So, these past few weeks have been a huge challenge. More than I expected physically. I am generally a capable person so given 7-10 days I should be able to pack up a house, right? However I was also working 4.5 hours a day and well this pregnancy thing, takes more out of me than I realize. So, I started working a bit every day and that was fine. However, we are still in summer and I think the heat combined with being on my feet and such has given me really sore and swollen feet most nights. I did okay the first week. I was organized with the boxes, keeping a list of contents and such and taking my time to pack like items to make the unpacking easier. (However, as I write this today, I confess I almost overdid it, and I really was trying to be careful. It is amazing how little extra lifts of boxes, stairs and the intensity of moving can take out of a now 28 week pregnant chic!)
It's the end that's the killer. What didn't help is that, as I said, Richard has been working Tacna since Feb 15th. So he's not around. He is also taking a training course/univ course something for his job 2 weekends a month and it's in a town about an hour away from Ilo. So he has to go from Tacna to Moquegua stop in Ilo for half a day and then go back. So, communication, planning and such has been a bit strained. In addition, we were asked to be padrinos (godparents) for Richard's cousin Daniella's quincera (15th birthday), which happened to fall on the Saturday before the move. However, more on this in the next entry.
Anyway, as with life here it seems, it never works out as I think or as I try to plan or whatever. I don't know why this keeps surprising me. I always think...something will turn out the way we decide, surely? So, as Richard has little time off it was a blessing that Easter fell when it did. Richard had Thurs and Fri off. So we planned the move for Thurs. I won't go into all the grusome details. Just to say that we did get the police stuff in order so that wasn't too much of a hassle, just annoying. Richard's Dad wanted to pack the night before to save time, but that mean Richard wouldn't be there. I really freaked out (inside) I needed him to be there to help guide things and make decisions and such. I really needed him there, but what could I do. I was trying to be cool about it. Relax, patience...breathe...all on aching back and feel and worn out. Oh the joys. God save me now!
So this is the irony of Peru. Richard's dad says.....4pm we'll be there to start. 5pm nothing. He arrives at 5:30 and checks out what I have done (not enough to his liking, but I wanted to do some things last) He has never moved mind you. Anyway, about 6ish, which means it is dark now. He calls the flatbed moving guy. He can't find guys to help. Why don't we wait until the morning. (happy happy dance for Laura). We'll start at 5pm. (He really thought this was going to take hours and hours) anyway, okay 7am. So, Richard surprises me and arrives late Wed night, to my glee. So prayer answered....he will be there for the whole move! Boy was it needed. Thank you Lord. I mean of course in hindsight it's obvious and it happens over and over to me. But it is incredulous that just when you surrender to a situation and let go of getting what you want and let it be what it is......you get what you want. Oh the paradox of life.
I have to mention at this point that Richard, nor his family has ever really moved. So, they really have no idea what it takes to prepare the house, the space in the truck etc. So, I had to be patient. It all barely fit. Thank God!
So of course at 8am we started loading this truck (not a moving van as the side are max 2 feet tall) about 8am. We had hired two young guys to help and they worked awesome! It was a flurry of activity. Richard's uncle Lucho and cousin Manuel also helped us. But these were men with a mission and just grabbing boxes and things and going for it, which is good, but then I couldn't "supervise" it was crazy. I told them we needed the largest truck.
Richard went with his Dad in the truck (with the official paperwork and recipts to show at the customs station) I went in a collective taxi with Lucho, Manuel and Richi's brother Alex to the house. We got there first and I can't get the keys to work...oh the fun begins. Richard knows the tricks to open it as he has been living here....not I. Anyway, the truck arrives and another flurry of action. This time up 2 flights of stairs. These men worked hard! I was trying to read the boxes to direct them in the right room, knowing I was not going to be able to lug them around the house myself after they all left....gotta think ahead kid!
So with all the great help it only took us another couple of hours and we were done by 3pm. Richard's brother Juan also came over to help and his friend Lucho came with so we had plenty of strong men on hand (which was another worry I had). So, off to lunch and plam here I am in Tacna. Completely worn out in every way. Of course now noticing...a couple of dents, scrapes, weird markings on our stuff...I'm not happy but that's moving right? I mean we survived and we have our stuff, but people rarely take care with things, as of course I would. :) yes, yes...letting go, but the big blue smudge on the fridge door handle that won't come off will bother me....for a long while. (It's right in plain sight on a white fridge...can you blame me?)
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