We have our orders, so it's official that we're planning our move back to the USA. Back to Norfolk, VA actually. Brian likes to say I sealed his fate (deployment) on the USS Nassau for the next two years by requesting to be back in the States and closer to our families. This is true. But didn't he seal mine when he asked me to marry him...along with the Navy. Don't we all happily make choices that involve some level of sacrifice?
Although while I have sacrificed in the area of my career while we've lived overseas, I recognize it is because of this I have been able to: enjoy staying home with my children, get involved in the community, and learn everything I can about Japanese culture. Similarly, I imagine that while Brian is likely feeling shipboard life in the realm of adult medicine away from his family for months on end is not ideal, I'm sure he will end up personally appreciating the opportunity to provide humanitarian assistance to underprivileged parts of the world, and professionally earning recognition in his Navy career.
So, turnabout is fair play. Yes, I chose Norfolk for us. It's east coast near family, not a small town in the middle of nowhere, and it's familiar. (Although I would argue we'll both be sacrificing with him gone so much.) But Brian realizes that choosing where we live next--and only if the detailers are amenable--is all I can pretend to have control over in this nomadic Navy life. And the choices are limited, I can assure you. Ultimately it is the detailer who decides where you go, when you go and how long you stay there. This time, he happened to agree with us on the where. So, we leave in early June and will spend two years in Norfolk.
With fewer than four months left in Japan, I feel it's too soon for Sayonara just yet. I'm having trouble visualizing pack-out dates since I'm not yet finished exploring (or buying). In fact, I'm hoping it will be more like "matane" (see you later) than "sayonara" (goodbye), come early June. I would really love to live in Japan again at some point, especially if the girls are old enough to appreciate it. And I wouldn't mind that it would seem to prove I do have control over my whereabouts--because of or despite the Navy, it remains to be seen. After all, this is only move #2.
1 comment:
You have made incredibly good use of your time in Japan. Standing by, ready to assist if you need any food/shelter/loaner car on your homeward journey. Meanwhile, do not waste one single minute of the time you have left worrying about the times to come. That is one thing I have learned about Navy life for sure.
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