I just realized today when I updated my status on facebook to:
"...is moving to the Philippines in 3 weeks..." and got a lot of surprised responses that I haven't been doing a very good job of keeping this blog up to date. So here it goes.
We are moving to the Philippines in 3 WEEKS!!
I can't believe it is so close.
We knew there would have to be traveling when we started the program but thought it would be Nate going himself for shorter trips. But his adviser recommended that he should go for at least 2 months. We tried to come up with ways we might make 2 months work. I would have to still work to be able to pay for things like rent and food but what would I do with the kids? In the end it makes much more sense for all of us to go. So our trip is set for August 1st through December 10th.
We still don't know what is going to happen with this house. Originally we didn't want to give it up but the more we thought about it the more it seemed like a good idea. We tried to find somebody to sublet it from us while we are gone but nothing has worked out. Now our landlords are also trying to find someone. At this point, so close to when we are leaving, Nate and I just want to be done with it. But it seems our landlords are determined to find someone. We'll wait and see for another week or so and then I'm done. There are so many other things we will need to work out like where to put all of our stuff that we can't wait too much longer. We have already made arrangements with the school to live in their temporary housing when we get back so we aren't too worried about that.
With the help of some of Nate's contacts in the Philippines we have already found a place to stay. It looks like it will be nice place. The only thing I'm not too sure about is that it is on the fourth floor and there is NO ELEVATOR! Can you imagine trying to lug two children plus groceries up 4 flights of stairs? Me either but I'm sure there will be a post at a later time telling you exactly what it is like! :)
The debate right now is whether we should buy/rent a car or not. From the start it wasn't even something we thought about. We would just go without one. But now that we know where we are going to live and that there are no malls (grocery shopping included) within close walking distance it is seeming more and more desirable. We feel like such spoiled Americans, not being able to live without a car for 4 months. I think the real issue is using public transportation (packed full jeepneys) to get all of us to places like the grocery store and back home especially. We'll have to wait to decide until we get there so we have a better idea of what it is like.
I have so much more blogging to catch up on. I'll try to get some pictures posted soon from our visit with Grandma Debbie and Aunt Whitney!
9 years ago
9 comments:
Oh my goodness!! I did A LOT of moving around in my college days but I can't imagine doing it with a family, plus country hopping. All I did was across states and across the US. I'd definitely say wait until you get there to decide about public transportation vs getting a car. Some countries actually have a good public transportation going for them ... although out in the Philippines it's a bit of a different story. I guess it really all depends on what city/island you are going too.
And I already do lug groceries up to the second story with all three kids in tow without Mr.Man so I feel your pain and don't envy the 4 story climb. Have you thought about getting one of those grocery carts with wheels? It might make things easier without an elevator.
Have a safe move and good luck getting everything sorted out!
Sterling is going to flip out and be SOOOOOOOOOOOO jealous of you guys. Where exactly are you going so I can tell him?!
Good luck to you guys! What awesome adventures you are having.
What an adventure. You have such an active, eventful life, dont' you? I can't imagine living without a car. You are so brave to go live in these other countries and to figure out how to live in their culture!! Can't wait to see pictures and hear how things went. So you're renting the place right now in Australia?
Crys - the cart on wheels would be a good idea. I'll have to see if they have them there. We have to pack super light because of baggage allowance (which shouldn't be hard since we mostly only need summer clothes).
Brit- We will be in Quezon City. I forget where Sterling served. We planned on taking at least one trip to where Nate served in Bacolod and maybe do some other exploring on weekends. Another reason a car might be nice.
Michelle - yes, we are just renting the place in Australia.
You're moving where?!?1 You crazy girl - so adventurous. Tyler served his mission in the Phillipines - Bacolod mission. He said Quezon City wasn't in his mission though. Good luck!!
Holy Cow - I just read your other comments after I sent mine and saw that Nate served in the Bacolod mission too. Did we know that we served in the same place?? Tyler served there from 1997-1999. Crazy!! He wants to go back there someday.
Carrie - I think we did know way back when that they had both served in Bacolod. Nate was there from 98 to 2000 so I guess they overlapped a little. I thought Nate knew of Tyler but they hadn't served in the same place at the same time. Something like that.
Wow - I had no idea. What an adventure! :) Keep us posted.
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