[opalwench]

So, short version of a long story...
We're moving to Houston, Texas. Like within the next 2 months or so.

18 hours away from where we are now... So something around 16 to 14 to 18 hours away from where the Sweetling's a-family lives (oh and you know all the rest of our assorted families are the same distance too).

Part of me, after fighting it for so long, is finally excited.

Part of me is totally terrified.

I've never lived outside of Indiana. Ever. I've been west of the Mississippi maybe 3 or 4 times in my life, and I've been on a plane once (to and from San Diego, CA years ago).

Plus, I mean, we're getting next to no information now and we're only like 3 or 4 hours away. 18 hours worries me that we'll be forgettable. I mean it could turn out as totally different from that with updates and plans and actual communication, but I don't want to get my hopes up. I'm dealing with our situation now, so either way I think I'll be able to deal, it's just a little depressing.

Plus, the last time I moved it was moving here to go to college. College had built in friend making activities, like class, and the fact that people I went to high school with were here too, and clubs that were advertised. At the moment the only people I'm going to know are TheVikingPirate's coworkers, who I haven't even met yet. I'm going to have to really stick my neck out down there to meet people, and that scares me too.

So... any advice? Or advice on flying for the first time in 5 years (at least)... since we're flying down next week to look for a place to live.

[kakuehl]

Hi Opalwench,
It's good to see a post from you!
Scary stuff, huh! I remember when my son (the one I raised) flew for the 1st time: we had what I called the "Transportation Christmas". We flew from Pittsburg to Chicago, took the El to the Loop and then took the train to Quincy where my In-laws live.
My son informed us that except for the take offs and landings, flying was boring. (My thought was that's how I want it to be!)

For the flying: take deep breathes, read the rules (and follow them), be prepared to remove your shoes. Check-in on line if you can... and allow lots of time to get through security.

Do I remember correctly that someone in the Pirate's family adopted your child? It could be that distance will give them the incentive to be better with updates. It's really hard to say.

Try to see this as an adventure. Do you have a job lined up? I, personally, always quickly find a church home (or did before I became a pastor), for me, that's a good place to meet friends. You can do this!

Keep us posted. One of the great things about the forums is that no matter where we go, this group of friends goes with us.

You are in my prayers.