Flag Day

Tuesday, July 28, 2015 was flag day for the 138th Foreign Service Specialists Orientation Class.  Some of my colleagues got some really great places:  Podgorica, Dhaka, Vienna, Freetown, Addis Ababa, and Dushanbe.  There was even Kingston, Tegucigalpa, and Seoul.

My first posting:

Yep, South Carolina.  Specifically, Charleston, South Carolina.

Full disclosure:  I knew from my offer letter that I would have a domestic posting.  I also know that it would be either Washington, DC or Charleston, SC.  Our first (and also our second) posting is directed -- meaning that the needs of the Service come first -- so I wasn't sure exactly which domestic posting it would be.

DC would have been nice.  It's close to Boston, making it easy to get back home to Mark and Cosmo (or for them to come see me in DC).  I also like DC and I never tire of the views.

However, I think Charleston could be a lot of fun.  First, I've never been there, but have wanted to for a while (combined with Savannah, GA).  Second, after living in Boston for 20 years, Charleston will be almost foreign.  Third, it is an award winning foodie city -- and Lordy knows I likes me to eat!  Finally, it's warm enough year round to ride my bicycle so maybe I can work off some of those award-winning calories.  It's close to the ocean and beaches and I do love living near the ocean.  It looks absolutely charming, too.  Plus, I think people will probably want come visit me there.

Am I disappointed?  Maybe a little.  I did sign up for the FOREIGN Service.  However, domestic tours are actually a vital part of a full foreign service career (and are actually encouraged, especially for specialists).  It would be nice to say that I'm on my way to Gabarone, Vientiane, or Vilnius, but I think this job in Charleston will be a great first post and stepping stone into the Foreign Service in financial management work.  I'll be able to see first hand how U.S. Missions around the world are supported; I'll meet FMOs from posts and from senior leadership from domestic bureaus; and I should be able to get my name and good reputation out and about in the foreign service world.  And probably more so than if I went directly to an overseas post.

So I'm looking forward to Charleston.  It will be a lot of work but should also be a lot of fun.  Y'all come see me, y'hear!

PS:  I'm trying to perfect my Boston accent before I go.  Something like this:

or, this: