When we came to Hawaii last year – June 2nd – it was a temporary move. We wanted to experience the lifestyle and spend enough time here to be full of the islands. Our plan was to stay for one to two years, but we required a definite commitment of at least a year from the boys. Any less than that and it wouldn’t be worth the effort of moving, packing, finding a tenant for our house, etc.
As we approached the first full year, it was time to contemplate our next move. Head back to California or stay here for awhile longer? Our minds changed at least three times a day. Stay! Go! No, stay! We had many things to consider, one of which was the fact that my husband had a job waiting for him in California – if we go now. Counter to that, though, here he has a job that has been less stressful, helping us to achieve an all-around happier household. The kids miss their friends; we have yet to really connect with like-minded families here (where, oh where is the all-inclusive homeschool group on this island??) so some days are hard. But other days - most days - we have activities that can’t be matched in our home state. And best of all, we’ve really kind of pulled together as a family here. Since we’re in a rental, there aren’t so many home maintenance details, so our weekends are for spending time together, rather than necessary chores. Of course, I miss my garden, but there’s something to be said for being able to pack up and go to the beach as a family each weekend!
We made lists of the benefits of each of our homes and added to them until the lists were balanced like scales. Then, one night last week E sat down to dinner and announced, “I think we should stay for another year!” Mind you, he has been the one who has been most hesitant about staying, so we all looked at him, unsure of how to respond. I had begun to mentally pack up and head home, because if the boys were ready to go, it was time. But now?
Turns out, we’ll be staying here awhile longer.
