CrystalDee

Can I say it? I gotta say it...stupid sequester.

Welcome to the alternate club. Stay positive, we have been seeing alternates get accepted.

Morning friends! Happy Mother 's Day to all the moms on the board.

Weird thing: The Masters program at the University of Tatu that applied to last year and missed the deadline for this year; just sent me an email reminding me to send my notarized application forms in. Apparently they don't realize I missed the deadline. Lol!

Don't panic! I am sure it will be great!

Thank you! My son keeps trying to convince me to reapply. I just don't think I have the strength. But, I did ask my host university to include my questions on the post election survey so maybe I will get some of the data I need.

There are a lot like me, really. It's a good club to belong to.

I always joke, I am a Democrat in a Republican state; and a missionary in the most secular country in the world. I like pushing rocks uphill apparently.

My Dad lives in Australia, and my favorite aunt lived pretty much all over the world (before she passed away); so living abroad is in my DNA. I have 2 mission trips already set up for this summer. Since the Fulbright didn't go through, I am going to hang out there as much as I can.

Oh, it really is lovely! Summers are warm and nice; and there is this mix of modern and ancient architecture. And it's only like 80 miles from Helsinki! I love it there! It feels much more like home to me than Oklahoma. Lol!!

It's been a good day for alternates! And I am working on my plans for my trip to Estonia in 3 weeks. I am teaching music to kids at a day camp in Tallinn. I am excited!

Wow! What a blessed week! I am so happy for you. I pray everything works out smoothy. Congratulations on the new addition to the family! Thanks for the good wishes!

It's true. I think the larger programs have a better shot. Small programs like the one I applied for, not so much. But, I would hang in there.

I will gladly accept this karma. It really is good to see alternates getting bumped.

That's wonderful!! I am so glad there are folks getting bumped. Good luck on your adventure!

Bless you! It would be nice.

Sweet! That's wonderful!! ...What does conditional mean?

That's great! So happy for you!

I would think that IIE would want to make the experience/process better. The more information the applicants have going in, the better the outcomes will be, I think. You are too sweet! I can't imagine anyone turning down a spot to Estonia. It's such a wonderful place. I wish those that made it well, envious that I am, I hope that meaningful research comes out of their time there.

I was thinking about some things this morning in regards to the process. I wish they (IIE) would do a couple of things: First, send out an exit survey about the process. Not a survey about the wait time, but about how the information could be explained better on the website. Secondly, do continued-ed training for the advisors on campus. I wish my advisor had been able to explain the budget portion of the application better. Especially since budgets played a much bigger role than anyone could have guessed this year. I am still hopeful something else will come along. I sent emails to my host university and have heard nothing back. I am trying not to read anything into it.

Thank you so much!! Y'all are so sweet! This really is a great group. I am just sad that I won't be able to be in on the Facebook groups. Sorry I wasn't around yesterday, my son celebrated his 21st birthday. So crazy!! Did our Middle East folks hear anything yesterday? You guys have all been a blessing to me through this process. It would have been much more difficult waiting had I not had you guys to commiserate with each day. So, thank you!!

It's the least they can do!

So...what are you going to do? Inquiring minds want to know.

Wishing everyone good luck today! Hopefully news will be forthcoming.

It's been great having you here on the board. You always made me a smile. We still quote "this is Norway".