Embarking.

We're moving. 

Specifically, we're moving to England.  Somewhere in or near London.  Probably in August of this year.

London, baby!

Man, you are Westminster crabby.

Oh sorry we're late.  My fault, I insisted on riding the tube.

Judy, the kids..
Jack, that’s what they call the subway.

Anyone, anyone?

Sorry for the Friends quotes.  I couldn't help it.

Anyway.  We're headed across the pond. It's been a pipe dream of ours for a long time to live overseas for a couple of years.  Wouldn't you know, London always ranked high on our list.  And now? It looks like that dream is actually going to come true.

!!!


Really, Lord?  You're giving this amazing gift to us?  Really?  

AAH

!!!

EEK

{pinches self}

See?  I hardly have words.  It's safe to say we're still in a bit of shock around here.  But I'll try and keep it together enough to give you some details.

For the purposes of this post, I'm subjecting you to our dubious photos of the last - and only - time we've been there, in the Spring of 2006.



Frequently Asked Questions

How long will you be there?
Josh's assignment is for two years.  His current employer is sending our family to the UK to work on a portion of their European business.



Where will you live?
Even though the office Josh will be working from is out in the suburbs, we're planning to try true city life in London.  Heck, we may never get another chance to live in a big city, especially one of our favorite cities in the world.  At the end of two years, we can happily return to our large suburban house and yard.

We'll go on a house hunting trip in a couple of weeks and get a better feel for it all.



Can we come visit?
Yes, yes, a thousand times yes.  We'd love to have visitors.  And where else can you get free lodging in London?



Is Caroline going to have a British accent?
Oh man, we sure hope so.  We know it won't last when we return to the States, but if one does develop, rest assured we'll have it on video.  Lots of videos.



Are you going to start using British words and phrases?
I'm sure it's just inevitable.  Over there, diapers are known as "nappies," the "boot" is the trunk of your car, "Pants" refer to underwear, etc.  However, please forgive us in advance if we email/blog/talk in a way that sounds snobby or otherwise annoying.  We'll try not to go out of our way to talk about petrol and mobiles to our American friends and family.  However, if we slip up, please give us some grace, knowing that we're just muddling our way through the intricacies of a the Queen's English.

And while we're there, do I type color or colour?  These things keep me up at night.

(Not really.  I'm pregnant and tired.)

Will you have your baby there or in the US?
Over there!  Gratefully we're not moving to a third world country.  They have great medical care there and we're not concerned.  Oh, and speaking the same language does help.  Our parents are planning to come out in December and January to help out.

Also, yes, we're aware that Baby Brown #2 will not be eligible to be the President of the United States.




Will he/she have dual citizenship?
Nope, it doesn't work that way.  He or she will just be an American citizen.

What are you going to do with your house in OH?
TBD

Will you learn to drive on the other side of the road?
Yes, it seems we will!  Hopefully we all don't die as a result.  Prayers would be appreciated.



And the MOST frequently asked question?
Will you go on House Hunters International?
Ha!  No.  For one thing, we're going to be shopping for rental houses/apartments (flats?) in just a couple of weeks.  For another thing, we're sure we'd look like idiots in front of a camera and would prefer to avoid that embarrassment.

However, I'll try and do a little something for this here blog if I'm able.  Remember this?

We're beyond thrilled for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live and work abroad.  We're also a mix of nervous, overwhelmed, excited, concerned, and in a state of shock.  Let's just say our minds are spinning with all kinds of details.  We'll miss our friends and family and US grocery shopping and Pei Wei and our church and our house and knowing what to expect.  We're anticipating some bumps in the road, some loneliness, and some longing for the American way of doing things.  But on the flip side we'll get to explore a new city, more easily travel around the UK and the rest of Europe, and try out a new culture.  Not to mention loading up the kids for a trip the British Museum for a morning.  Or grabbing a bite to eat in a gastropub that overlooks the Thames.  Or taking a weekend trip to see castles in Wales.

In general we're pretty much geeked.  Thank you, Jesus, for this amazing blessing!

Flipping through our new Living Abroad in London guidebook today, I came across this quote, which is how I'll end for today:


You find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London.  No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.

-Samuel Johnson, 1777

Sign us up. 

!!!