Well, I spent a whopping 12 whole days on The Register before getting my invitation to the April Orientation (now combined Generalist and Specialist).
I was sitting at work yesterday (01/24/22) checking my email when a State Department email loaded with my invite. I probably had to slow myself down and reread it a dozen times from the combined shock/excitement I was feeling. This was a bit faster than expected, which is sort of weird to say considering I applied for the job 18 months ago. I had been hoping for a July invite, just knowing April invites had gone out in late December and the first week of January, and each day ticking meant I was inside my 90 day notice window I have to give to my job. Imagine my surprise.
I gave my 90 days almost immediately to my current employer (more like 70 something days), and thankfully my boss who gave me a great evaluation with state security for my clearance, was happy for me, but sad to see me go. Thankfully she understood the situation and was happy to work with me (doesn’t hurt I picked up a ton of extra shits in March).
Now it feels like things are moving too fast. I have to arrange transport and housing in Washington DC for orientation. Plan a pack-out eventually for when my family joins me (we plan to have our 6 year old finish the school year, and my spouse will wrap up some work before joining me). Start a purge of all the unnecessary items in our house. Decide what we want to take with us around the world. Get our house cleaned up and rented out. All of that before I have a clue where we will end up going.
Ultimately though, I’m so thankful. My dream has become a reality, and of these are good problems to have. I could probably write another thousand words on all the emotions I’m feeling, and thoughts swirling through my head, but I will end it here. I finally have what I set out to achieve so long ago, and it feels good.
Going forward, this blog is obviously going to keep going, focusing on my transition into the Foreign Service, and the adventures that bring us. I hope you’ll stick around for the ride!
I am selfishly sad that you guys will be leaving. But more more importantly excited because you guys work so hard and deserve this wonderful blessing. I am excited to see what great adventures and experiences this will bring for you and your family.
Thanks Cynthia. You capture our feelings perfectly. It’s really a bittersweet time. Lots of excitement and anticipation of the unknown, but feelings of deep sadness leaving our friends and family. Thankfully we get to come home often and all our friends have a place to stay in some random country if they feel adventurous.