Today is a milestone kind of day.
It’s July 2 and our lease in Portugal officially began yesterday. So did our international travel insurance. And we’re flying out in just one month — one-way — on August 3.
I keep staring at the date on the calendar and thinking, This is real. This is really, actually happening.
Well, mostly.
Let me back up and tell you where we’re at — because if this move is teaching me anything, it’s that nothing is linear. It’s equal parts progress, panic, and postal service drama.
🗂️ Visa Limbo: The FBI and the 4th of July
We had our long-awaited visa appointment at the Portuguese consulate on June 12 — the day after Stacey’s birthday (aka “Stacemas” in our house). Everything went pretty smoothly… until it didn’t.
Turns out, our FBI background checks weren’t apostilled correctly. Which means they were rejected. The consulate told us they’d hold our application until we could get the authenticated records reissued — this time, directly from the U.S. Department of State. No shortcuts.
We were told this would take at least two weeks, and we’ve been on edge ever since. As I write this, I am literally sitting in a driveway, refreshing my FedEx tracking page like it’s my full-time job, waiting for that precious overnight delivery.
Once we have the corrected documents in hand, Stacey will drive them to the consulate in New Bedford… but they’re closed on Wednesdays. Which means Thursday we’ll have a completed visa application and can get back on track – except Friday is July 4th – Independence Day here in the US.
Because of course it is.
The irony of America’s Independence Day delaying our departure from the country feels… on brand.
Once we deliver the FBI docs, it’s back to waiting. No one can tell us exactly how long visa approvals will take. Could be 2 weeks. Could be 8. It’s like a suspense thriller with no clear ending and no popcorn.
💼 A Major Wrench in the Plan
Just when we thought we had a handle on the financial side of the move, the sale of our business fell through.
The franchisor — in a move that feels both maddening and totally on-brand for franchise systems — did not approve the sale to our buyer. So, we’re back to square one: relisting the business and scrambling to find a new buyer as quickly as possible.
This means our available liquid funds for the move just took a hit, and we’ll be leaving with less than we planned. The bright side? We’ll likely sell for more in a new deal.
The downside?
That later sale means we’ll now be taxed in both the U.S. and Portugal when it goes through. Super fun timing.
But, we’re rolling with it. Because we have to. And because we’re not giving up.
🏡 Where We’re Living Right Now
We moved out of our house, sold almost everything, and were staying in our camper until we realized we were about one mosquito bite and a broken Wi-Fi signal away from a full family meltdown.
Enter our real-life angels, the Felizes, who offered us their in-law apartment in Exeter, Rhode Island. It’s peaceful, quiet, has air conditioning, and gives us the space (and clarity) to refine what we’re packing and sell off the last of our stuff. We’re beyond grateful.
😅 How We’re Feeling
Honestly? It’s a mix.
We’re excited. We’re tired. We’re frustrated about setbacks we can’t control. We’re hopeful about what could still go very right. Mostly, we’re just trying to stay present and keep going — task by task, suitcase by suitcase, deep breath by deep breath.
This is the in-between part.
The part where you’ve already leapt, but you haven’t landed yet.
It’s awkward. It’s uncomfortable.
It’s exhilarating.
And it’s exactly where we need to be.
Thanks for following along with us. We’ll be back soon with more updates (and hopefully an approved visa in hand and a second, better business sale in motion). If you’ve ever made a big leap like this, let me know — what got you through the waiting?
xo,
Kristy