And now it is time for everyone's favorite game "Hurry Up and Wait!" This edition of hurry up and wait is brought to us by "The PCS to Belmopan, Belize":
In July, we finished up most of Ammie's dental work and the rest of Chris's training before our move. The girls had a busy schedule of birthday parties for friends. Elizabeth was even involved in the planning of a surprise birthday party for two sisters who have birthdays in the same month.
August was both not as eventful but very eventful at the same time. We had family visit, an unexpected dental surgery for Ammie, and three shifts of movers coming through the house. Ammie's youngest sister, Amanda Hess, came for a visit with her three children: Taryn (5), Kaden (3), and Ashton (22 months). While she was out, we all drove up to Atlanta to visit Ammie's brother, Tim, and his children: Landis (11) and Ashley (6). Ammie's mom had just returned from a cruise with Tim and his kids. We had a nice day hanging out together. Everyone even braved the mall to see the American Girls Store. Chris's sister, Norene, met up with us before we went to the mall. Then she followed us back to Columbus for a short visit.
The next week we were joined by Grammie Long for the work to begin. We had a lot to do to get ready for the first wave of movers. The house was methodically turned upside down as everything that needed to be sent in the Unaccompanied Baggage shipment was gathered into one spot. The unaccompanied baggage goes ahead of us in an overseas move to be there around the time we arrive. We send things like Chris's stuff he needs for work and some household items we want right away for cooking, sleeping, etc. Thanks to a lot of help and hard work, this shipment went smoothly even with various appointments throughout the week.
Week two of movers started off with an unexpected surgery to remove a tooth that didn't quite get all the way extracted in the first round of dental surgeries. The root was in the sinus, so it was more involved than just pulling it out. After that, the house was methodically turned upside down yet again to discern what was going to Belize and what was staying in Columbus. Whatever we did not take with us down there was going to be put into a long-term storage facility. We were told that we were not allowed to bring furniture with us because the house would be furnished. That made some of the decisions easier. It was a long three days that the movers spent packing and crating all the stuff we were sending to Belize to be in our house there.
The final week of movers was full of repairs to the washer and dryer before we stored them, follow up appointments, and checking into a hotel. It was far more relaxed in some ways. We also prepared for our last Sunday in the Flatrock Ward. This was hard on all of us. We really loved our friendships we made and the people we worked with. Ammie was sad to say goodbye to her little nursery kids. Everyone enjoyed their last Sunday even with the goodbyes.
Once September came, things picked up again. There was a week of very hard work on the house to prepare it for the out inspection. The rain made it more difficult to do the outside, but we were blessed to have help from others and to complete it in time. The girls really enjoyed the indoor pool at the hotel. Lili was so excited to see the pool each day as well as swim once a day while we were there.
The first Friday of September were left for Texas. The drive out was incredibly good. We stopped a minimal amount of times. We were happy to see Ammie's family out in Lewisville. There were birthdays to celebrate the first week we were there and lots of family to say hi to. We weren't able to see everyone we wanted to, but we understand that schedules and health don't always line up. The girls and Ammie all attempted to take a shooting class. The class was rained out, but they are still hoping to try again before they fly out.
Chris left after a week in Texas. He flew down to begin his assignment at the Embassy. Ammie and the children all stayed behind while housing was sorted out down in Belize. It was a little crazy the week after Chris flew out. Extra family came to visit and add to the fun of Gramma's house. And, of course, with all the excitement and extra people someone had to get sick. In this case, four of the girls got sick along with Gramma, some of the cousins, and some of the aunts and uncles. Lots of time was spent together hanging out and playing with cousins once everyone got better.
September passed faster than expected. Suddenly it was time for General Conference. We all enjoyed watching Conference. We listened to the prophet's voice and felt the Spirit so strongly. The girls and Ammie actually made it through all four sessions! They haven't been blessed to do that in a few conferences. We cannot wait until we can ready the talks again and remember what we learned.
With all the time that had passed since leaving Georgia Ammie was anxious to hear about the housing. Everyone missed Chris. Plans were being made for the house to be ready around October 22nd, so there was a little excitement over that. And the girls were all planning their Halloween costumes out and Ammie began the hunt for fabrics. Add to this Sandra's need for help with her costume, and Ammie's list of sewing grew and grew. Elizabeth helped Sandra get the boys' room painted and decorated. The other girls helped Sandra weed out the front gardens and dig a trench for a retaining wall to be put in. All in all, everyone was busy as we waited to hear for sure the house was ready...but for now, we were still waiting...
