And So it is...

We found out our next post will be Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was number 7 on a list of 15, but my Career Development Officer saw fit to give it to me. I'm thinking timing played a deciding factor. 

Anyway, we're pleased with the decision. KL is a nice modern city that people will want to visit. My husband has a couple of job prospects lined up, which is a great thing. The current incumbent in the position, stated that there were few job opportunities for EFMs. My husband having a job is extremely important to me because he has the potential to make more than me. And, the State Department is moving away from OMS positions, and trying to save money and have EFMs fill them. 

We received our housing assignment in KL and its really nice. A 4 bedroom/4.5 bathroom, 3,800 sq ft apartment with a maid quarter. The pictures I've seen of the place are extremely beautiful. In comparison to Tirana, there is no comparison. 

We've already gotten a few requests to visit in KL. It'll be nice because I miss my people. Sometimes I know I don't call or write as often as I should but it gets old when its not reciprocated. The other day, I called 6 of 'my' people and not one answered the phone. 

This makes me think that maybe I shouldn't even bother to go home because everyone is doing their own thing. Anyway, I'll cross that mountain when I get to it. 

Bidding

It's been a long time coming. This is something we've waited for, for months. Initially none of my fellow OMS's bidding on the winter cycle were very happy with our bid list. However, we've come to terms with the list and are quite satisfied with what it can bring for us. Pretty much all of the regions of the State Department are represented except for the Middle East which is considered NEA. 

I'm hoping to get one of our top 3 bids... In no particular order, Lusaka, Zambia; Guangzhou, China; And Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Mexico City is a distant fourth choice, as well as Kathmandu Nepal. We were considering Abuja, Nigeria however there's an issue with twins being considered evil in Nigeria. After consulting with the human rights officer in Abuja, I found out that they wouldn't be in any danger, but the locals would be wary of them. That is not something that I would consider a good thing for my family. So Abuja is on the bottom of the list along with Moscow, a position in DC; Yaounde, Cameroon and Monrovia, Liberia. 

Truth be told, I'm just happy that my husband is still wanting to go along with this ride. It's been a bumpy few months here in Tirana, Albania, however, I think that we're in it for the long run. 

We're considering doing a reveal video on Facebook to inform everyone what country I'm being assigned to. We're pretty excited and have been watching YouTube videos a lot. That's where I discovered the issue with twins in Nigeria. 

Stay tuned

Time

There are so many things in life that you don't understand until you've gotten older. Sometimes I wish the Matrix was real and we could learn to our hearts content with just a simple download.

Well, I booked tickets a few weeks ago to go to Rome. We (the boys and I) went and had a decent time. We got a chance to eat American food. I know, I know...going to Rome and eating American food?! Here in Albania, I can eat Italian food until my hearts content, however the pickings are very slim on American food. So when in Rome, eat American food lol.

I've been here almost 4 months. It seems wayyyy longer but I'm dealing with it. I'm learning so much about the Foreign Service. I have pretty much everything I need except for my husband. He's still in Afghanistan working.

Anyway, I want to travel and see the world. Hence why I took a Foreign Service position. I do not want to travel without my family but time waits for no one.

Here's some lovely pics from Rome

Future...

Just when you think you've got it figured out... Life happens.

Furnished Post

So, from what I hear, almost all posts are furnished. This means I can expect to see the same furniture wherever I get posted. Yayy 😒 *sarcasm. The good thing about furnished posts is the slipcovers I'm going to buy will fit the furniture and we will have a consistent look.

Wow!

I cannot believe that I've been here for like 3 weeks now! I am settling in just fine. Initially, I was having second thoughts about coming here and joining the foreign service. But others have reached out to me and have made it so much more bearable. It makes a huge difference if you can tell me where to buy certain items, if you're telling me not eat items that are locally made. Yet, I digress.

We had Thanksgiving dinner over at a coworkers house and it was pretty good. I was very thankful for the company and the food. The boys seemed to have a great time as well. It made me miss my fam back in Michigan but what can you do. I remember on certain holidays, I would cook and have everyone over to my tiny townhouse and we'd just kick it. I miss those days.

Well, I just have to start new traditions now and have those memories with others. It seems difficult because my husband is always somewhere else than where we are but...anyway.

I only have motor pool for free for another week or so, I'm going to try to fit everything in as much as I can because I'll have to pay for it in the future. It seems a little backwards because there's no way I could've shipped my car from DC in ample time to have it reach here after arriving at post for a month. But hey, I'm going to make the best of it.

Sooo, my husband will be here for Christmas! I'm excited about seeing him and hopefully being able to spend some time with him. But usually that never really happens too much. We shall see how it goes this time.

Pics