U.S. Foreign Service Officer headed to Wuhan, China

The mission of a U.S. diplomat in the Foreign Service is to promote peace, support prosperity, and protect American citizens while advancing the interests of the U.S. abroad. The work that diplomats do has an impact on the world as they serve at one of any of the more than 270 embassies, consulates and other diplomatic missions in The Americas, Africa, Europe and Eurasia, East Asia and Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, and South Asia.

The duties of a Consular Officer include to provide emergency and non-emergency services to American citizens and protect our borders through the proper adjudication of visas to foreign nationals and passports to American citizens. We adjudicate immigrant and non-immigrant visas, facilitate adoptions, help evacuate Americans, combat fraud, and fight human trafficking. Consular Officers touch people’s lives in important ways, often reassuring families in crisis. They face many situations which require quick thinking under stress and develop and use a wide range of skills, from managing resources and conducting public outreach to assisting Americans in distress.

Expat married couples and pre-dinner meals

In the new class of Peace Fellows there is one other married couple from Australia and Canada. We had gotten to know them a little bit last year when they came to visit to scout for housing and also so Caite could interview at an international school where she is now the kindergarten teacher. We had been wanting to get together for a long time and finally agreed to meet at Kichijoji Craft Beer Market on Friday night for drinks and dinner.

Lorne and Sean laughing because they were drinking Michigan Founders beer in Tokyo

Being married in a program like the Rotary Peace Fellowship has its pros and cons. Having a spouse abroad means constant support and companionship as well as another income. But it also means that you spend less time with the graduate student community on campus which can feel like you're missing out on some events and friendships. Talking to another couple about these challenges was really therapeutic and I hope we can hang out with them more.

Caite and I

A side note about dining in Tokyo - since portions are small and prices are high Sean and I have gotten into the habit of eating a "pre-dinner" before the real dinner. We usually grab some sushi from the convenience or grocery store and eat it outside before going to the restaurant. Then at the restaurant we can try something interesting or unusual without being ravenous and disappointed when we realize that the three bites it takes to clean the plate won't come near to filling us up.

Pre-dinner consisting of grocery store sushi for $7

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Wanderlust

In Mandarin: 旅遊癮 (lǚyóu yǐn)

According to my Mandarin teacher, the term 'wanderlust' can best be translated as 'a travel addiction or craving'. In the above translation, 'yǐn' has several meanings such as 'a strong impulse', 'a longing', or 'a desire'.

U.S. Foreign Service Officer headed to Wuhan, China

Expat married couples and pre-dinner meals

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