Uh, did I say we were moving into Central London? I meant…
japra | Mar 14, 2009 | Comments 24
I’ve been sitting on this news for about a week. I was thinking about keeping it quiet until we hear something for sure, but I think it is important to talk about this as it all part of the uncertainty of an Expat’s life!
So the big news is my husband’s client in The Netherlands wants him (and us) to move there for the duration of the project (1-2 years). Gulp!
We really haven’t gotten past the initial discussions. Well, I have sent an application to a school in the town where we would live. It would be nice to know if Roxi could get into a school there before we say “yes”. But so far no detailed discussions on the move itself. And we haven’t cancelled Roxi’s London school yet, just in case. I think we’re thinking there is a 50%+ chance for this to happen, though.
So, if I seem a little distracted here on JaPRA, you’ll know why!
In other news:
- My friend S came over for tea yesterday and brought about 50 pieces of beautiful, home made California Rolls for Roxi (to share of course). Wow! Is she awesome or what?
- The Middle School St. Patrick’s Day dance was last night. Roxi’s best friend Y slept over.
- My dishwasher is hooked back up! It only took two emails and two phone calls. The rinse aid dispenser still is on order, but at least we can use the washer portion of the dishwasher again. Hurray!!
Filed Under: Blog • Expat Life • Parenting
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.

I was just thinking this morning how it becomes increasingly difficult to keep my news/thoughts off of my blog . . .
I hope that this resolves soon, because it is always the “not knowing” that is the hardest bit.
Salivating at the idea of California Rolls . . .
I’m thinking ‘awww’ to that London school, but 2 years in the Netherlands…is what travelling is all about…so you guys might learn some Dutch?
Yes, it’s hard to keep anonymous on a blog in some ways and still be yourself…let me know when you figure it out! I did read that on Facebook you’re never to announce your vacation dates as a security measure.
The Netherlands can be great fun, depending what city. I love their bike paths. Interesting fashions as well.
If its Amsterdam, see if you guys can get housing with the job.
Oh, my goodness! What a huge thing to try to keep to yourself. I hear The Netherlands is an amazing place. Wow.
The Netherlands? WOW!
Awesome! A new adventure! Don’t worry – Roxi will get into a school there. If not, just consider it a hell of a fabulous gap year. Seriously. She will learn so much from being in that new place.
And you’ll be able to take a day trip to Bruges, as long as you’re not TOO far north. Hooray!!
I can’t wait to hear what happens next.
The Netherlands? Yes, a bit further away than central London :-) Well, I look forward to your photos of the canals.
Good luck with the move.
Greetings from London.
Wow! Exciting news! Can’t wait to hear more.
You will LOVE The Netherlands! I know it’s not London, but it is such a fabulous country!!!
xoxoxo
Such exciting news!! Wow. I will certainly try to make a trip to Amsterdam if you move there – w cn have coffee again!
Bee–I hope it gets resolved soon too. It’s bad enough that we were going to move, but now we have to think about another potential move. Sigh.
Christine–I would love to learn some Dutch, if only to learn how these words should be pronounced.
Susan–We love The Netherlands!
Laurie–Either move would be great. We love The Netherlands. And I want a bicycle ;-)
Akelamalu–I know it!
Fantastic Forrest–Life certainly isn’t dull around here. I would definitely consider a day trip to Bruges. The chocolate there is the best I have EVER had. So far…
A Cuban in London–Well, nothing is for certain yet. Still gathering information.
Pamela–I can’t wait to hear more too ;-)
Pigtown-Design–Everyone I have talked to has said the Expat experience in The Netherlands is awesome. Either move would be fantastic :-)
Emm–I would be happy to see you there, too :-)
The Netherlands ? How absolutely exciting!!!!
So many decisions and potential life changes. Your stamina is to be celebrated! Either location will be a treat…I know that your greater good is just ahead which ever way it works out. <3
Exciting news — I hope it all works out.
Hey! I commented before (and still love your blog). I live in the Netherlands at teach at the American School of the Hague, so let me know if you need any information!
That is BIG news. Please don’t think that I am blithely oblivious to the hassles of moving to another foreign country…but you just seem to attract glamorous and exotic occasions! You, as usual, will be more than up to dealing with it, and you will, as usual, turn it into a brilliant opportunity for you and your family. Love and prayers…Mimsy
It’s a beautiful country. You’ll enjoy it. Seriously.
Ash–Yes, we’re excited about moving. Central London or The Netherlands will work for us :-)
Cynthia–I believe in the greater good as well. Things (good or bad) seem to work out the way they need to.
A Modern Mother–Me too, but Central London is a lovely fall back ;-)
Katie–Hello again! It looks like you’re having a good time in The Netherlands.
Mimsy–Well, we welcome either move. Roxi is so excited about either prospect. I am so thankful that she is flexible and enthusiastic!
David–I know we will :-) Every single person I’ve talked to who has lived in The Netherlands has had wonderful things to say about it. So fingers crossed!
Wow, I caught this one a bit late but this is VERY exciting! I’m worried for you as far as language goes (not so much for you but for Roxi and school) but I’m absolutely sure that it will all work out for the best. The universe doesn’t just give us half a gift, it tends to work everything out just right for us so I know that if you head over there, you’ll be fine! Just focus on how wonderful the Netherlands will be!!
Oh wow. What experiences you are having. All the best with whatever transpires. As I previously told you my sister and husband went to London for a few months and ten years later they are now finally due to come back in August this year. Only issue is their son is leaving school and wants to go to university there. My sister is kind of sad about that. Fantastic experience for your daughter. Travel is wonderful.
Xoán-Wahn–I like your attitude.I am sure you know that you have to have quite a bit of faith to live an Expat life ;-) Thanks for your kind words.
Lilly–Yes, all fingers crossed for the best! And I do remember that about your sister and her son. There must be something magical about the UK because Roxi “jokingly” said to me
she would rather go to boarding school here in England than move back to the States. Hmmmm. Luckily, she is enthusiastic about the possibility of a move to The Netherlands, however!
To get you in the mood (one is from Germany but most of those countries are tinier than the greater Houston area so it didn’t seem to matter to include it)
Julia
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lille-ursus/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yvestown/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/15740360@N03/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24105874@N04/
Wow! What a decision and how exciting! Good luck with all of it.
Oh, my heavens! I didn’t know! I’m just now learning! What’s the deal? What town? Will you ride bicycles everywhere? Will you learn Dutch? Can I stay with you when I visit?
I’m half-Dutch. I’ll fit right sort-of in.