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.

First wedding gift of the season

The students love to talk about my upcoming wedding. Today I had a new class of freshmen students for oral English and I gave them an opportunity to ask me any question that they had. Almost all of them asked me about my relationship with Sean, dating, true love, American weddings, falling in love etc. One of the thing that tends to completely mystify my students is why I would even consider having my wedding in America. I don't really understand why this is so hard to understand. Students ask me all the time when my wedding is in China and if they can attend. When I explain that I am going to have my ceremony in America they look surprised and say, "Why?" After saying that I want to celebrate with my family and friends and that it would be too expensive for them to fly to China I ask them if they would ever consider having a wedding outside of China. They always reply, "Of course not!" and think it's a silly question. This happens over and over again and never ceases to amuse me.

One of my tutors surprised me recently with a wedding gift for Sean and me. She made some red pillows herself and cross-stitched some famous phrases on them as well. One says "A good marriage is from heaven" and the other says "Tying the knot." She told me that a long time ago it was tradition for elders of the bride and groom to give them red pillows so she was just following their example. Her card was so heartfelt and adorable that I asked if I could share it with you. Here it is in its original form:

"Dear Sean and Sarah,

I feel lucky to have friends like you. Sarah, I appreciate that you let me be your tutor. The time spent with you is one of my happiest periods of time. You're so patient and lovely that I love you - can I say that I love you? When I saw you in the classroom for the first time, I feel happy and lucky. You're gorgeous.

Sean, though I haven't talked a lot with you - sorry, but I'm sure you're the best. You know what? When I saw you one day after you shaved I thought you were someone else. By the way, many of us think you're handsome. By the way, I'm lucky to know you.

In my heart, both of you are my friends. So I'm really happy to hear that you're going to marry each other. Thank God! I believe you're made for each other. I sincerely wish that you'll be happy forever. I'll remember you forever. By the way, it's so cold. Take care!"

Read More 2 comments | Posted by Sarah Sanderson

2 comments

Courtney Duffy on March 3, 2011 at 12:31 PM

Hi,

My fiance and I are seriously considering teaching abroad next year. Someone recommended CIEE to me, so I have been admiring the Taught blogs and trying to get as much info on the program as possible. The whole thing seems a little risky, but I guess that's what an adventure is all about :) I was just wondering if you'd recommend CIEE, as well as the overall experience? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences if you have the time. My email is cduffy@calpoly.edu

Thanks so much!
Kate on March 3, 2011 at 8:12 PM

What a sweet gift and card :)

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

First wedding gift of the season

2 comments