Orientation has just about wrapped up, and the countdown to our PCS to Nouakchott ticks ever closer. The last week saw a lot of progress in making sure the move is a success and will happen on time. Diplomatic Visas have been obtained, Virginia finally mailed the title for the Nouakchott Battle Cruiser, the vehicle had a robust service visit to ensure all systems are running smoothly by the time it makes it to Mauritania, I made an epic consumables run, pack-out times have been firmed up, and nearly every t and i has been crossed and dotted. Really all that’s left is pack-out, and that’s just days away.
One of the hardest parts about the draw down and move overseas is leaving behind all the wonderful people I have met along the way through orientation. I didn’t really go into orientation expecting much, but the bonds and friendships I have made since arriving here in April have been wonderful. I guess this is what living in the Foreign Service world is like though. Throughout our career we find ourselves in unique situations with our fellow countrymen, bond over them, and then pack it all up and start all over again. It’s sort of a blessing and curse. Our experiences are so varied and unique, it’s impossible to ever get bored in your job when it always changes, but it also means moving away from treasured friends and hoping that one day in the future your paths will cross again. Shakespeare said it best when he wrote “parting is such sweet sorrow” in Romeo and Juliet.
On the bright side, we have thankfully had some great events over the last couple of weeks to celebrate our departures. Nice dinners in DC, a Murder Mystery Party, eating at a crazy conveyor belt sushi restaurant, and one of the most epic nights of karaoke in Chinatown. Memories to last a lifetime.
Another neat thing that happened this week was I got featured on the MED Facebook and LinkedIn pages as part of their recruitment efforts. Pretty cool. Below is a photo of the post, and below that is a photoshop some orientation friends made to poke fun of some colorful comments I made about a trip to Fogo de Chao.
Although it’s sad orientation is coming to a close, I’m really excited to just get out there and start doing the job in country. Despite its austerity, Mauritania and Nouakchott have nothing but glowing reviews from the Foreign Service community, and I really can’t wait to get myself over there. The end of orientation also means the end of being separated from my family, which has been the hardest part of this process. In less than a week we will be back together as we make final departure preparations, and with any luck, will be the last time we are apart for a prolonged period of time.
It’s a bittersweet time, and although my career prologue is coming to an end, the adventure is just getting started. –Nick
