Monday, February 14, 2011

He Landed His Dream Job

Warning: This is a longgggg post. I tried to stick some random pics in just to break it up ha!
I know it is super dooper late but I wanted to make sure to start Foreign Service Friday. Plus I still haven't roped anyone into coming and getting a picture of the Frosted Pane Adult Bolero (I would take one myself but we actually do not own a full length mirror... yeah it has been over a year since I saw myself top to bottom, scary huh) so the tutorial will have to wait. I thought I would talk a bit about how we started this wonderfully crazy globe hoping life that we are currently living. When Chris (my husband) graduated from Law school
(don't mind me seven months preggers with Evie)

he had applied to hundreds of jobs and received several offers, but he had also begun the process to join the Foreign Service. It has always been his dream to work at Embassy's all over the world and represent our nation in foreign lands. We both knew it was extremely rare to be accepted as a foreign service officer (less then 3% of people who start the process are hired) so Chris began the process fully expecting to get a rejection a long the way. It is a lengthy process. First you must take a written exam which I hear most people compare to being on Jeopardy. You have no idea what questions are going to be asked since they can be on any topic, I mean literally ANY topic. One of the questions on his test was "Who was the first African American to read a poem at a Presidential Inauguration?" See? Totally random. Once you have passed this part there is a written part with essays etc. Once you pass that part there is the formal review. This is where they look at your background, interest, references etc. and decide if they want you to go any further. Once they give you a chance you are invited to what are called the "Orals", where you are put into a group with several other candidates and presented with problems and then watched by "graders" to see how you all fare. You have to fly in to attend and stay over night all on your own dime. Chris studied like crazy for this. He drove up to DC about five times to meet with other candidates and practice. He drove to North Carolina to attend a seminar on the topic, he was dead serious about passing.  What is crazy is that after an entire day of this "judging" you are let out of the building and told to return in an hour or so, upon returning you are told if you made it or not. Chris was pretty much wandering the National Mall in a haze. He did make it and couldn't be more thrilled... except thats not the end of the process. Just because you passed the orals doesn't mean you have a job, oh no that would be to easy. Then you are placed on a list. This list is ranked according to your score at the orals. You have one year to be selected off the list before you are booted and have to start the process all over again. Luckily for us Chris scored extremely well on the orals and was offered a position the day Evie was born (that was a VERY happy day for our family, it ironically enough was also the day after Chris took and passed the Virginia bar). We were told to pack up and report to DC in September. This is where the real fun begins. If you live outside of DC when you are hired then the government pays for all your moving costs, plane tickets and temporary housing (which, if you live in the gov't temporary housing, also includes a housekeeper once a week, cable TV, electric etc. all paid for). Now is also the time to say good bye to rent since anytime you live outside the US the government pays for your housing, furniture, electric bill, your children's school tuition at private international schools etc. These were all pretty big perks I didn't really understand before working for the State Dept. I of course was pretty darn excited to be back in DC. I love DC and had lived there while Chris was in Iraq with some fantastic roommates. Plus one of my best friends from law school times was living in Fairfax. At first I was sort of in a daze, not really knowing what was in store, meeting people on the complex playground who named off countries they had lived in like a laundry list. Chris had started what is refereed to as A-100. This is basically Diplomate bootcamp. You are a group of new hires all being trained how to represent the US Gov't abroad. Then bid list day came. This is the day when your A-100 group receives a list of over 100 places you could be sent. You are expected to rank them and give explanations for your top 10.  I still remember clear as a bell Skyping with Chris's parents that day. My microphone on our computer wasn't working so I was literally scribbling on a pad of paper. They asked where I thought we would go. I scribbled "East Timor" and held it up. They were a little shocked as most good Grandparents would be. I mean, when you google East Timor you basically get a horror story of Indonesian violence, civil unrest and UN peacekeeping troops. I have to be honest and say that neither Chris or I were super gun-ho to come to East Timor. It DID look scary and we had three tiny children. So when we made out list we made sure that Timor was NOT one of our high bids. When we met with Chris's Career Development officer to discuss our list she immediately assured us that we would not be going to East Timor because the position was not what Chris had been slotted to do. We were a little shocked as there were only 3 proficient Portuguese speakers and he was one of them and Timor needed a Portuguese speaker immediately, but we were glad that it was off the table. Several weeks later Flag Day arrived. This is when the entire A-100 class and their families are brought into an auditorium to hear where they are going. We wanted all our our cuties there so thankfully my fabulous friend Kerstin took the day off work and came to help me wrangle them.
Chris had to sit separate with all his classmates, who were all holding bingo cards with names of countries on them and a printed out sheet with all the names and corresponding flags. They then march in all the flags and set them on a table up front
We did not have to wait long. After three DC positions were called (and Istanbull which would have been awesome) they held up the flag for East Timor. The announcer called out "And going to Dili, Timor-Leste..." little flag waving for suspense, me looking around to see what sucker gets called "Christopher Crawford!" Gasps! Now let me explain something. There is a certain something called "Differential" in the state department. It is a percentage of extra pay you get depending on several things but for simplicity sakes lets just say the harder the place the higher the differential. There are only 3 places with a higher differential then Timor: Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Yeah, it is THAT hard. Everyone in Chris's class is WELL aware of this. Everyone in Chris's class also knows our family and that we have a brand new baby and two tiny boys. So when I say there was a gasp, there was a total gasp as everyone looked over at me, standing there bouncing Evie to keep her calm. Chris stood and collected his flag, Sawyer RAN to help him

I stood there stunned. Not as you would think out of horror or fear or anything like that. See I had thought from the moment I wrote East Timor down on that pad of paper that THIS is where we as a family were supposed to be for the next two years. 

It wasn't until Chris's CDO told us otherwise that I even started to think about anywhere else. I wasn't upset, I felt, relief, almost. It is a lost easier to do something scary when you know without a doubt that it is exactly what you are supposed to be doing. Now granted the things that I considered hardship are different from most. I don't talk about it on the blog often because it is very personal to me but my family are active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and we were going to be the only members on the island. There aren't even missionaries in this country yet (Oh how there should be). I saw this as a mixed blessing at first. Here I have three children and as any of you other parents might know three hours of church takes on a whole knew meaning when you have toddlers and babies. Living in Timor we would have church at home and somewhat on our terms, which I thought at the time would be a huge positive... but more on that later. We sat through the rest of flag day watching all our friends receive their assignments, most thrilled, only one cried, and then had a blast talking to everyone about the future postings. Chris is still in contact with most of his A-100 classmates, I think something as nerve wracking as flag days really bonds you ha! 
(dude could my pants get any tighter in this picture... lets just say I was pretty desperate to be back in my normal clothes post Evie birth, maybe a bit too desperate?)

We headed home and called our families (it is sort of like a mission call in that way, everyone is making guesses and excited to hear). We of course had to make lots of assurances that the grandchildren would be safe, although honestly these were completely hollow as we had no idea what we were in for. Then we spent the rest of the night saying to each other "wow, East Timor" to which the other would respond "yeah, East Timor", and of course the over the top web searching began! So that my friends is how we joined the foreign service and received our first posting assignment. Ironically enough as I post this we are writing up our second bid list, agonizing, discussing.. skyping (since Chris is in Hawaii... excellent timing). And believe me as soon as I know where we are heading next you will know! Isn't this life crazy? And we couldn't be happier.  

35 comments:

  1. It's interesting to read how this all works. The selection process for the European Union administration is somewhat similar and lenghty process, but there is no ceremony to know where you end up.

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  2. What a fabulous story! I pray that you are safe where ever your travels take you next.

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  3. Awesome story thanks for sharing! I think it's awesome that you KNEW where you were supposed to be! Isn't it a blessing to have that peace when you know you and your family are going in the right direction? I can't wait to see what comes next for your family :)

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  4. Wow! Thank you for sharing this. It's very enlightening. Funny how things work out.....not a coincidence! You have an amazing family.

    Rhonda

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  5. That's really neat! I never knew that's how it all worked! My husband is just finishing up law school but he's just going the traditional law route! ;)

    That's so neat that you were inspired by the Spirit too. I think it makes things a lot easier to know that's where you're supposed to be!

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  6. I found your blog not too long ago and had no idea you were LDS. What a fun surprise! :) Am excited for your next chapter in life--we are in that kind of waiting game right now too, dying to hear the results from the match to decide where my husband will go to residency! the suspense! :)
    Good luck--so happy for you, and hope you know how much I love your blog!!!

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  7. I love all your sewing posts, but this post is fascinating. Looking forward to reading more about the foreign service and your lives. Thanks for sharing!

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  8. Very interesting tale! It actually makes me quite interested in the state department.

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  9. Very interesting and captivating post. It's really inspiring you have gone on this 'adventure' with three kids. Just going to law school while having kids is really impressive. I can't wait to see where life takes you next!

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  10. Wow this was so interesting to read!!!!
    I thought you looked amazing in your husband graduation picture and then you said you were pregnant...WHAT! You looked AMAZING in the pants....you had 3 kids and look incredible. You need to give yourself a TON of credit!

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  11. If Norway is a choice, you should come here - you're more than welcome, would love to be able to meet you in real life
    tone

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  12. I've been waiting for this post! What a journey! I can't wait to hear where you go next! My husband went through a similar process to join the CHP and it was a little bit fun/crazy not knowing where he would first be posted. He also speaks Portuguese. I love your red(?-I'm not wearing my glasses right now) bolero above!

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  13. Wow, when I first saw your post I knew instantly that you were LDS eventhough you had not say it before, but LDS are just peculiar people, like one of the Prophets said one time, and you are, that's why I kept coming to your post hoping to someday ask you if you were LDS, but you shared it first Thank you, you are awesome!!! My husband did all those test too, but he was too young when he did it (30) so he didn't pass. I also think that it was not the right time for it. Thank you for sharing your insights of the Spirit. I love it! I am LDS too!!!

    www,jonesfantastic4.blogspot.com

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  14. Thanks for sharing... We are hoping to be on a similar path. The foreign service is my husbands dream. I don't know if it will happen, (but we can hope) because he's been slow in getting his education wrapped up. But we are hoping to live outside of the US for most of our lives.

    I would love to hear more about your perspective of East Timor. What is it like to live there? People? Food? How do your children like/dislike it?

    Thanks for sharing!

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  15. what a fascinating story! thanks for taking the time to write about it. to be honest, i actually don't come to your blog for the sewing patterns, i really like hearing about the orphanages and timor and all that pertains to it. i'd love to travel the way you do!

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  16. Wow!! I always wondered how the whole process worked, and how you guys ended up there of all places. Your story is amazing, your blog inspires me, and your adventure sounds fascinating! Can't wait to hear what the future brings for you and your fam!! We're lds too, wrangling 3 small kids in church every Sunday, I won't complain anymore!!! You're AMAZInG!!
    staci@justsewsassy.com

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  17. I really need to read all of your notes. My husband and I have seriously concidered taking an overseas position with the CDC. However, my husband specializes in the fun tropical diseases and the places they have spots for him are probably there with East Timor for various reasons. The thing that always worries me though is the lack of the LDS church in those countries. I'd love to hear how you have compensated for that sometime.

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  18. I really enjoyed reading about the selection process...the military works similarly but with ALOT less excitement :) Our families keep thinking our next duty station (Guyana) is in Africa and are totally confused as to what we are going to be doing. Embassy living should be interesting, for sure!

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  19. This is really interesting! I have been invited to the orals for Foreign Service. My husband just took the exam. It's very helpful to hear a real-life experience of the process. Wishing you all the best in your first tour!

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  20. Thanks for sharing, it's a really interesting process.

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  21. Your story is so amazing!! I am so inspired by your story... what a strong family you have!

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  22. Love this post. Thanks for sharing so much detail. I am amazing at your strength as a Mama to take on such a new adventure and scary posting. The process is so intense - had no idea. Thank you and your husband for what your doing...

    Put some fabric in a box (hint: from Ikea). Hopefully you will get it by March.

    Cheers from Utah

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  23. I completely understand the feeling of knowing where you are supposed to be and things finally falling into place!! I also understand your feelings of 'is this process EVER going to end, especially with us having a job?!' I know our experience is different in many ways, but it is super exciting to be moving overseas and serving our country!!! Thanks for sharing this awesome story! :)

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  24. Love reading about your experience. We are foreign service, and waiting to hear what our 4th posting will be. If I have learned anything in the foreign service is that it IS a small world. You never know where you will end up, and with who Would love to see you in action! I love have loved all of our posting, and looking forward to our next. Thank you for sharing. I can't wait for your next installment.

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  25. What an interesting story! And how cool that your husband knows portuguese, that's my first language! The selection process is so different here (what I know about it, that is), so it was very interesting to read about how it works in your country. I'm glad everything worked out for you even though you were unsure at first and I hope the next place you go to ends up being just as nice or even better. =)

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  26. Thanks so much for sharing! I've wondered how it all worked since I started reading your blog. I had no idea! What a fascinating life!

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  27. that's very interesting to read! I've never heard of Timor before I started reading your blog. And then - go figure! - I just read that one of our local ministers, who officiated our wedding actually, used to teach there and is going to be going there for a few months soon. I was like, "Timor? oh, Kelly from Sewing In No Mans Land is there!" lol

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  28. Cool story, thanks for sharing! I met people working in the Foreign Service when I was an LDS missionary in Romania and I never had a chance to ask how the process works.

    What neat experiences your kids will have through your interesting living situation. Hopefully you will head somewhere like Brazil or Portugal next if your hubby is a Portugese speaker.

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  29. This post was just what I needed to read right now! I'm also living abroad, though not so far from home as you are (I'm in Costa Rica). Even though it's hard at times, it's also really exciting, and it's fun to read about others' excitement!

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  30. Thanks for sharing that part of your life with us!

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  31. Thank you for sharing all of those details with your readers! I always wondered what you were doing away from home! Your husband is blessed to have you, you seem so upbeat and accepting. What a great team that makes. Keep up the fabulous blog. Now when I listen to MPR (or National Public Radio) and hear them talking about East Timor I"ll think of your family. :)

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  32. Very cool story to hear how the Lord led you to where you are! I wondered if you were LDS too but didn't know for sure. (I am too!) Your post made me think about how things can be right but still hard. We have had our own journey through life with the Lord leading us to places I didn't know where but we are better for it. But in the middle sometimes those things that you KNOW you are to be doing can be hard. Sounds like you are positive and I think that is the best part!

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  33. My husband is with the state department as well! We're at our first post in Nairobi, Kenya...if that ever comes up as an option for you...take it! it's awesome here! we love it! (ps...we're friends with the nielsons!)

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  34. Um, wow. I had to read that aloud to my husband because it is a fascinating process.

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  35. Fascinating.
    And you look mahvelous, dahling, 7 months preggo and postpartum in the pants and in every pic you've posted.
    :-)

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