Saturday, July 24, 2010

A decision in which we want your opinion...

We are at a point that we need to really settle on where we are going to live in a few months. This is a difficult decision. Here's why...

The veteran benefits in California are excellent for us. When Chris retires our kids get to go to college tuition free. There...that's it...the number one reason we would stay. That's a biggie for us. Number two reason is Christopher wants to graduate here with his friends.

On the other hand, it really bothers us that we have no family anywhere near us. Cameron still talks about Troy, Sabrina, Lauren, Katelyn and Joey. While we have zero plans on moving to the Houston area, somewhere within a few hours driving distance would be ideal. Keep in mind we still want to be able to use our military benefits so a military base nearby is pretty important. This leaves San Antonio, Wichita Falls and Corpus Christi. Wichita Falls would have been decent...it's 6 hours from family in Houston, and 7 hours from family in Kansas City. Unfortunately, we've been watching the weather and it is HOT there...hotter than Houston. That leaves San Antonio (also hot) and Corpus. Guess where we picked. That's right...Corpus. The job market is booming. Housing is affordable. The people are friendly. The sunsets are beautiful. And there's the beach. BUT...that wonderful college benefit is not there.

So, what to do? Stay here in California where we have no family but college is guaranteed. Or go ahead and move to Corpus, disregard Christopher's wishes to finish school here with his friends, and struggle to get our kids through college?

How about you vote here...

3 comments:

Christa said...

ouch, that is tough! I can't vote because I am too aggravated that your kids can't have free college where ever you decide to live in America. I am seriously confused about this limitation. You have spent your lives going where they (we) needed you to be at the time which took you far away from the people you love and who love you. You should have your choice of American colleges. That being said, both are extremly important so it is a very confusing decision. Could there be a third choice? Could you stay a couple of more years and allow Chris to graduate with his class and allow he and Emily (and Amanda if they still allow) to go to college. I know you would still have to worry about Cameron and Gabriel but they are still way young. I know it delays being settled where you want to be and I don't even know if it is possible...just a thought. The thought of you being as close as Corpus thrills me and I PROMISE we would be coming to see you. We just came back from there last week as a matter of fact. Love ya'll!

Andy said...

I tend to vote for Texas just 'cause I like Texas now. However, I've lived quite a while without having family close by and it can be both a good and bad thing. Truth be told, I've ended up with the attitude that I need to make decisions based on what's best for my immediate family and hope that everyone else can live with it. If they can't that stinks, but I know I did the right thing for those for whom I have the most responsibility and there's comfort in that.

Heidi Noel said...

I know there are a lot of struggles at the border in Texas now. Not very many people will even visit South Padre. (Drug wars with Mexico.) But, I too am partial to Texas. However, I value education so much that I would say turn to the Lord and trust Him to give the right answer. I have not liked where the Lord has sent us, but we have been so blessed and end up finding a love for those places, anyway.