Fast forward a year and we could not be better! This move has been great for us and especially great for the children. They have been fully immersed into a completely different culture, language exposure, societal ways, and delicacies. Truthfully exposing them to this now is the best time. They are young and adaptable to change, and isn't that the point of living over seas? To "experience" different things and get used to a different way of living? You can't move to a different country and expect to have the same standard of living as you did in the USA. Fortunately the military trained Will and I to adapt and overcome. Sure we had the Navy Exchange and Commissary to do our shopping but lets be honest.... They didn't have the best vegetables or fruit, we learned to accept the phrase "it's on the barge" which always seemed to be true because stuff was always out of stock. We also lived in a sardine can with no windows at all and three other room mates. Sure do miss good old Camp America though :-)
I think Cuba is truthfully why this assignment in Russia is a good fit for us, and we actually like it here. It reminds me of living on the base being forced out of my comfort zone.
I have also learned a lot about myself over the past year. It's no secret that Ash has a neurological disorder and is a bit different. We knew coming here that it was going to be tough with her. The school is small and there was a STRONG chance that she would not be able to attend school due to no resources for learning disabled children. I have been homeschooling her for the past year and she has moved mountains with how far she has come along. I am more patient than I give myself credit for and can handle just about anything that is thrown at me when it comes to Ash and her situation. Sure it is tough, and exhausting at times, but is is also so very rewarding. It is a different relationship and accomplishment when it is your own child. She can do the things she can because of what I have been doing with her. And I am trained in secondary education. Elementary kiddos scare the living hell out of me but I am finding that I they are not so bad :-) I actually LOVE working with her everyday! It is A TON of work though... Between lesson planning for her and finishing up my second masters degree I feel burnt out at the end of the day. But the pain is temporary and the end result will far outweigh the trials and tribulations right now.
Moving on.... This location has given my family an opportunity to see this part of the world that seemed like dream so far out of my reach. We have been to Hawaii, Australia, Japan, Guam, and in January we are headed to Singapore and Thailand. Once we move back home we probably will never come back out this way unless Will picks up another assignment on this side of the world. The travel opportunities are endless and the rich history and culture is just amazing to take in. I find myself ALWAYS hunting down historical facts for when I return home and and get high schoolers back :-) I will be that over enthusiastic teacher eager to share my knowledge. When I get the entry on Guam done you all will see what I am talking about. We spent two days chasing down EVERYTHING I could get on WWII War in the Pacific and the specific events that occurred in Guam.
Overall, this has been an amazing experience and I can't wait to see what this next year brings us.
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