Off to Tucson We Go Again

Been a hectic few months. Quick summary to recap main events.

Boxes were collected on 19th December 2017. We ended up with 55 boxes and including odd sized items, our final inventory reached a figure of 70 plus.

House was to be handed over on 22nd Dec 2017 so we all went to stay at my parents' place again. Kids had a wonderful time bonding with my parents. I was very certain separation will be painful. And it was indeed when we left for the airport on 1st Jan 2018.

Settled Marshmallow's exportation matters. Engaged Pampered Pets to get the paperwork done. Could have done it myself. Wasn't that hard actually 😒

Met up with friends. Didn't manage to meet up with others. Weeks leading to our departure were packed with having to get some last minute stuff done.

1 Jan 2017
The day we left. The ministry came. My BFFs came. Our families came. There were tears. Sometimes I wonder when people say, spend as much time with your loved ones before a separation so we won't regret later on. But it feels like the more time we spend with each other, the more painful the separation becomes later on.

We are loved. Very loved and very blessed. There are so many people who love us so deep. In comparison, what's this pain of separation in exchange for quality time with those who love us so much.

2 Jan 2018
Our flight took 24 hours to reach our destination. Smooth for the human. Not for the cat. We were instructed to drop Marshmallow at the baggage drop. Instructions were very clear over the phone when I called UA.

On the actual day though, no one could tell us exactly where to drop Marshmallow. Or rather, we were told by the counter that we had to bring him to cargo, which we didn't believe. Because it was what the customer service person instructed over the phone. We queued for baggage drop assistance. Went to baggage self drop. No one was interested to help. They would only go "no it's not here."

Thank God we had 5 hours of transit. We spent 2 hours trying to find out exactly where to drop Marshmallow. It was indeed at the cargo area which is 5 mins drive from the terminal. And we are USD$40 poorer, just to drop him at a location that's 5 mins drive away.....

But all was good.

Kids were well and excited when we arrived. Marshmallow was overwhelmed but well too. We had many people come pick us. And then we headed over to La Quinta for the night. We were to spend the next 3 nights there.