Preparing for an Overseas Military Move

Normally, every 3 years (give or take a year) we receive orders. It seems that we rarely (if ever) actually get our preferred duty station. Thankfully, the Lord always works things out for us, so we end up being somewhere that works out for us in some way or another.

Before moving here, we were unexpectedly stationed in southern Virginia. This was not on the radar for us, but Munchkin and I very much enjoyed it. Daddy was deployed most of our time living there, so he didn’t really get to enjoy it as much. lol! Once he got back from his deployment, we thought he’d have another year on station, but they ended up moving us to another duty station that we didn’t request – our current location. We were pleasantly surprised at how much we have totally loved this location as it’s been a huge blessing for us.

Once again, we find ourselves waiting for orders to an unrequested location. If fact, this was the last place on our “possible” list. Boy, the Lord and the Marine Corps do have a sense of humor…. The irony? We had tried to go to Japan earlier in D’s career (which would have been a better time – in our opinion), but it was a no go. Yep, we’re shaking our heads on this one, but maybe this duty station will be another blessing in disguise?

Once we learned about the new duty station, I began researching what all we needed to get done for this overseas move. I also started researching (briefly) some of the opportunities that will be available for us in Japan. After we get all the paperwork done and have our clearances, I’ll delve more into the fun planning. **grin** Since I love researching, that part of moving is always fun for me. Granted, this time around, much of the research left me feeling rather overwhelmed.

Today, Munchkin and I tackle the first part of getting our overseas clearance… physicals and EFMP (exceptional family member program) paperwork. We just had our dental cleanings, so that portion of the medical clearance is done. I just need to pick up copies of our dental paperwork from the dentist when I head in next week to have a filling redone. Once we have these initial medical exams, we’ll be able to have the overseas medical exams done. Then, we wait to see if we receive medical clearance to head overseas.

For the pups, they have to be micro-chipped (done), to receive 2 rabies vaccinations within a 1 year time period but over 30 days apart (done for Wiley, Wyatt is waiting for the 30 days between vaccinations to receive his second), to have a FAVN test done (this can be done immediately for Wiley since he’s over 12 months old, but Wyatt has to wait 30 days after his 2nd rabies vaccination), and finally to have a 180-day quarantine period to begin with day FAVN test is drawn if test results are clear (we’re waiting for Wiley’s FAVN test, so they can both be on the same time table).

That lovely green folder up there… That’s my little life saver as it keeps all of this paperwork in one location, and it keeps the dogs from eating the papers. Yes, Munchkin can genuinely say that the dog ate my homework because it’s happened. They love paper. **wink**  The paperwork has just started as there is much more to come, but for now, this is where we are at.