Ely

So, Ely went to Washington DC on Tuesday for the tests/interview for a job with the Foreign Service, his dream job.  Well, he passed and got a conditional job offer.  Next he will have to go through a medical screening and a in depth security check.  The government actually sends agents out to interview Ely and relatives and friends.  People he has come in contact with over the past 10 years.  If all goes well with that, and I can't imagine it wouldn't, he'll be put on a list.  He'll be something like Information Systems Manager, doing IT and communications work in embassies or consulates around the world. 

Initial Foreign Service training would be in DC/Virgina area for 16 weeks.  Then he would have 6 months of additional IT training. Then, he'll be assigned to some country.  His assignments would be anywhere from 1 to 3 years. 

HOLY CRAP!  This is real.  Ely was so shy and timid as a child, it so remarkable to see the man he has become.  Backpacking for 5 months in Australia, backpacking in Europe, sea kayaking in Chile, 500 miles on the Appalachian Trail. 

I'm hoping he gets some nice assignments like Ireland, England, France, Italy.... You know, those places where they don't eat strange food and don't want to kill Americans, so I can go visit him.  He really doesn't care, he's up for anything.