Our TV Debut

We are still in talks with House Hunters International. The latest is that we have to make a video so the executives can see us on camera.....we have to talk about moving, about our hobbies (random?), and make it "fun". Should be interesting!

Fast and Furious...for now

Things are coming fast and furious now. I mailed off everything for my work permit today. Assuming Hungary likes everything I sent, we should have a work permit in a little more than 3 weeks. That's all that's required for us to book our trip over. Seems pretty real all the sudden.

Carey took the cats to get their rabies vaccination and microchip today. That was important because the rabies vaccination has to be at least 30 days old before we can import them. Our family that might have to keep them otherwise thanks us for getting that done, even if they don't know it yet.

We are beginning conversations with the realtor here to list our home. I'm guessing we'll be listed for the Labor Day weekend. We've also received some example homes to consider in Hungary. Some have indoor pools. Who knew?

Passports are applied for. We'll probably get those back next week.

No fee foreign exchange rate credit card applied for. That's something no one has suggested to us so far, but I found out that will help us avoid the foreign transaction fee. Thank you, Capital One, for being "no hassle". Hope you're right!

I guess we'll hit a slow spot sometime after we get the house listed, but there will probably be something else to keep us busy. In a way, I hope so -- it's still "fun" for now!

Technology and Suitcases

One of the harder things so far is figuring out what we will need (buy, move, etc.) and what we won't (sell, store, etc). We decided our suitcases we have are not in good enough shape for repeated international trips so we've been on the lookout. I was seriously considering Briggs & Riley -- the only brand I know of that has a lifetime warranty, no matter what the cause (including airline abuse). In the end, I couldn't pass up the deal at Sam's Club. 4 suitcases for $150. So we bought 12! They're Samsonite and have a 10 year warranty so we figured we could throw them away if they didn't last for some reason not covered under warranty.

More exciting, however (at least to a computer guy) is all the technology I get to purchase. I've bought a GPS (TomTom with lifetime maps and traffic updates -- including Europe and North America), SlingBox (to watch US television when we can't stand trying to translate the Hungarian stations), and ordered our VOIP telephone so we can stay in touch with everyone (BroadVoice is the provider we selected).

One of the most valuable things we have found so far is talking with others that have been through similar circumstances. So part of this blog will contain things you may care about, and part of this blog will contain things that others who may be moving internationally in the future may care about.

Slingbox has been an interesting experience. I found a really good deal on it, but now that I received it, I think I know why. It appears used. How do I know? Well, the photocopied manual was a giveaway. The box already being named when I look at it on the computer is another. I suspect the Baker family owned it before us. Who cares though? It appears to be working and I got a great deal!

Now back to focusing on getting a work permit and seeing family before we can leave! We've seen both kids' birth family recently, went to Austin to see Carey's siblings, heading to Harlingen to see my parents and brother this weekend, off to Mississippi to see my other brother over Labor Day. Looking forward to a fast and furious next 6 weeks!

Starting to Prepare

So, here we are a week later. We have made small bits of progress this week - hard to believe there are only a few weeks left! We went by the outlet mall and started buying some fall/winter clothes. I don't even know how to buy cold weather clothes since we have always lived in Texas! We went into the Gap and I randomly bought a little bit for all of us. Kind of fun! Chelsea loved her new sweat suit and couldn't understand why she couldn't wear it home. We went to Sams and bought a bunch of toothpaste and diapers - maybe we can survive on that?

I contacted House Hunters International on HGTV with our story. Surprisingly, they were interested and one of the producers has been e-mailing me all week with questions. They are interested in pursuing the adoption angle and having us share more about open adoption. Not sure if it will work out, but it has been fun talking to them!

Oh, we bought a $5 Hungarian language program at Half Price books - I'm sure that will get us well on our way to speaking Hungarian.

Here we go.....

We are moving from Houston to Hungary. I can say it, type it, make appointments, talk about all we have to do, but it feels like just words. It doesn't feel a bit real. Yes, I have shed some tears, but I am afraid they are just a drop of what is to come. We are excited, anxious, scared, clueless...and so much more. Larry has always wanted to do an expat assignment and I am thrilled he is getting the opportunity. I know God has a good plan for us, and I know we will grow so much closer as a family through this journey. We are excited to share our adventures with you!