I think this is the first time I truly appreciated the quote:
“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work!”
When we finally got the okay to begin our process, I 1000% underestimated the bumps in the road.
Friday July 24th, we got the official okay for a project that would change our lives forever. Since then, the date has been changed, quite frankly, everyday. Is it 3 weeks or is it 4 weeks away? 3 weeks to pack up our lives, sell all our belongings, book a moving company, get rid of our vehicles, get vaccinated, the list goes on! Oh, might I add that this is in the middle of a pandemic that shut the whole world down? Yeah… cue extra obstacles! LOL. You might ask, why not wait until this is over and easier? This opportunity is a chance of a lifetime for us and honestly, life is too short.
The first time I sat down to write this, I was in the middle of our condo, on the floor, everything sold. Then when the movers came, I lost my notebook (classic…) so let’s restart! Now as I am writing this, restarting, I am on my second last shift at work and I’m not going to lie, there are a lot of emotions. I am a nurse, and this was my first nursing job in my career. Will I lose my skills? How long will I be without a job? Will I be able to find a job in my field? When you are living out of suitcases in a hotel with your stuff being shipped across the sea, feelings are bound to arise. Did I mention we had to inventory EVERYTHING to ship? Yes, 3 spoons, 17 shirts, 5 socks, etc.
ANYWAY… are you ready? Are you sitting down? I’ve strung you along enough… you may have gathered we are moving, but where? Druuuuumroooooollll please……
AFRICA!! We are moving to Nairobi, Kenya for 2 or more years!
Now comes the questions…
Why? Let me introduce myself! My name is Tracey and I am married to my husband David. We got married in 2018 and one of our favorite things to do together is travel. So, when we were presented with this opportunity, it was a no brainer!
Is it all worth it? As many tears shed, stressful moments, questioning whether this will actually happen, I still believe it will be worth it. What is the worst that could happen? Come home? ** Deep thought bubble warning ** we get so stuck in our everyday lives, the tasks, errands, work, repeat, and for some people it works for them, and that is okay! If you have said this would be my life 5 years ago, I would have laughed at you; my goal was that monotony with the house and kids. However, the more I started to see the world, the more intrigued I was about different cultures and ways of life. The more I was forced to let go of the schedule and planning (no, it was definitely not easy, and it did NOT happen overnight), the more I experienced and could have missed out on. I do not want to live the “what if” life.
Okay, sorry! I got off track! So, current situation: finishing work and living in a hotel. Left to do? Say “see you later”, finalize handing over our cars, get our travel visas and passports and finally get COVID tested before we fly out.
We welcome you to follow along on our journey, the ups and downs and adventure that we cannot wait to share with you!!
Until next time,
Tracey
