Germany...whaaaatt?! The countdown is on!

Well, guys! It's almost here. After having this move as a possibility for a few years we are prepping for our last few weeks in North Carolina and the United States. We wanted to start this blog so that we could share all the details of the move, (hopefully ALL smooth...right, Army?), our housing search, and of course travel adventures as we build a new life in Germany and try to see as much of Europe in the process!  I'll try to post as often as I can with updates and pictures but bear with me... if you know me well, you realize this might be difficult for someone technologically challenged like me. :) Bear with me, friends! 
 
So let's rewind...We got official word back in March that we will be moving to a town in Germany called Kaiserslautern. Neither us of have ever been to Europe so naturally we were thrilled, grateful and had justttt the slighest "holy s***' moment... (that moment comes and goes in waves, moreso to me than to Aaron.) :) Located on nearby Army post Sembach, is the US Army Europe Band and Chorus where Aaron will be the Executive Officer and in charge of the Chorus.  He is so excited to work with these musicians. Their diplomatic concerts take them through Europe performing at all kinds of festivals and ceremonies.  I will, hopefully, become a Chorus groupie and tag along when I can.  Not a bad gig. :) Here is a snapshot of what is to come, dowtown Kaiserslautern...

But we can't get too far ahead of ourselves...:) These last few weeks bring with them lots of details and business to take care of!  We will say goodbye to Pinehurst, NC on June 21st when Aaron and I will each pack both of our cars and make the drive to MD with little Penny in tow - as always a bit skeptical and neurotic from our gypsy lifestyle. Poor dog. :)  Once in Maryland, we are pumped to have almost three weeks to spend with family and friends before our July 8th flight into Ramstein. 
 
There is much to be done in our last few weeks!  As of now, our house will begin to get packed on the 14th of June.  Moving an entire household overseas is quite the process, as you can imagine.  Essentially, the whole process is done in three steps.  First, our priority shipment (or 'unaccompanied baggage' in Army Speak) will be shipped. These are our 'must haves' once we get there. Things like towels, bedsheets, pots and pans, minor cleaning supplies...stuff you really need first.  That takes about three to four weeks to arrive (fingers crossed). Then, after about 8-10 weeks comes everything else (Army Speak: 'Household Goods').  This includes our bed, couches, kitchen supplies, TV, whatever clothing we couldn't fit on the plane, pretty much our life.  SO it will be a good two to three months from when our house gets packed until we see it again. Weeeee!  The third round of packing and moving is Storage. The Army so kindly stores anything that we don't feel necessary to bring.  We'll be storing electronics that won't work on the European grid system as well as most of my teaching supplies.  (single tear) Finally, they'll ship one of our cars (Army Speak: Personally Operated Vehicle or POV).  The car can also take two to three months so we'll probably rent a car in Germany while ours is somewhere on the Atlantic.
 
Our valiant attempt to learn German has tapered justtttt a little bit in the last few weeks.   BUT we've been studying like pros for the German driving test.  Apparantly, we can't even pick up our car over there until one of us has passed this test. We've been told it's no joke. It includes learning and identifying about 170 German street signs and a test on the rules of the road.  Gooood times.   
 
We are a little nervous about flying Penny overseas... if you have met her or know her temperament, she is a pretty good candidate for doggy Xanex. So here's hoping an 8 hour flight and passing through German customs doesn't completely throw her over the edge.  Sorry in advance, Penny.
 
As far as house hunting, that will primarily happen once we're on the ground in Germany. We have some ideas about villages we'd like to live in. We are choosing to live off post as we want to get as much of the German cultural experience as possible. Bier and Schnitzel, here I come. 

To get an idea of the geography, Kaiserslautern is in southwest Germany, about 40 minutes from the French border.  We are supposedly about 2.5 hours from Paris and WILL have a fully functioning guest room.  We only charge a minimal room and board so PLEASE come stay with us... :) 

 
Next steps will be shutting down phone contracts and utilities, opening up our very own German bank account, selling a car, trading in some dollars for Euros (what do they even look like?!) and soaking up our last few days in lovely Pinehurst.  Is it too late to learn how to golf?  We will keep updating once the packing and moving process begins!!! Stay tuned as the craziness will definitely be turned up a few notches.  We love you and can't wait to keep everyone updated!! :) :)
 
Lots of love,
Meredith and Aaron