Fulbright Update:
Thanksgiving at ambassador's fends off homesickness
In all the times I’ve lived abroad, I’ve only missed Thanksgiving once, in 2010. I was in Uganda, and the day was really miserable—a rural hotel somewhere eating cassava, which I don’t much like, washed down with a warm beer. Worst of all, it was hard being away from my family and friends.

Thanksgiving at ambassador's residence

Because of my Fulbright in Moldova, I experienced my second Thanksgiving away from home last week. On Thanksgiving day, I was mopey and lonely, and missed my family terribly. I worked most of the day to take my mind off of my isolation. But I did have a great dinner (seafood Tom Yum soup, homemade spring rolls).

However, the following day, the holiday was saved by the U.S. Ambassador to Moldova and his wonderful staff. They hosted two Fulbright scholars and six Fulbright English teaching assistants, and a few others, for a traditional American holiday meal. Everything was really excellent—moist Turkey, plenty of sage in the stuffing, and pumpkin pie with crust to die for. I’ve eaten at ambassadors’ residences before, and always think it’s cool to dine off of the china that features the seal of the United States. Even the gravy boat had this official seal.

Ambassador Kent Logsdon and his wife Michelle are warm, gracious hosts. It was great chatting with them. The ambassador has relatives in Kansas City, so it was nice to reminisce about KC, including barbeque and the giant shuttlecocks at the Nelson Atkins Museum.

The highlight of my night was catching up with the young Fulbright English teaching assistants. Brimming with energy and joie de vivre, it’s always fun hearing about their adventures.

Thanks to Kent and Michelle Logsdon, their staff, and my colleagues for a wonderful evening.