It's all the things I can't tell you

It was quite a week at our 'little' post this past week. the problem is i cannot really talk about it.

I hosted our first book group this weekend (something i set up in our neighborhood, so those of us without cars could walk to a social event). I had been invited into the ongoing book group a few months back, even read one of the books, but had no way to get to the gathering. it was a success, the first book was not a favorite of any of us, but there is always the next one.

We got into a very interesting discussion about not being able to tell people/family what we do. working for the government, we get lots of information, but much of it we cannot share - certainly not in any detail. i guess i didnt really think through this before i took the job. i can remember writing long letters to send back home, with every detail and brutal honesty, when i worked in East Africa. the difference is i was working for an NGO (non-governmental organization).

The conversation continued in the context of current government budget cuts and how the foreign services is looked down upon within the government and misunderstood by the general public.  like we all sit around doing nothing and live like royalty. NOT TRUE.  Depending on how one looks at it, this is truly a job of service to our country. Definitely not in the realm of military, but now that i am in the midst of this job, i am realizing all that i have given up and what my greater role is in the context of being a representative of the US government. and how do we explain what we do to the general public - in order to get more support - if we cant really talk about what we do.

something to ponder.

and of course it isnt all bad; there are reasons why one would choose to serve in this capacity. Otto is thriving and has so much more freedom and is surrounded by a true community here.  another good example is i am headed to Istanbul, Turkey on Saturday, for a week, for my annual CME (continuing medical education for my non-medical readers). so although some days i feel on the edge of the cliff contemplating stepping off because this sucks so bad (no, i am not suicidal...just a metaphor - the step off would be coming back home in defeat), hopefully this week coming up will revitalize me and give me some hope. We have so many travel opportunities surrounding us, so as soon as I get back i can start plotting my next escape.

the photos from Istanbul should be fantastic. stay tuned.