Last month, I got to return to the U.S. for Home Leave, a congressionally mandated form of leave diplomats get at the end of assignments, or after serving a year in many danger posts. It’s meant to allow diplomats to kiss the soil of the motherland and reacclimate to their own country after being away for a prolonged period. Over my first year in Myanmar, I have gotten back home a few times, but this was the longest, and it was a nice chance to relax and see my girls.
Since joining the FS and moving to Africa (and now Asia) it’s been interesting to see how things change while you are away.
The first thing that hits you is the cost of everything. Groceries, gas, eating out—it all feels exponentially higher than when I left (because it is). Sticker shock has become a daily ritual. I’ve grown used to affordable street food or public transport that didn’t break the bank. Back home, it feels like every errand comes with a receipt that makes you do a double take. I knew I was losing my mind when at the end of home leave I spent a few days in Las Vegas, and found the prices reasonable compared to everywhere else I had travelled. A few combo meals at McDonalds ran me $40 while driving to San Antonio, pretty outrageous.
The second shock is the political environment. Of course, American politics have always been lively, but the polarization feels sharper than ever. Friends and family seem more divided, conversations more tense. Abroad, I often explain American democracy as resilient and adaptive, which remains true. But going from an environment where we promote U.S. policy to foreigners, to see some of the domestic political tension, particularly where I am from on the border was a bit of a shock.
What hasn’t changed is the energy of the U.S.—the innovation, the openness, and the sheer determination people bring to everyday challenges. Still, coming back highlights both the progress and the growing pains of a country always in motion. For a diplomat, it’s a reminder that representing America abroad is one thing—but re-immersing yourself at home is its own kind of foreign service. Friends change, neighborhoods change, restaurants close and reopen. It feels like coming back gives you brief snap shots into a life you once had.
I love returning home, but I was also glad to hop on that plane and get back to Myanmar. My first meal back was some Penang Curry that cost me $3 and was better than anything I could have gotten in the U.S. Life in the Foreign Service is full of sacrifice, but the perks often make it so worthwhile. -Nick
