But I'm back. husband is home, we've moved, unpacked and are re-integrating (that's Army speak for getting used to sharing the bathroom and informing others of your whereabouts again).
We have moved closer to a military base. I never thought I would be so happy to be in a miitary community. My God, I am so glad to be back.
With only a one-year assignment for certain, I threw myself and my kids in friend-making. I volunteered for Vacation Bible school at our new church- total ulterior motives. My husband was TDY and I wanted to make sure the kids didn't sit around and make me crazy. So we ALL went, 2 as volunteers, 3 attendees and 2 in the nursery. Awesome. The week flew, fun was had, and everyone was tired.
I also got to meet a bunch of people, many of whom were military spouses. I got linked into a playgroup, just like that. There were other moms new to the area too, who new the best way to make friends quickly was to get out of the house and DO something. I linked in with some of them. My kids felt much more welcomed at this school/church than they had at the last school. Other more established moms were super helpful, with advice and suggestions about an area that has almost too many options for stuff.
All these great experiences made me think back on the last year. I really missed the feeling of sisterhood, of a shared journey. I feel at home again with women who don't need to dust under the couch because the movers will be back before it gets too thick. We are women in flux. Women living the best life they can while rolling with whatever the Army, Navy or Marine Corps throws at them. I love being in a group that doesn't blanche when I qualify my longish-terms plans with "If we still live here".
The year in a purely civilian community had it positives and negatives, but I certainly appreciate being in a military community again. I am finally home again, in a place I have never lived, but with people I feel like I already know.
