Originally posted to FB on 23 July :
The BIG, long Update some of you have been waiting for is here . . .
We have made it through the long dark tunnel of the doldrums. The light at the end of it was blindingly bright. Afterward, we plunged straight into a series of tunnels, but at least we're moving forward, rather fast, and so the strobe light effect is fascinating and, well, nauseating.
So, here's the news currently:
My Visa was approved. More importantly, visa and passport are secure, in hand. I can live in the UK for 2.5 years with my husband and children.
Spousal visas, before covid, allowed spouses to travel to the UK within a 30-day time frame. Post-covid, I have been given extra time, but I still need to be there by October.
One of the things we were struggling with pre-visa was school and the kids, especially as it starts here in a couple of weeks and in Scotland a couple of weeks after that. The timeline for school starting and doing what is best for the kids is the MAJOR motivator to move sooner rather than taking our time with the extra time we were given. Truth be told, the kids were ready a month ago. Drawing it out is only causing more damage.
Because these are the times of covid, multiple plans must be made, hoping one comes to fruition. That being said, our MOVE DATE is:
17 August 2020
Upon arrival in the UK, we will need to self-isolate for 14-days. Trying to find someplace to do that was a little challenging. We had two options and staying with Hugh's at-risk Mom was not one of them (although she graciously and superbly offered and we wanted desperately to say yes so we could see her, but no). Option One was to find a long-term rental and just stay in it until we found a house. This option fell through when we could not find a rental big enough for our family within an hour's drive of the school.
So, we moved to option 2, a short term rental. Luckily, we were able to find a working farm about 35 minutes south of the school with multiple rentals. Hugh called and explained our situation as well as what we wanted and needed. Anthony was 100% willing to work with us and help us. We now have a small, furnished, basic cottage, away from others, to stay in for two weeks, with the possibility of staying longer. Three stores in the local area will deliver to the cottage so we do not have to worry about food shopping. Because it is away from the other rentals on the property, we will be able to walk around the farm and be outside. (I'm sure I'll post pictures later.)
The school there is working with us to provide links to the school. The kids, hopefully, will be able to log on for introductory days while we are packing up here. We will then travel and they will miss a day or two. During quarantine, however, they will be able to log on and attend school from a distance. After quarantine, they will attend school in person.
While in quarantine, we will also be looking for a longer-term temporary lodging until we find a house. Given the current situation and realty in Scotland generally, it is HIGHLY unlikely that we will be able to get a house quickly.
The house that we REALLY loved, and made an offer on, has a SERIOUS issue. The slate roof is original to the 1840s house. You read that correctly. The roof is 180 years old. We asked if the owners would come down on the price since, clearly, the roof needs A LOT of *very* expensive work and they have not answered. We believe they are hoping for an offer from someone who doesn't get the roof inspected. Even if they were to say yes, we would have to think long and hard as it would 100% eat into any budget we would have to furnish the house. What's the point of a partially furnished house with a great, new roof?
So we keep looking. The area we are looking in is apparently the most awesome place in the world, because no one wants to move away from there. Looking at a "properties for sale" (and even "properties for rent') map of Scotland, this area shines like a giant black hole of absence of properties available. Which doesn't mean we haven't found a few that interest us. We have, but a couple of them beg to be seen in person. No amount of virtual touring could do those floor-plans or the surrounding view justice. Of course, we are then faced with having any house we are interested in, but need to see in person, selling before we even get there. Our plan B house is under offer. So is Plan D.
One of our longest tunnels right now is Hugh's job. He has been offered a job with Dell in the UK. He wants it. The bosses want it. But HR is saying no until January because of their current "covid policy". There is a chance that he will have to return to the US to work until the end of the year. Please pray with us that Dell sees all the excellent points to moving him now.
Like I said, in and out of tunnels, but moving forward nonetheless.
😃😭😂🙁🤩😱🤔🤢😷😳🥴🤪
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