And the winner is...

Tel Aviv, Israel! First of all, let me say that I am ecstatic to have received this assignment! It was at the top of our list and was highly coveted among many others in my A-100 class. In fact, it was so popular that my wife and I had pretty much written it off and had been focusing on posts which we felt we had a more realistic chance.

The lead-up to the big announcement was excruciating. The ceremony didn't start until 3:35pm and I was one of the last names to be called. Finally, the blue star of David appeared and I heard my name. After a two-handed fist pump into the air, my mind re-entered my body and I somehow managed to put one foot in front of the other to walk up to the podium. I vaguely remember shaking hands with a high level ambassador, someone else handling me a folder with all the details of my assignment and then plopping back in my chair for the few remaining minutes. Afterwards, I floated around the room for about an hour and then went out with some of my classmates to celebrate. Late last night, my wife and I sat dumbfounded in our apartment. Even this morning, Tel Aviv is still sinking in. Where do I begin?

For starts, I was assigned to be a political officer in one of the most strategically important U.S. embassies in the world. Getting an in-cone job for the first tour was my number one priority and a Tel Aviv post is a real coup for my career. Serving in the Middle East checks another box and pretty much leaves the world wide open for my second tour as a consular officer. The post also has much to offer my wife. There are many employment opportunities in the embassy and she will have a very good opportunity to advance her own prospects of joining me in the Foreign Service (more details on that will be provided in the coming weeks) after our first tour ends in July 2014.

Speaking of which, the timing also works out very well. We get to stay in our cushy apartment until next July for functional training and Hebrew. My older son will get to spend the whole year of kindergarten in a highly regarded school here in Falls Church, Virginia. Moving to Tel Aviv next summer will also facilitate his transition to the American school that he will attend there. We're still considering various options for my younger son who will still be in preschool.      

As for Tel Aviv's livability, we really scored in that department. Based on the little that I've read, the city sounds like the Miami of the Middle East with great beaches and a pulsating nightlife. In fact, the Lonely Planet travel guide anointed Tel Aviv as the third hottest city for 2011. I doubt my young family will partake in such hedonism but I might have to start frequenting the gym so I don't embarrass myself. I think one of the biggest perks of the post will also be the accessibility to other attractions in the region. I've already promised my wife a trip to the Greek isles.

Well, we've got a lot to think about in the coming days but at least we can plan for the future with location and timing in mind. I promise to provide updates along the way but this blog won't be nearly as climactic as the past couple months. Shalom for now!

Flag Day (12:01am)

Flag Day has finally arrived--albeit just barely here on the East Coast. There are still about 16 hours to go until I learn when and where I will be headed for my first assignment. People are usually besides themselves at this point with all the anxiety and anticipation, but I am oddly calm.

I am optimistic that I could receive one of my top choices. If I don't, I can live with most of the other posts. As I previously explained, I tried to hedge my bets by bidding on a range of posts that satisfy particular requirements and set myself up for receiving a favorable second assignment. That being said, I am also taking a swing at a few dream posts. I'm very tempted to list them but I am afraid of jinxing myself. I can't resist providing a few tantalizing hints though.

I like to the think of the top three possibilities as analogous to the book/movie "Eat. Pray. Love" but in my own particular way. "Eat" and "Pray" refer to two countries that are known for their cuisine and religiosity. As for "Love" (my top choice), it doesn't fit so neatly but instead symbolizes the "peace" I would feel living close to the heavens for the next two years. Any guesses?

Okay, that's enough fodder for tonight. I remember staying up late last winter reading online recaps about Flag Day for others. Now it's my turn. Here's hoping for the best. Peace out.

Pinch me...

...because I must be dreaming. For the past three weeks I have listened to policy briefings from high ranking officials, become acquainted with some of my fellow classmates and learned about what life entails in the Foreign Service. It's hard to believe that I will soon be a diplomat. Really. Pinch me.

The intensive 6-week orientation course known as A-100 has been everything advertised and more. People often liken A-100 to drinking from a fire hose. The information has come fast and furious from day one. I'm not permitted to divulge its contents but I can elaborate on one of the central objectives: how to navigate the government bureaucracy. The first step often involves deciphering the many acronyms for agencies, bureaus and figures. Some days I feel like I am swimming in alphabet soup.

I will become close friends with some of these acronyms though. Working in the Foreign Service has a number of employee benefits, or "bennies" as they are affectionately referred to on occasion. I've already endeared myself to terms such as Overseas Comparability Pay (OCP), Language Incentive Pay (LIP) and Living Quarter Allowance (LQA). One day I might even collect a wardrobe allowance going from one extreme climate to another. These "bennies" are just a drop in the bucket though. The biggest benefit of serving as a U.S. diplomat comes in the power and prestige associated with the official duties of the job. I readily admit that distinguished titles and diplomatic credentials can be intoxicating. For this reason, Foreign Service Officers are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity. I never thought I would take quote from a Marvel superhero movie but, as Uncle Ben tells young Spider-Man, "With great power comes great responsibility."    

On a lighter note, A-100 is much more than a tally of perks and prerequisites. A second major component of the class is socializing with fellow classmates and developing an esprit d'corp. In my capacity-filled class of 98 entry level officers (shout out to the Fightin' Fire Code!), I have met fascinating individuals who come from all walks of life. There are former lawyers, teachers, peace corps volunteers and even a few recovering academics like me. Some are only few years or straight out of grad school but they draw from a wealth of experience. During many of the interactive sessions, it has become readily apparent that everyone is extremely well spoken. In fact, many speak multiple languages to boot. My Arabic and Spanish doesn't even bat an eye with this group. In short, I feel lucky to be serving with the best and the brightest and am looking forward to making lasting friendships in the weeks to come and beyond.

Speaking of which, I will find out my first assignment in less than two weeks! I've already discussed my bidding strategy so now all I can do is wait. Watch for the big announcement on August 19!