It is difficult for people outside the military to fully understand the reality of our lives, the challenges we face, but also all the opportunities and happiness it brings us. How many times have I heard: "It must be really hard to start over all the time", "Going to the other side of the world alone, no thanks!" However, life transitions during postings allow us to discover unforgettable places that we might not have known otherwise, to live memorable experiences, to meet extraordinary people and to develop personally.
At the end of May 2020, we received our official message that we were moving my family and I to Riga, Latvia, having just given birth to our third daughter the month before. We had three weeks to prepare for the move, and this was in the middle of COVID. But I was confident, I wanted to experience things and I was ready for a challenge. After several weeks in the hotel, we received our belongings and settled into our home. Getting settled, organized and feeling "at home" was a big step in this adventure. But when you move, the change doesn't just require settling in, but connecting with your surroundings, connecting with others. All the activities prepared by the MFS allowed me to meet other military families, so I made unforgettable friendships with military families in Riga. I also met Latvians who allowed me to learn more about their culture, traditions and language.
A posting is a life transition, which requires accepting the new situation, integrating the necessary changes and sometimes questioning ourselves in order to thrive. I had the opportunity to be at home with two of my daughters in Riga when they were young, while my oldest started school there. Despite the pandemic greatly limiting our meetings, visits and activities, I was able to enjoy quality time and make long-lasting memories. However, I also had the need for personal fulfilment and to get back to what made me who I am, what I loved deeply and what inspired me for the future. Therefore, I started writing again, having dreamed of publishing a novel since childhood. The writing is still in progress, but I have participated in a collection of short stories that will be published in December and I am very proud of it. I have also continued my intervention training to further my knowledge and have recently started my online business to help other families in their daily lives.
So, while periods of posting can bring their share of challenges and uncertainties, let us remember that this is a process in which we can learn a lot about ourselves, others and our environment and that help is never far away if needed.