Long Weekend and a Short Update!

Ok friends, this was supposed to go up earlier this week, but I never got around to it! So you get this update and another one too! See 10 Days, 4 States for our latest update!

We were blessed with a long weekend since J* graduated last week!

Thursday was J*'s graduation from the Arabic program at DLI. I know this is confusing for some of you, so let me explain: The DLI is an accredited language school. They are able to offer college credit for the language programs that the students are enrolled in, and they are able to offer an associates degree upon completion of language studies if the students can transfer in the remainder of their general credits. J* graduated the program with a 3.0 and will be able to obtain his associates degree in foreign language, or use the credits to continue on and receive a four year degree. {He didn't opt for the associates at the time of graduation because he didn't have enough time to get all his transcripts in and was not able to take the CLEP tests in time.} After completion of the course, the students must take an exam that test for proficiency in the language. In order to continue on in training to become a linguist the student must get a certain score. J* didn't quite get the scores he needed, and so last week we were waiting to hear what the next step was for him.

{Here is where the update comes in!}

Usually, if a student doesn't pass the test they will be put in a 6 week class and are able to retake the test after those 6 weeks of continued training. J* was informed that they are not doing that for anyone right now and that he will be getting assigned a new job.

This is a huge bummer for J* because he spent so much time learning the Arabic language and now he must start fresh in a new line of work. Last week he turned in a list of 6 jobs he is interested in, and now we are waiting to hear where he is placed.  We hope to hear something this week but you never know how long things could take in the military!

Whew! Now that that explanation is over....

The rest of the weekend was pretty lax, just what the Dr. ordered! 

J*'s special graduation dinner at Black Bear Diner!

Sunday we actually went to church as a family! No playing in the worship team, no staying home with little G, no skipping.

This was the first week we put little G in the nursery {very nerve wracking for me! I even cried.} And the two of us worshiped, prayed and listened to Pastor Nate's message in the sanctuary. It was wonderful and horrible all at the same time. Here is hoping next week is easier on me!

That afternoon we took a stroll along the beach {an activity that was LONG overdue!}

and spent some time hanging out and chatting with our wonderful neighbors before dinner. I don't know what we are going to do without them, and cannot imagine having new neighbors when we have to leave!