Monday, June 28, 2010

Au Revoir Afrique, Au Revoir Foreign Service Life


Stars and Stripes Flying over the US Embassy Boat "Liberte" Underway on the Congo River

What a life for our family...Since 1975 We have moved 18times, served in Washington DC numerous times, Nepal, Kenya, Pakistan (twice), Zaire, France, India, Malawi, and finally Republic of Congo. Our boys Mark and Michael (born in Nairobi) attended schools in Bordeaux, New Delhi, Islamabad, and Lilongwe,in addition to McLean, VA and it all worked out fine in spite of their trepidations at some points!

It's time to come back to the USA and start new beginnings, but it has been a true honor to be a part of our own team in representing the United States of America, and I can say I served as well, because serving I did; lots and lots of food along with organizational and administrative tasks mixed in with the travel over the years. I was not a Foreign Service Officer, but overseas did manage to work intermittently here and there. I felt just as much a part of Service as if I had been, and the adventures and education of parts of our world, friends and good times that we acquired and experienced along the way were my bonus.


I left Congo in December, 2009 and Al formally retired in July, 2010 and joined me to start his new career as a college teacher. I plan to continue to add material here with his retirement ceremony, and some special memories good and bad, that I will relate...

6 comments:

Amy said...

If you would like to contribute any photos to the fs photo blog, www.at-post.blogspot.com please feel free. the current theme is hardship.

DeMark said...

I'm sorry we'll miss you. My wife and I have been following your blog and will be arriving in ROC in January (I'm the new Political Officer). Congratulations on both you and your husband's (and kids!) hardwork over the years. Enjoy life back in the U.S.!

Ramesh Babu said...

U had a nice trip, i like your picts

LeesOnTheGo said...

I have so enjoyed reading your blog. Congratulations on a career well done (because, yes it was your career also!) and a retirement to look forward to.

It is a comfort to us (5 years into the FS)to see a family that has ridden the same roller coaster that we are on and come away smiling. Your boys (born in the city that I currently live in) have grown into seemingly well balanced and happy young men which gives me great encouragement as I raise my own boys.

Congratulations and best wishes to you and your family as you enjoy your retirement! Cheers to you!

Naoma Lee
DC, Skopje, Nairobi

Shea Kamp said...

Hi, I came across your site. I am an American married to a danish diplomat. We have 2 sons and are going to be deciding between Sao Paulo, Beijing and Washington DC. I see that you have lived in DC. Are the schools and life good in DC? I just worry about moving back to the US because I really enjoy being abroad and learning new languages and cultures, but it would be nice to be closer to my family. Any thoughts? Thanks, Shea

Jessica said...

I so appreciate your blog! I am moving to Brazzaville temporarily this May to intern for WHO and trying to learn everything I can about the region. Thank you so much for creating this as it helps me prepare and if you ever have any advice or insights, please let me know. Thank you!