Overwhelming Info

We are getting tons of informational emails about the transfer- a couple a day, at least. It's a little overwhelming!
1.Some of the things we know we have to get done are:
*All of us need to get a medical assessment (physicals). We have to be cleared to be assigned to an overseas post.
*We all need to take a State Department Training class before we report.
* We all need to obtain Diplomatic Passports which will allow the family to be classified as “diplomats” and be provided diplomatic status.
2. We also have heard a bit about the Relocation Package. They will hire a rental management company to rent out our place. We just want to sell it so we'll have to see if there's anything they can do to help with that. We also found out that they will ship 18,000 lbs to our new post. And they will provide us with a climate-controlled storage option as long as it fits within the weight limit. It looks like we really could take most of our stuff but we're still gonna sell a lot and take as little as possible with us. Lots to figure out and de-junk, I guess. Whew!
3. We have to get the kids enrolled in school. The CI will pay for attendance at American Schools. There are a couple of options we are looking at but we want to know where we'll be living first.
4. There's a couple of “perks” associated with the Bogota post: First, A full-time driver– Renee. and Two- The ability to hire household help at a very reasonable rate. Holy Moly! It's a little out of our league. We'll see what happens.
5. We're not sure where we'll end up but just to give you an idea of what we're looking at- We talked to the current attache'. There are 4 in his family and he is living in a 4 bedroom 3,000 square foot apartment that is up against the mountain. So basically his backyard has pathways and mountain trails. The building they are in has a common room for parties (wahoo!), a pool with a jacuzzi, an indoor playground, and a nice gym. Living arrangements are based on your family size so we are a little overwhelmed. We may be living the life down there and never come back! j/k
6. We found out that VOPP is only for the GS-13 positions. Since Brett would be promoted to a GS-14 with a 2-year contract that could potentially be renewed every 2 years, for a total potential 6-year tour- technically we wouldn't qualify for the VOPP Program. After the overseas tour, they actually want you to return to Washington DC HQ to work unless you make other arrangements. Basically that means, we are just gonna take it one step at a time and enjoy the Adventure!

Sure there's tons more but that's all I can process for now. We'll keep you posted.

P.S. Turns out that Brett HAS to attend the State Department Training in Washington, DC. And they recommend that I take it as well but I have to pay my own travel expenses to Washington, DC for the class. Dang! It sounded exciting but I guess I won't go? I have more thing I could spend $700 on right now! :)