Beautiful White House Christmas!

Earlier this month, before our trip to Nicaragua, Shelly and David were guests of Chase Kimball and Heather Campbell for the annual White House Christmas decorations tour! We had a marvellous afternoon seeing the beautiful trees, garlands, and decor in such a beautiful and inspirational setting.  The portraits of Presidents and First Ladies and the other national treasures were augmented by the sights and sounds of the season.  A gingerbread White House and the Orchestra of Northern Virginia brought a festive air to the day; and spending the day with Heather and Chase was very very special!  Enjoy these photos and your Christmas holiday with our love and best wishes!

 

Fifty Years Ago

Fifty years ago tonight, when my daddy tucked me into bed, he told me that this would be a day I would remember the rest of my life.  He was right.  Not only do I think about President Kennedy's death on that tragic day, I think about his life and the impact it has had on mine . . . his idea of the Peace Corps, and my own experience with that amazing organization; and Heather's work overseas and at Peace Corps headquarters.  The vision of outer space, the challenge of Berlin, and Cuba, and ultimately Southeast Asia.   And the simple idea that service is what one's country may ask of you . . .

Today, November 22, 2013, to honor the legacy of President John F. Kennedy, Shelly and I went to his gravesite at Arlington National Cemetary to pay our respects.  We were not alone.  My boss, Secretary of State John Kerry was there too.  Quiet prayers under a cloudy sky.  Inspired by the simple elegance of stone and flame and the soaring quotations in stone surrounding the memorial. Then, the short walk to visit the graves of Bobby and Ted . . . a somber day, but an important one to reflect on an unforgettable moment and fifty years without JFK.    

Autumn on Campus

Shelly and David have been buried in the books . . . studying Spanish full-time in preparation for our next tour in Ecuador!  Even though we spend most of our days indoors in classrooms, libraries, and laboratories . . . we are very fortunate to attend school at the pre-eminent training center for professional diplomats.  It also happens to be gorgeous this time of year!  Enjoy these photos of our campus near Washington, DC.