Bunch of Shots.

Today we had a productive day. We all went to Main State for our shots...I got my Typhoid, Polio and Meningitis shots and our lil daughter got her Typhoid and meningitis. Jeff didn't get any today!!!! We're going back on the 8th for our Yellow fever and our Malaria pills. We went and got photos for our passports/visas...free from the State Department!! Then we had lunch in the cafeteria. After we were full, we applied for Claire's diplomatic passport!!! WOW!! Who would have thought!! haha. Our little diplomat!! I don't get one...yet. But they will process the Cameroon visa for me. We also stopped at the Family Liaison Office...they have an office there to help with Expeditious Naturalization. We apply and they will help me get my biometrics scheduled in a week from the day we submit the application, then maybe I'll have to come back for the interview in 4-6 months. For the FLO to help you on this you have to have your TMONE.
We also stopped by Carlson Wagonlit, our travel agency, and checked on our tickets. They are ready!! We pretty much accomplished a lot today though my arms are hurting from the three shots I got and Claire says her arms hurt!

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The Graduation

The Graduates... SEO,STS and THe US Navy Seabees

Receiving his Honor Grad Award

His Credential and the Honor award.

Oath taking

Today Jeff is officially an STS for Diplomatic Security. Its a nice graduation ceremony with 19 graduates, made up of Security Engineering Officers (SEOs), Security Technical Specialists (STSs), and US Navy Seabees. They all look good in their coat and tie but on top of it all my husband Jeff graduates with Honor from his STS class.When his name was called, I was so speechless, disbelieve, overjoyed and pride . I wasn't expecting or had any idea about this honor grad thing,Jeff didn't mention it to me because He doesn't know too and he say its not a big deal for him and that he is already happy just to graduate. I've always been so proud of my husband achievements and his heart and desired to serve his country.The ceremony started with the presentation of the colors and the National Anthem was sung beautifully. Each graduate was called up one at a time to receive their credentials. They also each received a very nice graduation certificate and a leatherman multi-tool...which will come in very handy!!It was also really nice that Jeff's cousins, Wayne and Beth, were able to attend. We don't often get a chance to go to the 8th floor of the State Department, so we're happy they were able to come with us and see some of the artifacts that are part of the Benjamin Franklin State Dining Room we took pictures while admiring those antiques.Overall, it was a super great day!

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The Stricklands going to Yaounde,cameroon!!!

This is Claire our 3 years old daughter who is just so excited as we are to go to Africa. Jeff is finishing up his training and on the 25th he gonna graduate and that means I'm gonna have the chance to see again the Benjamin Franklin room which is in the Main State building where the grad. ceremony will be held. A lot of pretty neat cool stuff and mostly antique from Benjamin Franklin possession.

Manila, Philippines was on the top of our bidding list,But Cameroon is on our #3 so we were pleased with the result.

And now, assignment in hand,Its either I'm out shopping mostly for the household,claire's and Jeff stuff or I'm on the Phone dealing with the movers,making dentist appointment for the three of us,Claire's pedia and trying to get an early appointment to my Chiropractor and oh did I mention that i have a couple of seminars to attend at the FSI and it's advisable for all the Foreign Service spouse who is posting overseas.We'll leave the country in July. We will be in Yaounde for the next two years, and then return for some more training and another posting. This is only the beginning, and the Strickland's have many more countries to visit. Hopefully Manila,Philippines next time Its like I'm winning the Lottery!

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Transfer Orders.

Got our Transfer Orders now things are starting to move. This cable includes funding data for travel and our shipments. Jeff made reservations with Carlson Wagonlit and they hooked us up! Got on a great route with a rest day, then a direct flight to Yaounde. Most flights make 3-4 stops in different countries before getting to Cameroon, then they usually land in Douala. So we're very lucky to get on this one! Plus we got the chance to see a little bit of Brussels arrive 7am and depart to Yaounde at 10am the following day, sweet.

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Notification of Assignment.

Got our Notification of Assignment!! Better known as TMONE. Basically it's the first document that tells you where you're going. Its Yaounde!!! You can't do much with it, but you can get things started because you know things are finally moving. Was able to get started on our travel request, known as TMTWO, and submit the request to schedule our shipments
We basically have an idea now from what and how much is allowed in HHE,UAB and our consumables. Everyday I start my day sorting out stuff to what shipments it'll belong HHE or HouseHold Effect which take two months to get to post then the UAB or Unaccompanied baggage it takes two weeks to arrive to us so I was thinking some of my cooking utensils will go to UAB.On Monday I need to call the agency to schedule on our shipments. Not much thing to do though since the mover will do all the packing I only have to make sure that which goes to what box and that by segregating our stuff before the movers come that will also make the job a lot easier for me and the movers.
We've started our consumables shopping...thanks to mom and dad my in-laws. They took us to Sam's Club while they were visiting. We got a good start on some things we need, but we'll have to get some more stuff before the movers get here.
It's going to be a busy month...Jeff graduates next week from his training, but has more training to attend before we go overseas. We have to get our immunizations up to date, get our passports updated, then get visas to Cameroon. We have lots of shipments to get ready, plus storage. Have to ship the car. Too much!!!

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Never thought..

My Husband suggested that I start a blog and write about our adventure. Convinced that I have absolutely nothing interesting to offer, I blew it off Then my mom in law and my sister suggested it would be a nice way to keep family in the loop,Three days ago we just got our Transfer Assignment! I thought I'd see if it was a big deal to start.

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