I just spoke with Brandon on the phone. He is safe, but probably won't get sleep for another week. He and everyone else in the consular section is doing American Citizen Services for those who are trying to get out. He slept at the Embassy last night after leaving the airport around two in the morning. All of the Embassy personnel were evacuated, but there was a planeload of tourists that there wasn't enough room for. I'm not sure what happened to them.
The embassy has just been put on ordered departure, which means that all non-essential staff has to leave, and they cannot come back for sixty days. Not having been evacuated before, I'm not sure what that means for those who left on voluntary. I am now glad that I chose voluntary.
Brandon is essential staff (remember all of those American citizens left?), and so I don't know when I'll see him again. If he does get to leave, he'll be sent to DC, and so we'll meet him there.
Thank you so very much everyone, for all of your prayers and well-wishing. I'm worried for Brandon, of course, but I think that he should be okay. We travel in the morning, and so hopefully all will go well. It can only last so long, right?
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9 comments:
It doesn't really change much. The allowances and things are all the same. It just means that some people leave who might have stayed. (And that you will probably be gone at least 60 days instead of 30. That is kind of nice actually. Going every 30 days can be really hard.)
You made a good choice, especially with kids. After going through it here, I think it is better to leave before it gets totally nuts if kids are involved.
Do you know the Perry family by any chance? We have been wondering how they are.
Your husband and all the staff there are in our thoughts and prayers. I am so grateful for the service these officers do for Americans overseas. You and the kids and everyone else who is getting out are also in my thoughts and prayers. It isn't easy for anyone involved I am sure. Take care of yourself. Best of luck with everything. I hope all of this leads to better lives for the Egyptian people.
Oh and OD won't go past 6 months unless something weird happens. A decision has to be made at that point. Hopefully you get nowhere near that point but as our evac dragged on and on it helped me to stay sane knowing that something had to be figured out at that point.
I hope all goes well with your travels--especially with 3 children! I saw your blog one day on Bridget Palmer's blog and I followed the link. I lived in Jordan in 2008 and Jerusalem in 2007, and I really enjoy reading updates from LDS people living in the Middle East. I will add my prayers to those already being said for you and your family--and everything in Egypt!
So glad you and the kids were able to get out before things get out of control. I am sorry your husband had to stay. I hope all goes well and you guys are reunited soon!
And hopefully, things in Egypt are resolved soon...
thinking of you and all in egypt.
I am speechless! I am so grateful you and your kids are out safe and I pray that Brandon stays safe! What an experience! If you are ever stranded in Boston per chance- I would totally one up the Embassy in hospitality!
We are still praying for you guys. I am so glad that you and the kids have been taken care of. We will pray that Brandon gets to sleep some, get over his illness, and join you soon. Love you all!
What a crazy adventure! We will be keeping your family in our prayers. Hopefully Brandon will be able to join you sooner rather than later!
My heart goes out to you. A part of me has always been afraid this will happen and James will always be on the list of people who HAVE to stay behind. :S You all are in my prayers of course!! *hugs*
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