So the story goes like this, we applied for an extension in Italy. 2 years to get Paige through high school and settle Luana after her mission before we moved back stateside to start the retirement process. The paper work was dragging and sitting on too many people desks for too long of a time. We had hoped before we left for Christmas that we would know what the next few years would hold for us, but no, we only had a little bit of possible information.
We knew that our paper work for extension had not yet been reviewed for approval and then a unit in Germany had requested Dan to fill an assignment there.
After we returned from our Christmas break Dan received an email that asked if he would be willing to forgo his extension in exchange for a position in Stuttgart Germany(this would be a three year assignment,not a 2 year extension).
A DECISION??
We are not used to making decisions. For the last 20+ years the Army has made these big decisions for us. We took the weekend to pray, research and ask the kids and other friends in the know. WE were stumped. So many good things about both places. On Monday Dan replied to the email "We believe staying in Italy will be the best for our family, however if the Army needs us in Germany we will go to Germany."
The response Email was "Call me"
(later we realize that the things that were said were a bit twisted and not something they wanted in writing)
So Dan calls and they let him know some "Need to fill" jobs have come in and they are not in desirous locations. Our extension has not been approved and we can choose Germany or perhaps risk it and see if we get some of these less desirous locations. Of course Dan quickly accepted the Germany Assignment.
We spend about 2 weeks wrapping our mind around the move and what this would mean for our family. Looking at things on the bright side and searching out things that would help us ease into the idea. We really started getting excited about the move to Germany (Well not the move it self, but living there) Then Dan receives another email, this time from the extensions office...
"Congratulations your extension has been approved for Naples Italy"
Well, needless to say we decided it might be for the best (schools, resumes etc) to move on to Germany after all and didn't call the bluff, or fight the decision.
I am sad that I will loose the Italian language skills I have learned here, and that we are still 3 more years from retiring instead of two. There is so much good about going though and I am excited for all the new experiences.
Over 20 years ago we began our military career in Germany and now we will end it there.
Heres to three more and some schnitzel to go with it!
