So, you know the old adage about being careful what you wish for? We are living it this week. Mr. Nomad and I have wanted to join the foreign service for literally forever. We even gave it the old college try about a decade ago. He passed his IMS orals in DC, our family then passed our security and medical clearances -- only to sadly fall off the list due to hiring issues. We decided to try again this last year. I will admit that I was rather blase about the entire thing. Once burned twice shy and all of that. This time was different though. The list was shorter and our prospects seemed better. That said, I think we were both deeply in denial that this whole crazy foreign service thing might actually happen. Then last week (while relaxing on the beach), Mr. Nomad got the email confirming his spot in the September orientation and training class. Eeeek! I will say that the experience was very similar to each time I took a pregnancy test. While thrilling and hotly anticipated, confirmation of something so life changing was also accompanied by shock and terror.
We arrived back from a relaxing week at the beach last night and I came to the stark and abrupt realization that I have to say goodbye to everyone I love, pack up my entire life, sell my house, sell a car or two, sell my beautiful new washer and dryer (they are red and beyond beautiful), register my kids in a new school and move across country in less than a month. We will stay in DC/Virginia for a bit, then repeat this entire process in early February. Oh, except then we'll be moving to one of the 285 U.S. diplomatic facilities scattered throughout the world. Did I mention that we are kick-starting our adventure with a cross-country road trip with 3 kids and 2 cats? We arrive the day before labor day and then my kids will start school in on September 4. Adaptability and flexibility are hallmarks of success in the foreign service. I think you also have to be persistent and incredibly patient with the layers of government bureaucracy intrinsic to an organization this huge and complex.
