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Where to begin? At the beginning, I suppose. 

In 2004, fresh out of law school, Todd was offered a job clerking for a federal judge in Memphis, TN. While there, a job notice crossed his email for a clerkship on a tiny island called Palau. Knowing nothing about the country, Todd was intrigued. Todd being Todd, he researched and decided to give it a try. A month later, he found himself in New Orleans interviewing. Shortly after that, he was being offered the job. 

So, off he went. What about me? I found my second home at Elkhorn Middle School. I taught there, and knew it was where I belonged. Winter break was a whirlwind 2 week trip to Palau to visit. Spring break Todd came to see me. Oh, and pop the question. Summer break was a beach wedding in Palau, followed by a honeymoon on Saipan (only because Todd was coaching the men’s volleyball team in the Micronesian games). 

19 years later, we built a life in Kentucky. 2 children. Great jobs. Me still at EMS, a librarian and teacher, and a new gig directing at FCHS. Todd at Sturgill Turner, finding his way in Utility Law. Things were wonderful. 

And then another email came across his computer. This time, the stakes were a wee bit higher. Supreme Court Justice. In Palau. Could we? Would we? It was an itch that had to be scratched. In August, two days before school started, Todd was in LA, interviewing. 

Life went on. I taught. He lawyered. 

 Thanksgiving week rolled around and Todd came home. The President of Palau had called. Nominated him for the position. Supreme Court Justice. You just don’t say no to that. 

We aren’t. We are saying yes. Yes to adventure. Yes to not knowing everything. Yes to whatever comes our way. 

We hope you support us. 

If you want to follow along, our Instagram for the adventure is @PalauFamilyOsterloh

Kate’s personal blog is: katesnextchapter.home.blog