I love to travel. But scorpions? Really?

Living abroad is difficult, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. Which is why I keep going back for more. I know there will be hard times and emotional exhaustion.

But I also know there will be amazing experiences and unforgettable memories. I don’t focus on the hard times. Certainly not during the planning process.  But this week I started thinking, Wow, those hard times I always gloss over? They’re about to happen.

1. I’m about to travel halfway around the world with my two daughters, but without my husband.  He has to stay home to work and will only be able to visit us the last 10 days or so. My girls are great little travelers, but I’m exhausted just thinking about it.

2. French: Why didn’t I study more? This time next week, I have to go to the Mairie (town hall), fill out paperwork and enroll my girls in school… in French. How will I ever pull that off?

3. Two days after I arrive, I’m hosting a dinner party at my house. I thought it would be good for me – you know, make friends, develop a support system. But I don’t even know where the grocery store is! What was I thinking?

4. They have scorpions there. Seriously. The kind that sting and move really fast. And apparently, if you find one in your shoe or in your bed, you’re supposed to burn it in the fireplace. I don’t even want to think about the logistics of all that. Seriously? Scorpions???