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!

"Not Present"

On September 6th, I finally was able to complete my Physical with Dr. Card. After being diagnosed, I had decided to wait until after I healed from surgery to do it. (All the rest of the family had there's done back in April) Dr. Card did the normal checkup stuff along with the things required of us by the State Department. These included blood drawn (what's one more prick?), a pap smear (always fun), HIV testing (What????), an EKG of my heart and a Tetanus-Diphtheria-Acellular-Pertussis shot (OK, what's two more pricks?). You know... all the fun stuff! I teased that if I end up with HIV then I will take a hint and NOT leave the country. LOL But if not.... then watch out South America! We're coming!
Skip ahead a week---
We got all our paperwork back from my Physical. For the official record, I do not have HIV. Good thing. ;) But funny little story... (cuz we are so funny, don't ya know!) One of the forms that Dr. Card had to fill out was my Clinical Evaluation. It has every part of my body written down on a list. Then there are 4 columns titled Normal, Abnormal. Not Examined and Description. Everything on my list is marked "Normal" until you get to Breasts. Nothing is marked except a note in the Description column that says, "Not Present." I had to laugh! LOL
So... we are here almost at the end of September and Brett turned all my medical papers in to the State Department. Now our "Out-of-Country Adventure" fate is in their hands. What a long process this has been! We have never felt differently about moving even after being diagnosed. Let's hope they feel the same way. Cross your fingers!

In other info--
We got all our passport applications filled out. What a pain! That is a LOT of writing for filling out 6 applications! I know, I'm a whiner! I cracked myself up though when I was filling out my application and I got to the description part. When I got to the hair color box, I asked Brett if he thought I could put "Not Present"? LOL Now that would be funny!

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

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:

Doctors, Shots and Cryers- Oh my!

Since we all have to have physicals done to get cleared to leave the country, Brett and the kids have been making visits to Dr. Card the past couple weeks. Luckily for me, Brett has made the time to accompany them. (Another bonus of having cancer, I must say)
We'll just say that there were doctors, there were shots, there was blood drawn and there were cryers. Oh my!
We just won't tell them that was just the beginning. The prep work for the "real" world travelers shots if you will. Does anyone else want to take them to those appointments? 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!)

Telling International about the Cancer

Brett and I were talking last night and decided that it might be a good idea to call International and tell them about the cancer. Basically- if they are going say there is no way that we will be able to go with my diagnosis then let's get all the bad news out of the way in one week and go from there. Totally scared but here we go...
Fast forward to this afternoon-
Brett called. He talked to Kim at International and told her. She of course was sympathetic and said that for sure family comes first. Fortunately, she also said that depending on my diagnosis and the stage and treatment needed there might be a chance we could still go to Colombia. It may postpone our Post Date but she said to keep them posted and we can see what we can do. I won't know anything of a timeline until my doctor appointments next Tuesday. But a MAYBE is better than a NO. For today, I'll take it!

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/

We're NOT crying until July!

We also have started telling our Fargo family about our move. On Wednesday at playgroup, I told my friends about it. They were a little shocked but have known for a while we were leaving this year at some point. There were comments like "Oh Wow! Congrats! So exciting!" I have to admit that it wasn't exactly what I expected. Not that I knew what to expect. I left feeling like "Well looks like they are fine I am leaving". Don't get me wrong- I am glad they are excited for me. I guess I just wasn't sure how people were going to react.
THEN... everyone had some time to process the news.
That night, Katie's hubby, Jared saw me after Mutual and told me that they were NEVER gonna forgive us for our decision! LOL He also was concerned who Katie was going to go to lunch with on Fridays. I laughed and told him there were tons of people- she'd find someone.
On Thursday, KTuck brought the boys by to play. She said after spending last night researching Bogota, she has decided that we CAN'T move. Not because of things she found (she said the buildings down there look amazing!) But for the fact that she would miss us! She even teared up a bit. The Tuckers and us do LOTS of things together- weekly Thursday playdates, Wed playgroup, Babysitting group, date nights, swimming, GNO, craft nights, family fun stuff, etc. It will definitely be a change for both of us without each other. ;(
On Friday, I dropped Glory off at the Brothersons and went to get Katie for our lunch date. We went to the the Quited Ladybug for some fabric and to Weivoda for some furniture and then to Subway for lunch. I love our lunch dates! Yeah! At one point, we talked about the move and she cried. I rubbed her arm and told her "Don't cry, friend!" ;) We tried to joke it off but we are really gonna miss each other. She said she's gonna put out an ad that reads- "Wanna move from the area?- Come be my best friend!" Apparently the best friend she found in ID moved shortly after they became friends and now me! She is so amazing though- she'll find a new Friday lunch friend, I'm sure.
After dropping off Katie, I went back to pick up Glory. I told KBro about the girls crying. She was so funny! (Cuz she is really a funny lady, ya know! I think she gets that from me. LOL) She said, "What? I am way more vested than either of them and we are NOT crying until July!" LOL Dang! I LOVE my Fargo friends!
Today, at the RS activity, I sat by Julie, McKenzie and Becky at lunch. As we talked about the move a bit, they asked if I was going to train someone to do GNOs or at least if I could plan them from Bogota and send out an email. Too funny! We joked that I need to take applications and find my replacement. Their suggestion is that I find two people to do it just so it can for sure get done. They are very kind but a little silly!
One last cute memory- Brett was telling a couple people at Church. Julie & Robbie happened to be there. They both commented on that they need to find another "SHAY" somewhere. Ryan suggested that one could be the SH and the other could be the AY. Guess they do think it's a two woman job! Silly ladies!
One thing is for sure- I am gonna miss these people!

BUT- we are not crying about it until July!

Family Reactions

We have started telling our extended family about our new Adventure. There has been mixed reactions. ;) LOL
I want to say that Brett told his parents first. His Mom cried, of course. She worries about her boy! Then on Sunday when Brett's family were all together (most of them), Shauna called to find out our "news". She was way excited but she said there were definitely some shocked expressions among the rest. Too funny!
I also called my Dad. Unfortunately, he had a meeting to go to so I told him to call me later so I could tell him about my move. We ended up doing phone tag for a day. In the meantime, Edette, Tauni and him were guessing where we were going. My Dad thought it had to be Montana because I just seemed "too calm" for an Out of the Country position. Tauni was sure we were going somewhere BIG! ;) Let's just say that my Dad was a bit speechless when I told him. He's excited and thinks it's a great opportunity but he's gonna do some research to make sure it's safe. He's so funny!
Tauni ended up calling after she heard. She's so excited for us!!! She almost jumped through the phone she was so pumped! She said she was even more excited after hearing my confidence about going there. She's gonna save up and come down to visit. Yeah! I also called my Mom. I think she was a bit shocked but she was excited for us as well.
I guess I thought I've called more than that. I'm sure the news has spread but i should probably call everyone. Holy Moly! Add that to the list of stuff to get done. LOL!

Waiting, waiting, waiting and more waiting...No New News

They said they would post the opening for the Mexico job 3 weeks ago but we still haven't heard or seen anything. That can be pretty typical of these government things but it's still frustrating. They did send a short email to Brett saying "we need to talk- I'll call you" What does that mean?? Also, his boss' boss also got a short one liner email that said they were dealing with a "problem" with another attache' position and then they would deal with Brett. So irritating! Can't they just deal with us and then fix their other stuff? Arggg! I am not very patient- can you tell?
Guess we'll just keep waiting!

VOPP Accepted

Our VOPP was accepted for Montana. We can still pull it if we got an out of country job, But if not- we are definitely going to Montana this year. We're excited but really hope we get the chance to go out of the country. Now we wait!

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!

Put in our VOPP Papers

VOPP papers are due this week. Since, we haven't heard back about the International stuff, we decided that we better put them in. We know we're supposed to leave this year so if it's not International then we've decided on Helena, Montana.
Brett's had a chance to talk to the Supervisor out there several times. He actually did some research of his own and was very impressed with the things he heard about Brett. He said they don't really have any openings right now but that they'd make room for Brett. Not that it surprises me but it's nice to hear that Brett's reputation proceeds him.
Anywho, the Helena office is like 6 hours from Salt Lake. There's a couple temples within the 3 hour range. And the Church is strong there. Wouldn't be a bad option, I think.
So, guess we'll do our part and put in the VOPP papers and see where that takes us.

Montana or Out of Country??

Brett started looking into options of places to move. We'd really like to get closer to family and have a little more contrast to the landscape. LOL We've been praying about it lots and decided to start looking into the Montana region. (It fits our "6-8 hours from home" criteria as well as there are mountains. Yeah!) They have a few offices there we could choose from. Granted- it would only be us putting in our VOPP papers and then we'd have to wait and see!
[What's VOPP?? Basically, we only get ONE VOPP (Voluntary Office of Preference Program) transfer during Brett's career. We tell them where we'd LIKE to go and when an opening comes available and IF the current Supervisor allows it- we could get a transfer. So basically a move could be within months or maybe years.] The trick is that you can only apply for a VOPP during the month of February. That's why we need to find a place we'd like to go now so we can be prepared for the VOPP Posting at the beginning of the year.
Please don't misunderstand- We LOVE Fargo! The people are amazing!!We know we will NEVER be able to replace them and the experiences we've had here. But there comes a time when you just know that it's time to move on. It's weird actually. The Winter's here have been pretty hard on me (Shay) but other than that this is a great place to live. I have the BESTest friends ever here! And this particular Winter has been a piece of cake. But we just know our time here has come to an end. A little bitter sweet, you could say.
Another option of moving that we've talked about for years and decided to pray about is going out of the country for a bit. Scary??? Maybe but probably something we would never forget. Of course, we'd want to go somewhere Spanish speaking. Maybe Mexico? And we'd only like to be gone for a couple years. You can do anything for a couple years, right? It does freak me out a bit but it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity for our little family. We always said we'd want to do it before Liberty hit High School age. And crazy as it seems that's happening way too fast! Time to go if we're gonna do it!

Decisions, decisions, decisions???

Any suggestions?

Documenting Our Journey away from Fargo

This blog is for the purpose of documenting our New Adventure!
[From October 2011 to March 2012 is going to be in retrospect of our journey. We realized after we got our transfer that it would be fun to see where we first started and the things that led up to our big Adventure. -the steps it took, the emotions we felt, the time-line of things, etc. So... let's see what we can remember! LOL]

October 2011
Brett said it's time to start thinking about if we are serious about moving next year. We've talked about it over the last couple of years but it never really worked out (or we were slackers in making any decisions about it). But this time, we both feel it's time to go! So... the question is WHERE to????