Authorized Departure

So, this happened yesterday.  Yes, that means that we have been put on Authorized Departure here in Adana.  While we have no plans to leave as of right now, we are paying close attention to what is going on just across the border (in Syria) and we are weighing our options.  Of course, should the powers that be put us on Ordered Departure, as was the case in Beirut, we will have no choice but to leave.  But for now, we are laying low and crossing our fingers.  

Needless to say, this has been quite a memorable first post.  In the past eight months, we have seen 1.) numerous protests over Patriot Missiles located here in southeastern Turkey that resulted in the local air base being locked down for a short time and our movements restricted 2.) a crazy violent incident that resulted in the destruction of our diplomatic passports (still not allowed to blog about that one) 3.) nationwide Turkish government protests and riots that lasted for weeks and resulted in several deaths, including one here in Adana, and now this.  I feel like a life in the Foreign Service should share the same tag line as CBS's reality show Big Brother: Expect the Unexpected.  Because that has certainly been the case here in Adana.  

But, like I said, we are making the best of things and hoping that nothing escalates.  We really love it here and we don't want to disrupt our lives if we don't feel it is necessary.  Of course, I would never put my family in danger, so we will do whatever it takes to stay safe.  I really don't want to have to leave my husband behind, though (he is considered essential personnel) and the idea of leaving our pets makes my heart hurt. So I will try not to think about it for now.  Except that it's hard not to...

Positive thoughts and good vibes are welcome!