. The good thing is we get an American address so people don't have to pay crazy postage. It takes a few weeks to get there but it would be fun to get "real" mail for a change.
DeleteWow - talk about a tough choice...Two of my favorite things (Minky & Me vs. Garden Gnome) pitted against each other! I think there's really only one compromise here - Minky, dressed as a garden gnome. It's the best of all worlds.
ReplyDeleteYou take a picture of Minky dressed as a garden gnome and I'll take care of the rest...
DeleteIn my dreams when I become an FSO (like at least 6 years from now xD) I totally want to serve in Japan and Korea :P
ReplyDeleteI think Japan would be really interesting! And we have friends who are teachers in Korea and they love it :)
DeleteCardboard cutout!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I died laughing at your comment on my post - "I KNOW I can't dance" :D
And Mara - no word verification!!!!
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I'll try to turn off the word verification (didn't even know I had it on!) but I do get a lot of Russian spam... We'll see what happens ;)
DeleteHi! I just saw your response now, whoops! We will be in Iwakuni. Franks knows so people there now and so far have answered all our questions (mostly mine :-) we are both off to fun adventures! Can't wait to follow your blog when you're in Russia! Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteSorry for those typos...nursing and typing on the phone is not easy :)
ReplyDelete