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Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Time to pack... again

A few weeks ago, when Brandon called to tell me he was coming to the US, he cautioned me that he might be sent back to Cairo before the evacuation was lifted.  Which meant that I would be left here with the children.  I waved it off, delighted to be seeing him, if only for a month.

I didn't even get that month.  He received a call from his boss today, telling him that they needed him back in the Consular section.  If all is approved by M, then he'll be boarding a plane for Cairo on Sunday, three weeks to the day since he came to the US.  And I'll be alone, again, for who knows how long.

I understand that we signed up for this possibility when Brandon joined the Foreign Service.  I don't like it.  But I know that sometimes these things do happen.  But he didn't necessarily need to leave yet - two people from his section are returning.  Four people are in DC.  Two people from his section are married with small children.  Two people are single.

Guess who they are sending back?  And to add insult to injury, the two management who decided to send the two married people are... you guessed it - two single people.

I was going to write a post yesterday commemorating three weeks of being evacuated.  I was going to write how life has settled down to something really approaching normal; we have a daily schedule, we have parks we like to visit, I have a library card, I've even started running in the morning again.

But now, my life has been blown apart again.  I'm getting tired of this.

14 comments:

Becky said...

Oh that stinks. Seems like you just get time to breathe and then something else happens to upset life all over again. Evac stinks, end of story. Hang in there.

PaulaJean said...

Oh dear. I'm sorry we can't see Brandon before he leaves. We hope you get to follow him soon.

UnkaDave said...

I am sorry to hear of this development. I know this isn't the optimal alternative for you guys. You're in our thoughts and prayers, and hope you can get back together soon.

sarahflib said...

Oh, man. It would have been nice if they could have considered their family situation. Where will you be after this?

Nomads By Nature said...

This news totally bites. I can see why you feel like the rug is being pulled out from under you for the second time. I am hoping for a normal that includes you all together as soon as possible. Library is great (love the evac proof comment from K), running is awesome, parks are fun. Keep those going and be good to yourselves!

Alisa said...

awwwww. my heart breaks for you. :( Any chance you'll move back to Raleigh for the interim?

Donna said...

No words of wisdom, just - I'm so sorry. Hope evac ends soon for the whole family.

Z. Marie said...

Oh, how horrible! While you're right that we all signed up for these possibilities, you always hope you'll never be the one who has to face the reality. Good luck!

Ashlie said...

Boo...

Just US said...

OH NO!! Hang in there! We did sign up for these possibilities but that does not make them any more fun!

Jill said...

I just got the same news :(

Shannon said...

That bites! I am sorry, and I agree it seems stupid to send the married guys back. I am glad you have a blog community to vent when you need to. Hang in there!

It is time for the Weekly State Department Blog Round Up and you are on it!

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http://cyberbones.blogspot.com/2011/02/weekly-fs-blog-roundup-in-news.html

If you would like the links to your site removed (or corrections are needed) please contact me. Thanks!

MacLeans said...

wow Ashley so sorry to here that! is there any possible way they can change the two they are sending? or maybe the singles left behind can come live with the mothers with small children left behind...I'm sure after a day they'd offer to go back to Egypt after a few days. :)

Unknown said...

Ashley- As one of the single folks being left behind I'd gladly change places with your hubby but Post said no. I'm SO ready to go back to Cairo (* home). Please understand that I am just as frustrated as you are. But... c'est la vie. Let me know if you and your crew need anything once Brandon heads back. - Lauren