Just in Schwerin for a while, and then back to Poland.
As you read this, we are briefly in Schwerin. There are some things we cannot handle remotely, and for certain formal matters, we really need to be there “in person.”
By now, we’ve received all the keys, completed the formal handover of the apartment in Schwerin, signed the rental contract, visited the foreigner’s office/immigration department (a rather challenging paperwork exercise with all the regulations on that side – and this “united Europe” feels a bit less united than we’d like), arranged SIM cards (because for some things, you really need a German number), and filled “our” new basement with shelving units (since we won’t be around when all our belongings are delivered).
We handed the keys straight to other missionaries, who will oversee the unpacking while we’re away.
In addition, there are a few things that aren’t super essential but are still nice extras, like arranging a washing machine (hmmm… is a washing machine “essential” or a “nice-to-have?”… hmmm… it says something about the pressure of all the arrangements we’re dealing with when a washing machine feels like a luxury amid the chaos), and something to do with the kitchen (yes, it’s true – a German house typically doesn’t come with a kitchen, but well… where are you supposed to cook then? And is a kitchen essential, or can that wait a bit longer? Hmm…).
That gives you an idea of the atmosphere we’re navigating right now. But (and here comes the good news), everything is going incredibly smoothly. The amount of administrative work is massive, but when we see how well it’s all coming together… it’s truly unbelievable. We haven’t encountered any strange issues, hit any roadblocks, or faced any setbacks—nothing. It’s a clear sign that this step was the right one because, humanly speaking, we shouldn’t have been able to handle this amount of “to-dos” in such a short time, let alone with these results.
From now on, tasks are only coming off the list, and not as many new ones are being added each day compared to what’s being completed. Are we there yet? No, there are still some important and critical steps ahead, but to be fair—with 10 days to go, we’re exhausted, yet everything is going so well. We’re praying that things will continue this way and are especially thankful for how smoothly it’s going.
Tomorrow, we’re already heading back to PL to take care of the final arrangements and finish packing… just 10 more days to go…
