08 FEB 04

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 Well, this issue finally arrived! It's been a while coming, a fact I make apologies for. There were reasons, of course. The Holidays, for one, followed by a new home school year, and an on-line course all diverted my attentions. But the real reason has been The Choice, and I'll explain.

 Our life here in Blighty was due to a contract signed in December 2001. A lot of changes went along with that life. It wasn't a picnic, but we wouldn't have it differently. England was a Gift. It expanded our lives in so many ways. The dilemma that shadowed us -- the one that nibbled at our stability -- had always been what to do in July, 2004 when our contract ended. Should we extend it another year, or should we pack up and go?

 In the bleak Winter of 2002 it seemed certain we would return, but we found our bearings and England revealed her treasures. Our unexpected move to rural Thurston provided a real sense of normalcy and calm. Last Spring and Summer were particularly pleasant. Judy's work was going well and I embarked on home schooling with a unique sense of purpose. Perhaps we should stay. Then new problems started boiling in December, just as our decision was required. So much for no-brainers.

 We reflected on the past and peered into the future. In the end, what we came to was nothing more than an educated guess at this fork in our road. To those who listened while we agonized the pros and cons, you have our gratitude. We have our answer at last: We're coming home. Here are the main reasons why.  >>

Sands of Time
The disappearing dollar.

 1. The disappearing dollar. Judy earns a Living Quarter Allowance to cover rent and utilities. We pay for these in pounds. When we moved here the exchange rate was 1.45, so $1.45 bought £1. That's a pretty good rate, and it covered most of those expenses.

 During 2003, the rate crept higher though not enough to cause an impact. Then, in September, the European Central Bank set policies that prompted the €uro to rise against $US. The £GBP, which shadows the €uro, followed suit. The British economy also did much better than the EU and the US, and in three months the exchange rate soared to 1.85.

 Foreign exchange traders expect these rates will stay high for at least the rest of 2004, and probably will hit 2.0. The US government provides some relief to military families in the form of Cost of Living Adjustments, but it will not do the same for contractors. Sure, we've taken measures to stem the flow by trimming our budget and paying in $US as often as we can, but there is no denying that we're slowly bleeding to death. 		Dead in the road. 2.  Dead in the road. Each month about six fatal motoring accidents occur in Suffolk. There are many causes: narrow, out-of-date roads; more drivers with longer commutes; a national speed limit of 70 mph; and, a reckless driving culture. Not a week passes that we don't have one close call. The County Council wants to study the problem, but they know improve- ments will mean higher taxes. So people will die, the news will report it, and nothing will change. EOT. Chris needs some class. 4.  Chris needs some class. Imagine this: you are twelve, and you have been told you are not allowed to go to school because you have a disability. While this might seem heinous in our progressive culture, it is completely permissible if your parents work for the DoD overseas.

 Since September, I have done my best to provide Chris a good education in an environment that accommodates his needs. In the coming months, when Terra Nova testing starts, we will find out if home schooling is everything it's cracked up to be.

 There's no doubt that home school offered opportunities for nurture and growth, but I have to wonder as a father if this will remain the best solution for Chris. There wasn't an alternative this year ... but if we had a choice, then what would we do?

 Considering his abilities and needs, the only sensible thing would be to find schools and teachers that can support him. Such schools exist in the United States, free of charge. He can make friends and have a scholastic life. He can have real teachers and counselors. Chris has been a trooper in spite of some real obstacles. Such perseverance is deserving of something better.
Work's not working. 3. Work's not working. In the military, change is a constant. For a year work was great because the team worked well, but that's all changed thanks to a staff change and a supervisor who can't seem to rectify this snarl. The disconnection that exists between the company that hired Judy, the military staff that should provide support, and the DoD system that seems to only take care of its own has led to frustration and disillusionment. The prudent thing to do now is hang on until the contract is up.

 I mustn't leave you with the thought that we will be glad to be rid of England. We won't. We shall miss it and every quirk about it. Where else can you visit an Egyptian artifact in the morning, drive home at sunset past a meadow full of sheep, and look up at the night sky and see the Milky Way stretched above you? It is strange how our decision coincides with my parent's move to a new home this summer. I know how they will feel when they close the kitchen door that one last time. When Life is sweet it lingers and holds back the sands of Time. In the end, only memory remains.