So long, Farewell

As you can see by the picture above our house is "Te Huur" or in English: For Rent. We're officially moving back to America. It's going to be a crazy summer for us.

People are asking if I'm sad to leave well, I'm more reminiscent than sad. I've grown so much as a person over the past 3 years. I've pushed my self to do things I never thought I'd do. I've survived living in a country where I don't speak the language very well. We've grown as a couple. We've delivered and raised a baby in a foreign country. If that's not a challenge I don't know what is. I've seen more places than I ever dreamed I would see.

I find myself always saying, "In America" or "In my country" but, I bet from now on I will say "Well, In Belgium!" Belgium has left an everlasting mark with me and I will never be the same.

I'm extremely excited to move back to America and have all of the modern conveniences that I haven't had for 3 years. But, not having all of the modern conveniences (dishwasher, car, large washing machine, large dryer, large refrigerator, freezer, large oven, a double kitchen sink, dry cleaners, air conditioning, etc.) has really taught me to appreciate things more. I hope to take all of what I've learned here and keep it up in the U.S. I'm sure it will be hard not to get swept up in the self-indulgent, glutenous ways of American life but, I'm sure going to give it a try.

I'll try not to make it sound like an award speech but here are a few shout-outs.

Shannon, without you my European experience would have been a miserable 3 years. From keeping the slingbox working (my American TV); sending countless care packages; coming out to visit me when I needed a friend or just a vacation; loving Alexis as if she were your own child, calling me everyday. You will never know how much those things mean to me. Your not only my BFF you're the sister I never had.

Mom, thank you for always being there for me. For calling me everyday at 9:15am your time. I looked forward to your calls everyday. Thanks for keeping up with all of our mail that was sent to your house. Thanks for skyping everyday to see me and Alexis.

Dad, thank you for always being there to help us out when we got stuck in a sticky situations. Like the time we accidentally put unleaded fuel in our diesel tank. And all the times I needed voltage information or drill help. I always enjoyed our Sunday morning chats too!

Thanks Mom and Dad for putting us #1 in your life.

Jacke, thanks you for all of the times you came out to see us and travel with us. Thanks to for all the shirts you ironed for me! And calling to check in and keep up with how our week was going.

Shanell, thanks so much for letting us come to see you so often. Just knowing a family member was so close was just like being at home. Thanks for letting us go to the commissary and PX to fuel our American cravings. You never complained when we had two carts piled high with groceries or when we had 20 jumbo packs of diapers in the cart. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Finally, thank to everyone who ever came out to see us. We really enjoyed showing everyone around and showing them our new life.

Thanks to everyone who ever sent anything to us. Whether it was a card or gift, it was nice to know we were being thought of.

Thanks to all of my blog readers out there who faithfully read each week and kept me in check when I wouldn't post for a few weeks. You are the ones that kept me doing this for 3 years.

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I leave next Friday and will officially be back in Atlanta (Gwinnett specifically). Scott will be back and forth from Europe and Atlanta all summer until we officially get settled in. Only 1 more 10 hour flight with a baby (well, now toddler!) YAY!

I won't be doing the blog when I get back to ATL (it is called Today in Brugge afterall) but, I should have a couple more posts before we leave so keep checking back. Just wanted everyone to have time to grieve over not being able to read the blog anymore. laugh.

Until then....