So, it’s been a while since I last wrote a post or uploaded a podcast. BUT, I hope that is gong to change and I’ll be able to create more content in this season of life we’re entering.
And speaking of a new season of life, I no longer work for FEMA anymore. I am now working as a US Army civilian at HQ US African Command (USAFRCOM) here in Stuttgart, Germany. Life has been very busy for us, but it has brought up a lot of memories from my previous overseas assignments while I was Active Duty Air Force.
See, I am from Texhoma, OK…a very small town in the panhandle that straddles the OK and TX boarders. When I first decided to enlist in the Air Force, I put down Tinker and every other base that was within a days drive of my hometown. Needless to say, I didn’t want to venture too far out of the nest. Well, the Air Force had different plans for me. They sent me to RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom! I was SCARED! I used to live in CA, OR, TX, and AR, but I have never been overseas! Not even Mexico!
After about 3 months or so of culture shock (and learning to drive on the wrong side of the road), I finally cam to the realization of just how lucky I was to have been selected for the assignment. It was pure whirlwind up to that point in my career having survived basic training and tech school, but now having the opportunity to do a little bit of traveling and experience new cultures was an excitement that I had never experience up to that point. In fact, I opted to try and stay overseas on my next assignment and got selected to go to Kadena AB in Okinawa, Japan.
To come full circle to the current season my family and I are in, we are VERY excited to be in Stuttgart, Germany. Now that I am older and priorities shifted past going to the local pub, and actually focus on traveling and exposing my 2 boys to different cultures, it kind of put things into perspective. Going from a small town kid to now trying to bring my family overseas is cool…and I owe it to the Air Force!
So, if you can, I HIGHLY suggest you try to go overseas even if you think it’ll make you uncomfortable. Growth comes from the times we push through the discomfort…in the times we are challenged mentally/physically. It may not feel like it at the time, but you’ll be thankful for those unexpected situations!
As for us, we are excited about living overseas! If you are in the area, reach out! We can get some schnitzel and a hefeweizen!
