I-Guana Welcome You To Ecuador

Ecuador is a nature-lover's paradise.  As a simple example, our new home in Guayaquil, a city of 3 million persons, has hundreds, if not thousands, of iguanas living in the city center.  The main park in front of the cathedral downtown features a statue of South American liberator Simon Bolivar, and is officially called "Parque Bolivar"' Unofficially, though, it is known as "Parque des Iguanas" as there are dozens of these prehistoric reptiles living there.  We had a fun afternoon in the park yesterday.  See what we mean!

A romantic moment on the park bench

I guana go to a meeting

I guana walk like you

Iguana photo bomb

I guana take a selfie---you mind?

 

Shelly's guana be a great photographer

Bailey and Family Are Ecuador Bound!

We are on our way!  Shelly, David and Bailey leave today, April 2nd, for our two year tour to Guayaquil, Ecuador!  Bailey is, by now, a seasoned Foreign Service dog . . . having lived in or visited New Mexico, Washington, DC, Paris, Mauritius, Florida, and soon, Ecuador.  He looks forward to the new adventures, sights, and smells that await him in Guayaquil.  (We will write soon, but it may take a few days to get internet set up at our new home.)  Buen viaje, Bailey!

La bandera de Ecuador

Have Bag? Bailey will travel

Banks of the Seine

Notre Paw, Notre Dame

Bailey' Beret

Mais Oui See the Tour Eiffel?

Sunbathing in Mauritius

Heather and Chase Get Married!

It was a magical, spectacular event with so much love and happiness!  The pictures are starting to pour in from all corners, and we will post them as they arrive.  Chase's mom, Linda Hoffman Kimball, put together a marvelous video collage of photos of Heather and Chase, which you can access by clicking HERE.

We were all honored by the presence and prayers of so many family and friends from around the world, and we were overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support for this special couple.   Happy happy happy! 

Getting legal at the County Clerk's Office!

At the florist's picking up the wedding bouquet

Daddy's Little Girl

You may now kiss the bride!

Exiting the Temple, Entering Married Life

Cutting a Massive Wedding Cake!

The Salt Lake reception

Wedding Bells!

Today's the big day!  Heather and Chase are to be married in a few hours in Albuquerque . . . with loving friends and family all around.  We are so happy for their love and happiness, and want all the best for them.

28 years ago today, Shelly and I were married in Albuquerque . . . and that beautiful song Sunrise, Sunset from Fiddler on the Roof was sung at our wedding.  The lyrics seem so appropriate today:
 
Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?
I don't remember growing older
When did they?

When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he get to be so tall?
Wasn't it yesterday
When they were small?

Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears

What words of wisdom can I give them?
How can I help to ease their way?
Now they must learn from one another
Day by day

They look so natural together
Just like two newlyweds should be
Is there a canopy in store for me?

Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears



To Heather and Chase, wishing you health, happiness, and long lives together . . . Happy Wedding Day!  We love you!

America Seen from Afar: A Couple Presentations in ABQ

Shelly and I are thrilled to be coming home to Albuquerque for the month of March; as we prepare to leave again for our next diplomatic post in Guayaquil, Ecuador.  It will be a busy month, its highlight being the wedding of Heather Campbell to Chase Kimball on March 15th.  

I've been preparing for a couple presentations on our lives overseas:  one at the UNM Alumni Association on February 27 and another at Albuquerque Academy on March 12.  Here are the links for information on both.  Note that each requires reservations ahead of time.

UNM Alumni Association:  February 27

Albuquerque Academy: March 12


Hope we can see you at one or the other event (or both)!

A Conversation with Colin Powell

Ambassador Nancy McEldowney hosted former Secretary of State Colin Powell for an afternoon conversation at the Foreign Service Institute.  General Powell reflected on his years of public service, the lessons that might be relevant for diplomats in training, and some commentary on the state of the world today.  He emphasized the need to educate and inspire young people to work in the public interest.  He was thoughtful, frank, and insightful.  We who were honored to be in the audience were inspired to renew our commitments to public service.  

P.S. It was my last day of class at FSI this year; Shelly and I are off to Albuquerque next week, and off to Ecuador next month!