This whole process has been a full on stop and go from the very beginning. "Let's just send in the application and see where it takes us." Then there was the interview with all it's stressors. Then there was the congratulatory handshake with the reminder not to quit my job or sell my house. Then we went through the security and medical clearences. Secret agent man followed me or I followed him (not sure which) for a couple of weeks and my lab work revealed some bizzare findings in my blood which all added up to nothing. (except maybe being bullet-proof to malaria. -ed) Wheww! Then there was the out-of-the-blue phone call February 12th while at work asking me if I could start FS Orientation on March 15th! I hadn't even received a salary or final suitablility yet! We freaked! We came to our senses. We said; "NO!" So they immediately placed us into the following class in May (still too soon) and implied Niamey Niger as our tentative post assignment. The May class would mean leaving ahead of Dina and the kids, living by myself in DC, and preparing the house for rent before that. There are other issues too, such as Nina's health and my lecture commitment at OHSU. All possible to do but why?! I spoke frankly with the Medical Specialist coordinator who was most supportive and understanding. Now we're back in limbo, on our own accord, regarding where and when. Doh!