12/25/01
In the grand tradition of the annual newsletter, we figured we'd bring you up to date on our happenings once again. (To save confusion about who's writing, we're going to write this in the third-person even though we're both writing this together.)
So far, "this Foreign Service Thing," as we've come to call it, hasn't worked out as planned. We're still on evacuation status from Yemen. As many of you know, for the past two months, following his Task Force work, Michael has worked as the Algeria and then Tunisia Desk Officer at the State Dept in Washington. He's been doing policy work that he wouldn't normally get to do for a few tours yet. Jen took some pottery classes and has knitted up a storm, but that hasn't really been enough to keep her occupied and she's pretty bored.
On January 7, Michael will return to Yemen. Jen can't go at that time because the Authorized Departure is still in effect. Michael tried very very hard to stay with Jen but that request was flatly denied. Jen has applied for a position at the Embassy in Yemen with the hopes that it may help shorten the separation, but that depends on a lot of things. (And Jen isn't so sure that she wants to return to Yemen at this time, but she's going nuts being in limbo for so long--four months and counting--and would like to be with Michael.) If the Embassy reopens to family members in January or February, Jen will probably return at that time. If the Embassy does not decide to open back up to family members by mid-March, Michael will have an opportunity (we're told) to curtail the assignment and find a job elsewhere in the State Dept. Of course, that seems like a long time away and depends on a lot of factors, so we still find ourselves in limbo.
Yes, the State Dept will still pay for Jen's housing while the Authorized Departure is in effect, so, don't worry, she's not out on the street. Thanks anyway for all of the kind offers that have already (and would have) been extended. Your friendship and support are greatly appreciated right now. After Michael departs, Jen may stay in the DC area or may go gallavanting (Michael's word) around for some visits.
One bright spot in all of this was our four day trip to New Orleans to celebrate Michael's birthday (Dec. 14). We explored the French Quarter (no, we didn't earn any beads), took an airboat tour of the swamp, ate lots of beignets (not enough probably), listened to jazz, dixieland, and zydeco, did some cajun dancing, and came back with some cool souveniers. We highly recommend it all if you haven't been down there.
Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year. Hope you had a wonderful and peaceful holiday of your choosing. We'll write more when we know more.
Love, Michael and Jennifer