A monthly look behind the stories in Embassy Kid: An American Foreign Service Family Memoir, and the view from my writing desk as I share the book. What I’m reading. Today, in honor of Foreign Service Day, there is a special essay. And, as always, a couple of closing pictures of Kumba, my rescue Lab and therapy dog.
More Photos From Jane’s Childhood: Images behind the pages of Embassy Kid
In the fall of 1963, just as we were settling for a second two-year tour in Rome, Washington called: USIA needed Dad to assume the role of Public Affairs Officer in Bogotá, Colombia. It was a big step up and a return to our South American roots.
We were en route to the new post with the required transition meetings in Washington, D.C. on November 23 when President Kennedy was shot in Dallas. Having shaken the President’s hand in Rome, it felt personal to me. I guess it felt that way to all of us.
Colombia joined the United States in mourning the fallen president, revealing a warmth toward our country that was easy to reciprocate. Mom–seen in this newspaper clip handing out Christmas presents at a daycare–became part of hands-on volunteer boards of American and Colombian women that helped make good things happen, a role she was recognized for in the Bogotá Embassy report to Washington. That was a first.
Susie and I made fast friends with next door neighbors for the first time in our Foreign Service life. The Cárdenas and Amerson gang wrote a newspaper, did plays for the neighborhood, and spent countless hours atop the wall that separated our properties. Sadly, the security risks in today’s Foreign Service make this kind of “normal play” a thing of the past.
There was danger in Bogotá. We were never allowed to be out of eyesight of an adult for fear of kidnapping by warring rebels. The dog that soon came to live with us, a brindle boxer I named Caesar after the Roman emperors, was at least part guard and protector.
And for the first time since Fina in Caracas, we became close with the women who cooked and kept house for us. It was hard to leave when the call came for Dad to report to headquarters in D.C. for his next assignment. As her parting gift to us, Julia made my sister and me these charming Colombian folklore costumes.
Meeting With Embassy Kid Readers
I’ve been invited back to the Barnes & Noble in my town of Wellington this Saturday, May 2, 2-4 PM. Stop by if you’re in the area!
I’ve got another several book signings coming up at Barnes & Noble stores in South Florida and possibly in Minnesota when my husband, daughter and I travel to the Twin Cities to see family August 7-10.
What I’m Reading
My friend (and former White House/Pentagon/Voice of America correspondent) Al Pessin has just published an incredibly timely political thriller ripped from today’s headlines: Body Man.
I will warn you that the good guys and the bad guys both tell the truth. Patriot or traitor? You decide.
Am deep into it now. My Amazon and Goodreads review will run in my June newsletter!
Celebrating May 1, Foreign Service Day
The United States Foreign Service, now in its 102nd year, represents America at more than 270 U.S. embassies, consulates, and other missions around the world. It is the only U.S. civilian government entity that is globally deployed with an enduring physical presence in almost every country in the world, creating an enormous competitive advantage for America and Americans from all walks of life.
On this Foreign Service Day, I’d like to reflect on the lives of these thousands of career professionals who chose to live and work abroad for the majority of their government service, often with their families.
Click here to read my piece honoring the Foreign Service.
Kumba’s Korner
When he is visiting with seniors at Elegance at Lake Worth, our rescue Lab and therapy dog, Kumba, sports his blue bandanna from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs!