We're Staying Stateside

Brett got a call from International today. ;(
Basically it comes down to this----
Option #1: Brett reports immediately to Colombia. This means leaving us behind for now.
Option #2: Brett declines the position to Colombia. This is because, they can't legally take the job away from us because I have cancer. It has to be him that withdraws.
Our Decisions---
Option #1: Brett is NOT leaving our family. If we knew for sure that it would be a couple weeks, or a couple months or even just until April, we could maybe consider this option. However, they won't even review my case until after April. Then, there is still an option for them to deny my clearance. We just can't take the chance of being away from each other for years.

Option #2: So sad but this looks like our lot. It's unfortunate it's happening now [8 months later] because we never wanted to put them (those in Colombia) in a position where they couldn't do the job or do it short-handed. I have always felt that it was unfair to make them wait at all but we didn't really have a choice. They have been so great to work with us and be patient BUT.... I guess it's time to move on. To where???? Absolutely NO clue! But for those who wanted us to stay in Fargo--- you got your wish!!! (Just so you have fair warning---I think I may blame this on you for now. LOL)

Class 5 Medical Clearance- DRAMA!

These last couple weeks have been filled with all sorts of emotions in regards to our "Out of Country" Adventure.

A couple of weeks ago, we were so excited that we have beat Cancer, are continuing to get ready to go (getting rid of things around the house, getting our passport stuff sent off, changing our post of duty date, etc.) and finally got all our my medical stuff off to the State Department. We had prayed long and hard to make the decision to go and have only felt that cancer was a little bump in our road. We are so ready to get on with things!
Then on October 1st, we received an email from the State Department. We I have received a class 5 (domestic only) medical clearance. Let's say feelings of denial and shock were probably first to hit. Are you kidding me?? What else can be thrown in our way? It's getting a bit ridiculous if you ask me! As soon as I read the line about an opportunity to have them review the decision, I wrote the Review Board an email. Funny thing actually- I decided to start an email and then had plans to talk to the State Department lady first to know what details to include to help my case. I went to save it in my Draft Folder and accidentally pushed send. Oops! Oh well! At least they know we want it reviewed and we can send details when they respond. LOL Too funny! At least I told them what I wanted and who I was. Technology bloopers can be so funny!
Here's the Email I received from the State Department on October 1st:

Dear Mrs. Seamons,
Your medical clearance review is complete.  Your case was discussed with Medical Clearances Medical Advisor, who recommends issuing a class 5 (domestic only) medical clearance until 4/2013 at which time your case can be re-evaluated.  This decision was made secondary to your continued medical treatment for the medical condition followed by Dr. Panwalkar.
Per 16 FAM211.2 (c), a class 5 clearance is issued to all who have a medical condition which is incapacitating or for which specialized medical care is best obtained in the United States.  Employees or eligible family members with a class 5 medical clearance may not be assigned outside of the United States.
If you have any questions you may contact me at      or at this email address.
You may request a review of this decision by requesting a file review by a three physician Medical Review Panel (MRP). If you wish to proceed with such review, please send an email to MEDMRP@state.gov .
Respectfully,
Sharon Mallory, RN
Nurse Consultant
Department of State
Office of Medical Clearances

The next couple days were filled with sadness and confusion. Answers to prayers can be so tricky. We know that we received the answer that we should take our family to Colombia. At least that's what we thought. Back at the end of last year, Colombia wasn't even an option. But we were looking for a new position and had asked the Lord to send us where He wanted us to go. Out of the blue, International called and offered us the Colombia position. Specifically in our prayers, we asked over and over again for His influence on those making the decision to put us where He would have us go. Then even after the offer, we took several days to think and pray about it and decided that that is where the Lord wanted us. BUT.. then we were diagnosed with Cancer. Are you freakin' kidding me??? Even then, after the initial shock, we felt like this is where the Lord would have us go, that we would beat the Cancer and do our best to go where God wants us regardless of obstacles that stand in our way.
Now this....
What does THIS mean? Brett and I have discussed a couple Scripture stories of answered prayers lately. And basically we are trying to decide what story our life resembles. One of the stories is about a man that asks over and over and over again for the same thing. And even though God says no, he repeatedly keeps asking until God says ok truly thinking he is doing a good thing. But the consequences of that action are life-altering (and not necessarily in a good way). The other story is of a man who is given an errand from the Lord. But then is thwarted by obstacles on every side. Others tell him he should give up but he will not. He will go and do what the Lord asked him- not matter what! And He does (after some pretty hard stuff) and the results is lives changed forever for the better!
So... what is OUR answer??? Is it-- "The answer is NO! Are you listening???" or is it "Work harder. Find a way!"? Frankly at this point, I don't know. Brett and I tried to talk about it but every conversation ended up in tears (me- not Brett) so we decided to let the dust settle a bit before we do anything. We haven't had a chance to talk to International yet so we're not sure what this would mean for Brett's position and the possibility of holding it any longer. So far they have been so patient and understanding. But there's gotta be a point where they just say "forget it", right?
Unfortunately for me, the Review Panel got back to us really fast, forcing me to face this sooner than I want to. But they got back to me quickly and the email looks encouraging so chin up, right?
Email from Review Panel on October 3rd:

Dear Ms. Seamons,
I am glad to initiate your request for a  Medical Review Panel (MRP) assessment of the medical clearance decisions made by MED/Clearances on your  Class 5 Clearance.    The following is a brief description of the process:
The Medical Review Panel process begins with a written request for an appeal of medical clearance to my office.   I will review the available electronic medical record and any other information provided for consideration.   Then a panel of three physicians who are familiar with living and working overseas will review the file and the request.  The panel makes a recommendation to the Medical Director, who makes a final decision on all cases.   The process normally takes about 7-10 days once all of the needed information and/or documentation are received.
 I will review your medical record in the next several days and contact you if additional information would be helpful.   If you have supplemental information you would like for the panel to consider, by all means, prepare something for them but please be brief-limit your explanation to one page if possible.  If you have questions regarding the reasons behind MED/Clearances decision, you should contact them directly at  MEDClearances@state.gov.  I would suggest that any supplemental information you desire the panel to consider also address those reasons, issues, or concerns raised by MED/Clearances.
I (we) look forward to working with you.
Sabrina R. Haas, MD

OR NOT! We were just getting our feet back under us to be able to call and see what we need to get to help our case when we received the next email. Let's just say that the shock, denial, sadness and confusion has turned to anger. I feel like I have done everything that I possibly could to be healthy and cancer-free so that our family could have this opportunity of a lifetime. It seems so unfair (and don't give me the "life's not fair" line cuz I don't really want to hear that this week) that I am in BETTER health now then I was before I was diagnosed but they won't clear us because some study says that Herceptin for a year is "recommended". It's such crap!!! Seriously! Everyone says a positive attitude is what beats cancer but these doctors are doing everything to ruin any positive outlook I have!!! Oh I know...Let's just keep her on a experimental drug that will cause heart failure so then we can deny her for that too! It's crap, I tell you! I know I am being unreasonable and not thinking straight but I am just SOOOOO freakin' mad!

Email from October 5th:

Good morning Mrs. Seamons,
I just left you a message at home to talk directly but wanted to give you some more information.  In speaking with the Medical Review Panel yesterday regarding your case, we cannot even panel your case or consider a Class 2 Clearance until you have completed your Herceptin (whether it be in November or later upon agreement with Dr. Panwalker) . At that point Medical Clearances will need an updated report from Dr. Panwalker  demonstrating completion of therapy and stability and with no evidence of cancer recurrence, as well as detailed summary of follow up imaging studies needed and frequency (MRI’s, CT scans) and  physician/ oncologist follow up.
I still am available to discuss your case in the meantime.
Thank you, Dr. Haas
Sabrina R. Haas, MD
Chief,Exam Clinic
Office of Medical Services
Department of State

October 9th:
Four days later, I have calmed down a little- and I mean a tiny little bit. My anger is more of sadness and frustration and ????? Who the heck knows! If someone could just tell me how to feel and what to do- that would be great! With Brett's insistence, we conference-called Dr. Haas to discuss a few things this morning. She was very kind but it wasn't exactly the phone call we were hoping for. We talked for a very long time and she threw out so much information that I'm not even sure what was all said but the main gist is this:
You only get one shot at a Review Panel. And they will NOT even begin a panel until I am completely done with treatment. And then I would need a very specific letter from Dr. Panwalker stating that I am finished with treatment, along with any future followups that are required including doctor checkups, MRI, scans, blood work, etc. Then, with all that information, the Review Panel would look at all the info, compare it to their guidelines and their medical opinions and if they feel any of the followup could even be done in Colombia and finally make a decision they feel would be best. So basically, it's still not a done deal but a "my life is in their hands" coin toss. ALSO-- If I quit Herceptin early (which I also have felt like was an answer to my prayers) and Dr. Panwalker doesn't agree, there is a good chance that the Review board would deny my case anyways for not following a doctor's recommendation. Screwed if you try not to ruin your heart/ screwed if you don't! I can't win!
She kept saying that they "want" people to be able to travel internationally but at this point my bad attitude has a different opinion!

October 10th (& into the 11th): 
Tonight and right into the morning, I had a long discussion/cry/scream with Brett to figure out our options. Let's just say, I don't handle conversations like this well. I feel helpless! First of all, I just want one other person to think that I should get off the Herceptin because it's what is best for me! But alas I am the only one. And it looks like it's the only way to even have an option to still go. Even then- I am totally confused at what God wants me to do? Why won't He just tell me. Cuz I would do it!
Even with my complete meltdown here on the blog, (cuz I actually have been pretty busy in real life), I do know God loves me! I really do and know that He has a plan and that it is way better than the one I have BUT I am so mad right now! I just can't see any direction or answer!!!

So as of this very early hour, (perhaps it is the lack of sleep? LOL) I have decided to keep taking Herceptin for the "doctor recommended" time and see what happens. Looks like we are here at least until April or until God tells us to move somewhere else.
Alright.... Enough blabbing for a lifetime so there you go! The Seamons' Colombian/ UnAnswered Prayers Drama!

New Post of Duty Date

Brett talked to Kim Lappin, the Associate Director of International Operations for the IRS HQ, this week. She wanted an update about my health and our Cancer plan. Brett discussed it with her a bit and informed her that we had turned in all our physical papers to the State Department for review. We are hopeful that we are getting the ball rolling to get down South by the end of the year. We still feel like this is an opportunity that would be beneficial to our family and are way excited!!!
During their conversation Brett discovered that supposedly, work at the Embassy is pretty slow during the month of December. So, Kim said they will officially change our Post of Duty date to January 1st, 2013.

When Brett and I discussed it later, we talked about how great it would be to have a "slow" month to get settled, unpacked and get to know people. So if we get medically cleared, I would really like to be down there December 1st. I know that is coming really quickly but we have been waiting a LONG time to go. There's no reason for us to wait longer than we have to, dang-it! LOL
It just happened that Brett talked to Kim again today for something. He mentioned what we had hoped for and she said she didn't have a problem. So if we get cleared medically... we will be switching our Post of Duty Date it to December 1st. Crazy but so exciting!

Release of Information

I recently picked up all the kids immunization information and some of my Cancer history so we can send it all into the State Department. Who knew that I'd become friends with the Release of Information Staff! My life is an Adventure for sure.

FSI Online Training

NOTE: Eventually I will divide my Cancer Posts and our Colombia Stuff into 2 separate things but for now... you get to hear about both here. Since hopefully the "Cancer ParTay" only overtook the "Fiesta de Colombia" for a brief moment. ;)

As part of our leaving the Country Adventure, Brett and I were required to take an online course from the Foreign Service Institute Learning Center. We were given 90 days to complete it. Life events over the last little bit haven't made doing it a priority so time was running out. We spent every morning for the last week or so doing a Module or two. So much information! Some will be really helpful, others.... way over our head! LOL But we completed it so yeah for us!!!

Here's some of the Modules we studied:
Module 1: Introduction to Working in an Embassy

Module 2: Introduction to the Department of State and Overseas Missions
Module 3: The Ambassador and the Country Team
Module 4: The Overseas Briefing Center
Module 5: Diplomatic and Consular Immunity
Module 6: The Community Liaison Office
Module 7: Working and Living in Other Cultures
Module 8: Working with Locally Employed Staff and the LE Staff Personnel System
Module 9: The Regional Security Office
Module 10: Crisis Management and Emergency Action Planning
Module 11: Consular Operations at Post
Module 12: The Management Section
Module 13: ICASS–Joint Administrative Operations at Post
Module 14: Protocol in the Foreign Service Community

Part of the training referred us to the Overseas Briefing Center from the U.S. Department of State website. It has information on all sorts of things.  "At the Overseas Briefing Center (OBC), we help U.S. Government employees and their family members prepare for an overseas assignment or a return home. "
One of my favorite things they have on there is a section called Success Overseas. It includes a list of helpful hints on adapting to a new place. But I think it applies to every situation in life. I love it! Go State Department! LOL:

• Accept that your new life is different than your old life. Expectations and comparisons are major sources of suffering.
• Find a way to feel more in charge of what's happening to you. What decisions could you make? "Plans are totally useless, but planning is absolutely essential." (Winston Churchill)
• Make a commitment to learn and grow. This goal cannot be hindered by circumstances or other people.
• Keep an open mind and be flexible (things are"different," not "bad").
• Establish a routine or do what you can to gain a sense of stability and control. Find a balance between exploring and withdrawing.
• Re-establish a support network. Don't allow yourself to become isolated. Include local people in your network as well as friends from your home country.
• Make time for internal activities, such as writing in a journal, listening to music, or walking.
• Follow the old adage, "Rome wasn't built in a day." Take time to settle in, and do one thing at a time. There will be plenty to do tomorrow!
• Get out there! Find ways to enjoy using your skills and developing new ones.

Don't you love that? We are still way excited for the possibility of having a once in a lifetime opportunity to live in a different country for a while. We keep praying that as long as we keep doing our part (trainings, physicals, practicing Spanish, getting our home ready to sell, etc) that God will lead us to where we should be. That's how all of life really is anyways, right? Then is He chooses to lead us to Colombia, we hope to follow the State Department & President Monson's advice and ENJOY our new Journey!
"Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family. One day each of us will run out of tomorrows."

From the training, I also found helpful info at the Center for Disease Control:
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/colombia.htm
And one of the possible perks of this experience would be the allowances. Not sure what it means for us but we are hoping to be smart and save a lot for a home when we return. Kind of fun! http://aoprals.state.gov/Web920/location_action.asp?MenuHide=1&;CountryCode=1047

Colombian Training @ FLETC

Brett just spent a week at FLETC doing a training for some Colombians that he will be working with if we move. He said it was great to meet them. Most of them only spoke Spanish so he got lots of practice using the language this week. He said it was pretty exhausting. [The kids and I are gonna be in big trouble, I think? Dang!] One evening, Brett took a big group of them to Walmart while he was down there. Actually he was going there and a bunch wanted to go with him. Too funny! Oh the things that we may end up missing if we actually ever go! Add Walmart to the list, I guess. LOL

Brett also got to visit with his would-be co-worker from down in Bogota. He told us to stock up on paper towels before we go. Guess those are really expensive down there. Who knew? But sounds like we will be getting lots of pedicures cuz they are dirt cheap. Yeah for us! ;)
I'm glad Brett had a good experience and made it back safe!

Last Trip Home to UTAH

We just spent a couple weeks in Utah visiting our family. We plan on this being our last trip home before we move to Columbia. We had a great time! See our family blog for all the juicy details but thanks to all the family that made time to be with us. We love you!
Here's a few highlights of our trip:

Swimming at Cherry Hill

Visit with Bestemor at the Splash Park

The Gateway

The Alpine Slide

Dinner up the Canyon

City Creek Fountains

Catching Fish

Lehi Foam Days

Letting off Fireworks

Dinner @ Crump's

Seamons Dinner @ the Rasmussens 

Church with Shauna at the JS Building

Dinner at the Sadlers

Donuts at "This is the Place" Park

Dinner @ Liberty Park

Pioneer Day Parade

Goodbye Dinner in Social Room

City Creek Lights in the Fountains

Group Hug Goodbye

Trip to Washington, DC

One of the perks of planning on leaving the country is seeing new places. Brett got to go on a business trip to Washington, DC for some training this week. He had some classes to take each day but also got to see some really neat things. Someday, we plan to travel with him but for now, we'll just be happy with pictures. Glad you got back safe, Love! Here's some of what he saw:

Español Practice

Brett continues to practice his Español to prepare for Colombia. You can often find him with earphones on listening to the news or Conference talks in Spanish. Lately, he has even been writing emails back and forth with Benji Smith for extra practice. Thanks Benji for helping him out! 
Brett's so diligent in his job. I love it! Unfortunately, I'm too lazy so guess when we do go- I'll be going blind (or is it mute?) LOL 

Moving Company

I've been a bit under the weather but the Moving Company sent out a surveyor today to check out all our junk! Luckily Brett came home for a bit to show him around the house. At first, he was completely confident that we would be well under our weight limit. (like maybe by 8,000 lbs?) BUT by the time, he saw my craft room, our food storage and Brett's garage... well, let's just say we may be getting rid of a few things. LOL Dang! Who knew Go-karts and fabric could weigh so much?? Oh well at least we are still making steps into our other new Adventure. Baby steps but in the right direction, at least!

Pioneers in more ways than one!

We have been keeping International in the loop with information with our cancer fight. We keep waiting for them to just tell us "Sorry you can't go". Which would be a big bummer but totally understandable as well. And in some ways that would be easier. But nobody ever said life was easy, right??
Brett emailed and called them to give them an update. Turns out that a  group of them have met to discuss what to do with us. They have been looking into what guidelines there are for this sort of thing. They've decided that we should keep going with the moving process. They told Brett that we are going to sort of be Trailblazers (Pioneers, if you will!:) because this hasn't ever really happened before.Funny thing is- That's the second time we've heard that this week.
Guess I can add "Trailblazer (or Pioneer)" to my Life Resume! Yeah! (I think!)

Canceled Physicals

After talking to International today, we canceled the kids' physicals for Thursday and Friday. We are a little bummed but Kim from International sounds less optimistic about us being able to go to Columbia now (or ever?). She said she'd check into it but the State Department Regulations are a little stricter than the Brett's work ones. Guess we'll have to see. I can tell it bummed Brett out more than he thought it would. (Which surprises me that I am not devastated) But we do know that God is in charge and if He wants us there- He'll work something out. If He wants us somewhere else then well- that's where He'll put us. We have put this thing in His Hands!
We do know that with God all things are possible. If He chose to heal us completely- then He could. We have already felt the blessing of people's prayers on our behalf. We feel very peaceful and hopeful. Also I may be crazy but I swear that the lump in my breast is AT LEAST 1/2 the size it was yesterday! It could just be the swelling from the biopsy has went way down but come on- in one day???? Also it was really cute- The kids and I talked about how cool it would be if God performed a miracle on our behalf. You know- the possibility of getting a Priesthood Blessing, fasting and praying then going in on Monday for the MRI and the doctor's not being able to find anything. Now that would be cool, right? Justice asked me when the next Fast Sunday was. I told him it's usually the 1st Sunday of the month but that you can fast anytime you need extra help. He told me he's gonna fast this Sunday. What an amazing, faith-filled family I have!!!
We also talked about how if we aren't completely healed it doesn't mean that God isn't mindful of us. It just means He has a different plan for us. We just gotta trust Him, pray for a miracle and then trust His answer!

PS. Also, we decided to get out my IUD per doctor's recommendations. Do you think we could get a partial refund? It would be really funny (OK- not funny at all but...) if we got it out then the Cancer magically disappeared. Do you think they would put it back in for free? LOL

Education Options

We've been researching school options down in Colombia. Holy cow! The kids are so excited! We have a couple to choose from. But we are going to wait to choose one until we know where we are going to live. That way we can pick one that we are close to rather than busing the kids a zillion miles.
They are both private co-educational day schools which provide students (K4-12)with a U.S. oriented college preparatory education. They are "House based" just like Harry Potter so it's right up our alley. LOL
They both have a large number of Colombian students with lots of other nationalities as well. It's an English speaking school but they would have Spanish lessons 4 times a week. Both are located on a large campuses where all the kids would go (just in different buildings). The grounds are gorgeous with hangy trees and hanging flowers. We are so excited!
We are looking at either the Colegio Nueva Granada (CNG)  http://www.cng.edu/

or the Colegio Gran Bretaña
http://www.cgb.edu.co/

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! :)

We're going to Columbia!!

We told the family about the offer. The kids are so excited! They said they've all prayed about it and think we should go. Cute kids! But we want to take the week to think and pray about it. We are a bit in shock. Are we supposed to go to Colombia??? As Brett and I were discussing how we feel about it- we came to this conclusion. We have done all that we can on our part. We prayed for guidance, spoke Spanish to our kids since they were born, worked 8 years in the current position to get experience, prayed for more guidance, took a chance and then applied for the Attache' position. We have completely turned it over to the Lord. Since we applied, we have been praying that God would direct those making the decision to send us where we need to be. So it basically comes down to this- What are we praying for? He answered. So are we saying, "Are you sure?" OR "Thank you"? Therefore, we have decided to accept the Columbia position.  ¡Ay, caramba!  We're going to Bogota, Colombia!!!!! 

P.S. We decided to pull our VOPP as well. South America here we come!

WHAT???? They made us an Offer!

Brett got a call from International today. They want to offer us the Columbia job. Colombia! What??? That position was filled 3 weeks ago. Apparently- the "problem" they were having was with the Colombia position. The big bosses heard of their decision to give the Colombian position to the Mexico guy and said No way! They said it looked like favoritism. So after much discussion, they have decided to offer it to us. Brett told them that he'd have to come home and discuss it with the family. Holy crap! What do we do now? I guess- Pray! Pray! Pray!

Columbia filled- Maybe Mexico?

Brett got a phone call today. The lady said she had some bad news and some good news.
The Bad News- Unfortunately, we didn't get the Colombia job because they filled the position with the attache from Mexico. What do you do? We are all a bit bummed. Liberty cried. We had just got our hearts set on Colombia. Oh well. The Lord knows what He's doing, right?
The Good News- She asked us if we'd still be interested in Mexico? They want us to apply for Mexico. Brett asked if that meant he'd apply and redo the Interview. She said no, just apply. What does that mean? Does that mean they plan on just giving us Mexico?
We really had got hooked on Colombia but maybe this is a bleesing in disguise. Our nephew Zach was recently called to a mission in Mexico City. It would be lots of fun to be down therethe same time as him. Also, we've already been there before. It is closer than Colombia. And Brett wouldn't have to travel as much in Mexico. Maybe we're supposed to start out there and then move to Colombia. Dang! Sometimes it would be really nice to know what the future holds. Guess we'll put in for Mexico and see what happens. Crazy!

Interview for Columbia

Brett had his big interview for the Colombia job today. Unfortunately, he didn't feel it went very well. There were a couple of questions he didn't feel he answered as well as he could have. Bummer! We discussed about how he could have been more prepared and couldn't really think of anything. So... if he did his best then we just have to turn the rest over to the Lord.
We've decided to change up our prayers a bit. Instead of praying for the specific job we should have, we have started to pray that the people making the decisions will be led by Heavenly Father to put our family where He would like/need us to be. We feel we've done all that we can on our part so now it's up to Him.
(Brett had done his homework quite a bit for this Colombia Interview. He had the chance to talk to the attache in Colombia a bit about the details of the job. It's actually pretty exciting, adventurous stuff! He also talked to the International Affairs lady about the Interview process. She said only 3 people applied. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? One of them is the attache from Mexico. Hmmm? Then would his position be open? Maybe? Brett told her about us wanting to go to Mexico. Guess we'll see what happens.)

Applied for Bogota, Columbia

Because Mexico is not an option, we decided to put our application in for Bogota, Columbia. Can't hurt, right? We could always turn it down if we don't feel it's right for us. But we'll never get it if we don't put in for it. The application is due this week so we'll see what happens. Wish us luck!