when we bid on posts, both erik and i created "criteria" for ranking.
on paper, saigon/ho chi minh city meets all of our requirements.
every. single. one.
but paper is one thing.
day-to-day living is something entirely different.
so here we are - one month in.
in the foreign service, so many of the factors in your life are outside of your control and i am learning that living in (and enjoying) the moment are the keys to success in this new life of ours.
we are fortunate that we are living in an exciting, safe city in wonderful housing and that erik thoroughly enjoys his work and his colleagues. we are delighted with the food and the abundant sunshine. we have met some wonderful expats and begun to cultivate true friendships. our girls are happy, healthy and thriving.
are we far from family and friends? yes.
is the language a difficult one to learn? absolutely.
do i feel amazingly lucky to have been assigned to this post?
every. single. day.
I love you and am so proud to say that I have learned from your strength for TWENTY YEARS. Our anniversary is very soon, huh? What was our first day on that grassy knoll in CCC? Do you remember?
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. I can't believe how fast they are growing. Do you think Alli could pick us up at the airport? You and Erik don't need to come - - just send the girls. Love you all. Dad
ReplyDeletecould you share your criteria? I'm struggling w putting ours together as I know A100 will be a whirlwind...
ReplyDeleteBfiles - I am happy to!
ReplyDeleteMy husband is the officer, so he had his own list with two items - in his cone (consular) and he wanted to learn a language off the bat.
That actually cut down the list in 1/2.
I had about 4 or 5 criteria, but the main one for me was that we would be posted somewhere that I wouldn't be shut in with our children because they aren't school age yet.
I know one of the other criteria was good internet/phone connectivity and for the life of me, I can't remember the others.
Truly, once you have your criteria (both professional and personal) nailed down - going through the list and ranking is not hard. Just be honest with yourself and your CDO and make sure your partner has a voice as well.
Hope that helps - Good luck!!!!