10 Days Until Spain: The Countdown Is Officially On

Today feels like one of those milestones I’ll remember for a very long time. We officially have just ten days before we board a plane and begin our new life in Spain. After spending months planning, researching, packing, downsizing, filling out paperwork, and preparing for every possible scenario, it’s hard to believe that we’re finally this close.

When we first started talking about moving abroad, it felt like a dream that lived somewhere far off in the future. There were so many unknowns and so many questions that it almost felt impossible to imagine this day actually arriving. We spent countless evenings researching visas, comparing cities, figuring out healthcare, planning finances, and trying to understand what life would really look like on the other side of the Atlantic.

Now that we’re only ten days away, everything feels different. The dream has become a plan, and that plan is about to become our reality.

Months of Preparation Have Led to This Moment

One thing I don’t think people fully understand about moving abroad is just how much preparation happens before you ever step onto the airplane. When people hear that we’re relocating to Spain, they usually picture beaches, beautiful architecture, amazing food, and exciting adventures. While all of those things are certainly part of why we’re excited, they don’t see everything that has happened behind the scenes.

Over the past several months, we’ve sold our home, downsized thirteen years of belongings, sold our furniture, arranged international shipping, booked flights, gathered countless documents for our visa application, and learned more about international regulations than I ever expected to know.

Every single task has brought us one step closer to moving abroad, and although there were moments when the to-do list felt overwhelming, it’s incredibly satisfying to look back and realize just how much we’ve accomplished.

We’re Waiting on One Final Piece

As excited as we are, there is still one important piece of this puzzle that we’re waiting on.

Right now, we’re waiting for the airline to officially confirm Bane’s placement on our flight.

If you’ve been following our journey, you already know that transporting Bane has been the most stressful part of moving abroad. What we originally thought would be a fairly straightforward process quickly turned into weeks of changing regulations, airline policies, route adjustments, and unexpected paperwork. Just when we thought everything was finalized, another requirement seemed to appear.

Thankfully, we’ve worked through every obstacle that’s been thrown our way, and now we’re simply waiting for that final confirmation. Once we know Bane has officially been accepted onto our flight, I’ll finally feel like I can take a deep breath.

He isn’t just our dog.

He’s family.

Knowing that all three of us will be making this journey together means everything.

The Emotions Are Starting to Feel Very Real

I don’t think I expected to feel this many emotions all at once.

Some moments I’m incredibly excited because moving abroad has been something we’ve dreamed about for years. I imagine what it’ll be like waking up in Spain, walking through new neighborhoods, learning a different culture, and creating an entirely new routine. Those thoughts fill me with excitement and remind me exactly why we decided to make this change.

Other moments are much more reflective. We’ve spent thirteen years building a life in our home. We’ve celebrated birthdays, holidays, milestones, and ordinary Tuesdays that became wonderful memories without us even realizing it at the time. Leaving all of that behind naturally brings a little sadness.

The surprising part is that those emotions don’t compete with one another.

They exist together.

I can be excited about the future while still appreciating everything we’re leaving behind.

I think that’s one of the most honest parts of moving abroad. You’re not choosing one life because the other was bad. You’re choosing a different life because your priorities have changed.

Looking Back at How Far We’ve Come

As the countdown gets smaller, I find myself reflecting on everything that’s happened over the last year.

There were moments when moving abroad felt impossibly complicated. There were days when it seemed like every completed task created three more things to do. There were setbacks, unexpected expenses, changing requirements, and plenty of moments where we questioned whether we had forgotten something important.

But somehow, we kept moving forward.

One phone call at a time.

One appointment at a time.

One document at a time.

Looking back now, I realize that none of those individual steps seemed particularly significant while we were doing them. Together, though, they built the bridge that is carrying us toward our new life.

It’s amazing what steady progress can accomplish.

Thank You for Following Our Journey

One of the unexpected blessings of sharing this experience has been the incredible encouragement we’ve received from so many people.

Whether you’ve been reading our blog, following our Facebook updates, sending messages, or simply cheering us on quietly, you’ve become part of this journey with us. Sharing our experience moving abroad has connected us with people from all over the world, including families who have already made similar moves and others who are just beginning to dream about doing the same.

Your encouragement has meant more than you probably realize.

There have been stressful days when reading a kind comment or hearing someone say they’re excited for us completely changed my perspective.

For that, thank you.

If You Have a Little Extra Positive Energy

As we enter these final ten days, we’re asking for one small favor.

If you could send some positive energy, good vibes, or say a little prayer that Bane’s travel confirmation comes through without any issues, we would truly appreciate it. Everything else is coming together beautifully, and this is the last major piece we’re waiting on before departure day.

I know everything will work out the way it’s supposed to, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t checking my email a little more often than usual.

Once that confirmation arrives, I think this move will finally feel complete.

The Next Time We Count Down

It’s amazing how quickly the calendar has changed.

Not long ago we were saying we had months to go.

Then it became weeks.

Now we’re talking about days.

Moving abroad has stretched us, challenged us, and taught us more than we ever expected to learn. It has also reminded us that some dreams are worth every ounce of effort they require.

In just ten days, we’ll leave behind everything familiar and begin building a life we’ve spent years imagining. I know there will be challenges waiting for us in Spain, but I also know there will be incredible experiences, unforgettable memories, and opportunities we never would have had if we hadn’t been willing to take this leap.

We’re so close now, and I honestly can’t wait to share every part of this next chapter with all of you.