It is mid-April 2012. Jon and Mary Carol have been on a roller coaster of anticipation, disappointment, expectation, angst and excitement. Last November we learned we had a good possibility of living in Switzerland for a full year.
Jon could work at Autodesk’s office in Gumligen, allowing us the chance to travel extensively within Europe for holidays and vacation. We had sampled the experience for two weeks last summer and enjoyed it. But it was not until we learned of a Swiss Autodesk employee who wanted to come to America that we were able to seriously consider it.
For the last 5 months we have been exploring options, negotiating terms, cleaning up paperwork, fixing up houses, and generally living in near-constant tension over whether it will happen, how will we get it all done, and will we go crazy before then.
At this point the apartment we will stay in has been rented, Jon’s federal and cantonal work permits are approved, the houses are looking better than ever, and announcements have been sent out to let our friends know the date is approaching. I can’t say we are quiet in heart and mind, but at least we believe it will come true.