Come June, I'll be living in...

blondeG8Rbride · February 2011

Congratulations! I know you will enjoy your time learning about their culture.

ChangeOfPace · February 2011

jen812:

How exciting!!!!! Congrats!!

How was the whole ceremony? How many people 'graduated' /received their flag (I'm not sure what to call it)? Did they announce where each person was going? If so, where were some of the others assigned?

I'm so happy that you're excited about your placement. Kuddos to you! What do your kids think about SA? Your DD would have to wear the robe & head scarf as well, right? I'm assuming they teach Arabic in school. Is school segregated by gender?

What about for you? Do they offer any classes to help you with the language/culture before you depart?

What will your housing be like?

I'd love to follow your blog too. I have a million questions. I'll stop for now.

Thanks, Jen! I think there were 72 specialists in his class, but only 9 within his specialty. The majority there were going in a diplomatic security agents- basically your law enforcement for the embassies and consulates. They all started at one of the US regional branches- New York, California, Chicago, etc. Amongst the other specialties there were people going to everywhere from Kazakistan, to Nepal, to Ethiopia, to Venezuela, to Portugal. All over the world.

The most frustrating part about the ceremony was that they called the flags and specialties in a completely random order. They'd bring up the flag and the call the person's name to receive it. Dh ended up being on of the last people called so I was mentally checking off the assignments that were left on his list that hadn't been called yet. By the time we were down to only three left I had a strong feeling it would be Riyadh.

DD is excited about the move and DS has no clue what's going on. DD doesn't have to wear abaya. I haven't decided whether or not I'll buy any for her- some girls wear them and some don't from what I've read. The school she'll be going to is an international school that teaches in english, but they do offer language classes. It's not segregated by gender.

Apparently the embassy does offer language classes and one of the perks of working for the State Dept. is that you get access to free Rosetta Stone software in any language you want. Unfortunately, I don't know much about the housing yet. People at post have said it is nice so I guess we'll see!

I'll PM you my blog link. I hope we can keep in touch as I look forward to hearing more about your new puppy and hopefully sharing in your BFP news when that time comes soon!

jen812 · February 2011

ChangeOfPace:
jen812:

How exciting!!!!! Congrats!!

How was the whole ceremony? How many people 'graduated' /received their flag (I'm not sure what to call it)? Did they announce where each person was going? If so, where were some of the others assigned?

I'm so happy that you're excited about your placement. Kuddos to you! What do your kids think about SA? Your DD would have to wear the robe & head scarf as well, right? I'm assuming they teach Arabic in school. Is school segregated by gender?

What about for you? Do they offer any classes to help you with the language/culture before you depart?

What will your housing be like?

I'd love to follow your blog too. I have a million questions. I'll stop for now.

Thanks, Jen! I think there were 72 specialists in his class, but only 9 within his specialty. The majority there were going in a diplomatic security agents- basically your law enforcement for the embassies and consulates. They all started at one of the US regional branches- New York, California, Chicago, etc. Amongst the other specialties there were people going to everywhere from Kazakistan, to Nepal, to Ethiopia, to Venezuela, to Portugal. All over the world.

The most frustrating part about the ceremony was that they called the flags and specialties in a completely random order. They'd bring up the flag and the call the person's name to receive it. Dh ended up being on of the last people called so I was mentally checking off the assignments that were left on his list that hadn't been called yet. By the time we were down to only three left I had a strong feeling it would be Riyadh.

DD is excited about the move and DS has no clue what's going on. DD doesn't have to wear abaya. I haven't decided whether or not I'll buy any for her- some girls wear them and some don't from what I've read. The school she'll be going to is an international school that teaches in english, but they do offer language classes. It's not segregated by gender.

Apparently the embassy does offer language classes and one of the perks of working for the State Dept. is that you get access to free Rosetta Stone software in any language you want. Unfortunately, I don't know much about the housing yet. People at post have said it is nice so I guess we'll see!

I'll PM you my blog link. I hope we can keep in touch as I look forward to hearing more about your new puppy and hopefully sharing in your BFP news when that time comes soon!

Thanks for answering all my questions. Wow! That's really exciting!

Does your DD want to wear abaya?

When do you find out more about the housing?

Thanks, I'll be looking for the blog link. I hope we stay in touch too Smile

Mrs JMH · February 2011

Congrats, that is very exciting!! Best wishes to you and your fsmily over the next few months as you prepare for your big move!! Can't wait to hear all about living in another country!