Markets, money and more...

After being here only one week, we have come to love our new home. What a blessing to have that peace! Of course, there are still questions and concerns, but nothing overwhelming. We think we might have (can you read the certainty in that?) made a decision about a house to call our own. The only issue is distance from the base. The house is spacious with all the things we need, just a bit far for Paul to drive. Over the weekend, we've driven the route a few times and it does seem to get a bit shorter each time. The scenery is amazing too, passing thru small villages and rural farms. So, I think its a keeper! I'm excited to really live here and not completely rely on the base for our needs. The experience will be so different because of that, and we are really looking forward to it. Going to the markets to get fresh fruits and veggies, to the butcher for meats, and the kids might even go to the local village primary school as well.

Speaking of foods, we went into a grocery today and were amazed at what we saw. The amounts of fresh foods, healthier choices, etc was unreal. This is our problem, people! For instance, the average frozen vegetables are sold only (for the most part) in sizes that are comparable to what we would call the 'value' or 'family' package. Whereas the meats and starches are sold in much smaller portions than we're used to. Can you see where I'm going? Paul and I have resolved to use this experience to make healthy changes in our family's habits. And how convenient that the lovely English simplify it for me! Oh, and just a note - hot cross buns are delicious!

We went to the market in Bury St. Edmunds yesterday. It was exactly like you would imagine it to be. Rows of vendors selling everything from fresh flowers to fruits and vegetable to raw fish and meats. Clothes, hats, souveniers, and tools - and not to be outdone, McDonalds, Burger King, and Pizza Hut made their presence known as well. The kids, with their keen eyes, spotted a toystore right away. What a treat for them! Of course, not being able to take anything home made the trip a bit less fun. They traded their frowns for smiles when the golden arches came into view though! Thank goodness for french fries and milkshakes!

Driving is going well. We are hoping to purchase a car early this week. Our SUV is still floating on the ocean, making its way here. Money has been a bit of a challenge, only in that its hard to recognize which coin is which amout of pence or pounds. There are so many more coins than I am used to. But everyone is so friendly and patient, even giving 'the newcomers' tips and local advice.

This week the challenge is to settle on a home, purchase a car, and enroll the kids into a school. A bit daunting, but I know God will pave the way. We'll let you know!

We've arrived...

in England! We landed on British soil on Saturday, 21 February at about 9am local time. That's 4am for all you east coasters! Our flight here was amazingly smooth and uncomplicated. Much better than what we were prepared for! The kids loved the airplane and settled in easily. We were blessed to have a friendly face waiting for us at the terminal. Paul's former boss picked us up and brought us to our new home - RAF Lakenheath. As you can imagine, we were tired but excited to start our new adventure! Jacob wanted to know where all the trains were - he's heard that over here trains are a very common way to travel. Chloe was looking for horses and castles, and Jonah was..well he just was.

After naps, we went to Christi's house for a bbq. It was nice to be with old friends in this brand new world we were surrounded by. When we got back to the hotel, Casey was here! We missed her!! I think we must have overextended our bodies though, because we didnt wake up on Sunday until NOON! How nice that was! I dont ever remember sleeing in that late, unless it was years ago in college:) Needless to say, that ended up being quite a lazy day for us. Visiting with Casey, relaxing and resting were all that we managed. Let's see..what next? Monday...nothing much to report. Paul had a bit of work in the morning, and then we ..Oh!! We had our first taste of driving on 'the wrong side of the road' on Monday. We rented a car, as ours wont be here for a least a couple more weeks. Casey took us on a trip to the toystore at RAF Mildenhall, the base close by. Seeing the kids' smiling faces at the rows of toys was well worth the nervous first time behind the wheel. And it was me who drove!!

Almost caught up! Tuesday, yesterday, Paul had all day appointments to get settled so the kids and I spent a lazy morning. Casey came over and watched them while we had a briefing about letting housing off the base. The playground and Baskin Robbins were next, and then it was a normal evening in the Jski house. Which brings us to today...exploring and house hunting! I cant wait to see what options are waiting for us. If you want a taste of what we see, check out this site - Rightmove.co.uk - choose the 'to rent' option at the top of the page. Enter 'Lakenheath' in the search box, then select w/i 15miles - houses - 4 bedrooms at least - max 1250 pounds - and go! What you see is what we will be looking at today on our first trip away from the base. Wish us luck!

Ok, I think that has pretty much gotten us to the present. I will post pictures tonight of our day so come back soon!

I will!

Ok, so one thing I can claim as truth - I am ALWAYS consistent about being inconsistent!! So much for a Thanksgiving recap, and now Christmas has passed as well. We are a week into 2009 and no 'New Year' reminiscence as of yet either! Whenever it is that I do get my unmotivated self to update - you better make sure to let me know that it was worth it:)

I've been tagged by Christi as well - I will get to it!! I will! Right now, though, its time for dinner. Yummy Carolina hot dogs (they're red) and french fries. We are one family that prides ourselves on eating healthy..NOT! Maybe that could be part of my 2009 list...hmmm?

Home

We just got home from a whirlwind Thanksgiving vacation. Spanning 6 states in 10 days we saw family, friends, and alot of traffic! There are great photos and a long blog just waiting to be posted, but for now - we're home - we had a wonderful time - we miss everyone already!

Questions

Do you rent (or 'let' as the British call it) a home in the village or do you live on the base? Do you take your vehicle with you or pray that you find something suitable for a family of 5 within a tight budget? Do you sell many of your belongings to downsize or do you cram as much as you can in your suitcases? Do you try to accomplish the 'should haves' and 'could haves' that have added up over 6 years in just 4 short months? These are just a few of the questions that have made it onto the ever-growing list that Paul and I started when we got our new assignment to RAF Lakenheath. What are the answers? Anyone?

Thankfully we have a few friends that are already living in the UK and have been helpful with information and ideas. We are so blessed to have you all! Our sanity has been saved (well what was left of it anyway) because of you! Your sanity, however, might need rescuing by the time our family makes it across the ocean. The good news is that some of these questions are being answered!

We are seriously considering letting a home near the base. We have been looking online at housing options and it seems like such a wasted opportunity to not take full advantage of the community that we will be living in and around. The houses are smaller than we are used to, yes. There will be some adjustments regarding appliances and electricity, yes. But how can we miss the adventure that is right in front of us? We will be taking our Explorer on our journey. It seems the practical solution. Just last weekend some friends of ours - the Johnstons - had a yard sale at church. They are relocating their family to become missionaries in Poland. We were able to jump on the bandwagon, so to speak, and sold some unwanted clutter. While there is much more to be done, we let go of many items that we didnt even remember owning!

The hardest part of this whole transition will be addressing the last questions. How do you wrap up six years in what has become your home in just four short months? How do you move away from relationships that have literally changed your family's life? Those questions have yet to be answered. I'm not sure that they will be.

An adventure....

is about to begin! After 6 years in North Carolina, our family has gotten a new assignment. We are moving - far, far away over the big blue Atlantic Ocean! Lakenheath, England will be our new home in early 2009. We are excited yet already a bit overwhelmed at the process it takes to make this transition. Just pray that the next couple months will go smoothly and that all of the details will fall into place.

I am going to make you a promise. We will keep this site more up to date and let you know what's going on as we prepare to 'jump the pond'. But we need your help! Stay in touch with us as well, read and comment so we know that you are here!

We have had an exciting last few weeks of summer and first two weeks of school. I will post some pics and a blog as soon as I have a bit more time.

Vaca Disclaimer

Ok so its a bit backwards, but here it is - our vacation pics and posts. Start at the bottom and work your way up to make the most sense. Or, you know what? Just read and enjoy! We did!