January 22, 2011- PCS Dreams...

    On the base, we only receive Armed Forces Network channels for TV and radio entertainment. In order to be able to get all the top network shows, the Armed Forces Network (AFN for short), does not run traditional commercials in order to not have to pay top prices for the best shows.  So, in place of Downy ads or movie previews, we get informational and service ads created mostly by the military specifically for AFN. One of these is called "PCS Dreams," and it explains to people how to better prepare for a PCS move.  The military is full of acronyms, and even though the majority of residents on Kwajalein are not active duty military or even government employees, we still use all the acronyms. PCS means "Permanent Change of Station," or in layman's terms, permanently leaving the island for adventures elsewhere.  Tonight, I am on Roi, without my children for the first time in quite a while, and we attended a PCS party for two dear Roi Rats who are moving back to Hawaii next week.  That's one of the difficult parts of living here, saying goodbye to friends. Every former Kwaj resident I've ever corresponded with after PCSing from the island tells me the things they miss most are the friendships and ease of life here.  You have more time to spend with people. You have more quality time with family and friends than you can in the states. Everyone lives so close that it's simple to get together frequently to cook out at the beach or watch a game on TV.  For me, I think it will be bittersweet. I've watched many people come and go and come back again from the islands over my long term stint here, and usually, even though I'm sad to see them go, I am also excited for their new adventures they will be going to. When it's time to go, I know I'll be ready and looking forward to where the journey from the atoll will take me, but I will also miss a few things. I'll miss the indescribable colors of the waters here as well as being out on them and in them. I'll miss being able to stop by my best friend's house whenever I want and play with her kids while catching up on life that week or month. I'll miss how quick and easy it is to get to where I need to go and take care of shopping and errands in a flash. I'll miss walking the beach and looking for treasures and camping at the beach shacks on Roi.  I'll miss the lifestyle, the people I've been blessed to make lifelong friendships and relationships with, and the warm sunshine all year round.  My PCS dream will include leaving here on my terms before the place has become sour for me, knowing I have very exciting plans to move on to in the future.