We’re knee deep in ALL the OCONUS PCS prep! Now that we have notification that we’re doing this move non-CSP (Command Sponsored), it’s added another level to this already massive undertaking. I can’t help but think of how much life surprises you. I never would have imagined I’d be moving myself and my kids all the way across the world on our own, but here we are.
For those who don’t know, command sponsorship is the process that you take to have the military fund your PCS move to an OCONUS (outside of the continental United States) location. We are technically able to live anywhere in the world without the military’s approval so we’re able to go even if they don’t fund it. We still receive most of the same benefits once we arrive in country, but it makes the process of getting there a little more complicated. I have learned that there are hundreds of families living in South Korea non-command sponsored.
This is way too big of an opportunity for our family to pass up. We already love so much about Korea and we’re not even there yet. Plus, since I was able to live in Germany as a kid I always wanted my children to have an experience such as this. Experiencing another culture is a once in a lifetime opportunity that the military sometimes gives and one that we’ve prayed for for years. We also made a decision for our family years ago that we would never separate by choice if there was any way that we could possibly help it. We even lived in a rented camper for 3 months to be with Ryan while he was training in Ft Eustis, VA…and have some of the sweetest memories of that time.
We’re still appealing the decision made by EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program), but I don’t have an incredible amount of faith in how the process works. However, we would greatly appreciate prayers that we would receive a miracle and the Army will overturn their decision! It would definitely be a huge financial blessing. We’re so excited for all that is to come!
~Happily Grim~ 