My introductory meeting with the DCM (Deputy Chief of Mission - 2nd in command after Ambassador) today was fabulous and compels me now to "put pen to paper" something that has been simmering in my head for a little bit. When I was sharing with her (a bit embarrassingly) that I was having issues adjusting, she eased my worries with the assured phrase, "the 6 month plan." While at first we get excited about finally arriving at our destination and wanting to get a grip of the new job and the new life, the honeymoon phase quickly ends when reality sets in. The reality includes, but is not limited to: waiting for UAB and/or HHE to arrive, frustration with getting internet/cable/phone access at home, access to things that you easily got back in the US, access to food you miss, etc. Then, supposedly right around the 6 month mark, hopefully by then you're settled in and know how to get stuff you need (both at work and at home), you get into the groove. Maybe it has something to do with a nice relaxing vacation to somewhere sunny (because we sure as hell know that that's not happening in London!).
Fast forward to a year later and you start the preparation process for leaving. You start to plan to do the last things you want to do, squeeze in more time with the people you so painstakingly became friends with, etc. Although for us we have a bit of a different curve since we already know where we're going in 2 years.
So alas, that's the life we signed up for. It's frustrating at times but I know that it's ok because the pros are totally worth it - seeing different cultures, traveling to different places, learning more about our own identity.
Fast forward to a year later and you start the preparation process for leaving. You start to plan to do the last things you want to do, squeeze in more time with the people you so painstakingly became friends with, etc. Although for us we have a bit of a different curve since we already know where we're going in 2 years.
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