What a truism.  As some of you may know, before moving to Angola I lived and worked in Aceh, Indonesia.  That was a tough time in my life (2000-2001) and it was particularly stressful because I was in a "war zone".  Ultimately I was evacuated because of safety reasons.  After the evacuation, I was on refuge status in Jakarta and lived in a hotel there for about 9 months .... ultimately coming to Angola to live in work.

And so, to complete the "circle" I am now being transferred back to Indonesia.  I will work and live in Jakarta ... but not as a "refuge" this time.  International relocations are quite a challenge ... and the process is complicated, time consuming and frustrating.  Plus, setting up a "new life" there will be full of interesting twists and turns.  No doubt this will make good "blogging fodder" ... so, hang on to your hats.  Hopefully, some of you will find this interesting reading over the next few months.

*** Part 1:

International relocations is very much a "hurry, hurry, wait" situation.  I was first approached in April about the move (which came as a complete surprise as I expected to be here in Angola until June 2007).  I was told scant information but expected to provide prompt feedback on whether or not I was interested.  Then I heard the move was a "done deal" ... before I even said "yes".  So, I spent the next few weeks scurrying around trying to flesh out details of the move, housing, schooling for Thasya and Chely, and the job so that I didn't feel like a mushroom .... then came the "silence" part where I heard absolutely nothing about the move.

Kept asking for information, but got scant details.  Kept hearing that things were moving along and soon they would request key personal information from me, but heard nothing.  I reminded everybody that I was going on vacation for 3 weeks ... so what did they do ... they issued their barrage of questions/requests (all with "prompt replies" required) WHILE I was on vacation.  Luckily I was able to handle the requests before White Water Rafting.

NOW ... its silence once again .... stay tuned.