Leaving on a Jet Plane

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Yes, I know I am far behind on this.  Honestly, it has been the post I dreaded most to make.  I cried a great deal the day we left, then boarded up those tears and focused on the task at hand.  I knew writing this would bring back all those hard emotions.  Now, school has started and new friends have been made (future post coming), and so many wonderful (and exhausting) adventures have been taken place.  I finally feel I can look back and recognize that through tough times, greatness awaits.  

Goodbye Dear Family.  We love you all so much.  Thank you for all your
love, guidance, and support as we begin a life in Belgium.

August 13, 2014.  The long awaited trip had finally arrived.  So many emotions running through our minds and hearts.  Excitement to what lies ahead; peace in knowing what we were doing was going to be good for our family; anxiety about how we were going to adjust to our new home and surroundings; sadness for what we were leaving behind.  

Luggage OH MY!

In an attempt to maximize the amount of items we would have with us while we waited for our shipment to be delivered to the house, we each had 3 suitcases, 2 carry-ons, 2 car seats and a stroller.  Needless to say, we needed a small army to assist us at the airport. Having the amazing family that we do, all the Grands, a sister, and one Great Grand met us curbside and each took a bag or two.  Once checked in we had a last McDonald's breakfast with everyone all together.  Laughter and tears flowed freely.  Funny stories and lots of hugs and kisses were had by all.  Then came time to grab our belongings, give last hugs and kisses, and walk away.  This was one of the toughest walks I have ever had to make.  The future for the five of us was one way, family who has always been there supporting us in every way was the other.  I turned around more times than I could count and the security agent may have had to give me a pep talk.  The girls were so excited to get on the plane and let the adventure get underway.  

We seriously have more??

Our flight to Newark was good.  The girls were fantastic and enjoyed playing on their iPads.  Our plan was to feed them in Newark and tire them out.  The hope was they would sleep from Newark to Brussels. 

Ready for take off!  Clover is all
buckled in too.

So Excited!  I get a seat all by
myself.

Can't wait to get going!

Once in Newark we loaded the plane and got everyone settled, Chloe fell asleep before we hit the air.  Everyone, except me, slept for at least 5 hours.  I did not sleep one wink.  I tried, but with two kids on top of me and the Flight attendants insisting I drink my body weight in water, getting any rest was impossible.

Lunch at the Newark Airport

We landed a little late, and the fun was about to begin.  With so much luggage we did end up hiring a porter to help us.  I don't speak French, but I can read body language.  I am pretty sure he thought we were crazy with this much luggage.  Our taxi driver with a "large passenger van" (I use that term loosely) insisted we were going to be able to load every piece of luggage and all five us in his vehicle.  Somehow, we made it.  At one point, a bag fell on Gwen. Being the brave girl she is, no tears came. We drove immediately to pick up Ryan's vehicle, then to our new home.  As soon as we arrived to our house, the landlord met us to unlock and describe how the house worked.  He gave us many instructions, but I was too exhausted to remember any of them.  

Before we even took off.

Sleeping is for the weak, however.  Since the next day was a holiday, all the stores were going to be closed.  We HAD to do some light grocery shopping and get food, soap, toilet paper, etc.  I look back at this and just laugh.  First of all, we couldn't figure out what or where the milk was, I couldn't understand ANYTHING! Chloe fell asleep before we got to the store, and slept through the whole experience.  People kept passing and just staring at me.  I can only imagine what they were thinking.  As soon as we got back home, Chloe and I went to bed.  She was so tired we couldn't keep her awake.  We regretted all the sleep she got at about 2:00am.  

Dinner?  I am exhausted.  Is it bed
time yet?

After our little snooze, we went to grab some dinner.  We were all in such a fog we could not think of what we were hungry for.  We ended up at Chi-Chi's. (totally a Belgian type of food, right?)  The food was not quite as I recalled from when I was younger, but we were all full and ready for bed.

The rest of the weekend was shopping and trying to get adjusted to the time difference.  We even went into Brussels to see the Carpet of Flowers.  I'll post pictures and stories of adventures we have had since we arrived soon.

Even through all the emotions and lack of sleep, we did well. All the emotions rise up here and there.  Most of the time, they happen when you least expect it.  I will catch the smell of my mother's perfume, my mother-in-law's laundry detergent, hear Chloe singing Hi-Ho the Dairy-Oh and think of my sister and Reece-man, see camping places and think of my father-in-law, or the smell of gas and dirt from racing with my dad and the tears flood back.  Then I remember, I am here because of them all.  They have all taught me to be strong enough to take on a task I was terrified of.  

...Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.  ~ Joshua 1:9