My preschooler told his Sunday School teacher this week that we’re moving. When I signed him out of class, Miss D asked me about it. I think she was starting to feel sad we were possibly leaving soon. 

But we’re not moving soon. 

And this isn’t the first time, over the years, one of my children has told someone we’re moving, when we’re actually not. 

Not just yet anyway. 

Miss D told me that she had asked my son more about our supposed move, as to the location and timeline and such. Of course he had no clue, because we also do not yet have a clue!

Oh, how these continual moves become so confusing for our little ones.

They don’t even know how to answer where they are from, and they constantly miss the friends they left behind…in numerous locations. 

But here we are already, discussing all the slots which may be opening next summer.

Before submitting his options, my husband may speak with individuals who may influence where we go next and discuss the same with close military friends.

Then, he and I talk about it, sometimes even asking the children where they would enjoy living the most. 

Perhaps we’ve discussed too much. And our preschooler is now confused. 

Some of you are in similar situations, searching for the best open slots, waiting for the Market Place or other branch specific platform to open, working meticulously to rank the huge list of options, agonizing over whether or not you’ll get your top choice or one-to-one match.

As the months go by, we are all questioned by friends and family whether the lists have been sent, or if we’ve yet been assigned our slots. 

Most times, upon receiving our assignments, it is very clear. But sometimes, the lists provide extra uncertainty…

Perhaps you or your service member have been added to an alternate list for a course, training, a school, maybe a command.

Then, more options are discussed, and back-up plans are put into place. And it’s more frustrating for us, and more confusing for the children.

And there’s more waiting. And more last-minute changes. 

Nonetheless, military life, and the process of moving in particular, can make the entire military family so strong – in ways we never thought we could be. 

We are patient through all the waiting: waiting for the lists, waiting for RFO’s, then waiting for the official orders.

We are flexible: flexible with the last-minute changes, flexible through learning our new surroundings, new jobs, and new school environments. 

We are brave: brave through never-ending adventures, charting the unknown waters, continually trying new things when often it is not fun or easy, and sometimes being separated from our service member. 

We are steadfast: we remain loyal to our duties, to our service members, and we don’t give up easily, or at all. 

WE ALL SERVE. Even my little preschooler. Being part of a military family means every single member of the family serves and sacrifices for our country.

It may look different for each member, but together as a team, we complete a significant mission every time we PCS. 

Please know you are seen.

And if you are in a moment of feeling overwhelmed by the next PCS, please remember that everything always seems to slide into place just as it should be, exactly when it should be.

For now, have a little fun dreaming about the next adventure that awaits you. It could possibly be one of the best rides of your life if you are open to it.

For more encouragement and inspiration, please read my blogs, You Sacrifice Too and Purple Dandelion.