Hey Jetjam...

If it helps, the buddy I sponsored was hired prior to you. He too wants to stay stateside with his family and young children. As all of you are anxious, the information that I have indicates that there will be no MEM classes until the new year. He's still waiting in the pool as well, so you are not alone. Back in the day I was in the pool for 7 months. I know it's hard, but at least the pool shouldn't be 4+ years with another interview tagged on at the end of it like it was a while back.

Good luck, stay patient and safe.