Often times when working abroad, especially for the government as, say, a Peace Corps Volunteer or an English Language Fellow, one often has unusual and unique opportunities that one wouldn't have back home in the States. For example, while I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine, I met First Lady Hillary Clinton while assisting White House staff with her visit to the country. Well, conicidentally, during the month of March, Tyler and I were asked by the US Embassy to assist with events during President George W. Bush's recent visit to Guatemala. Our main responsibilities included escorting the American press to and from the tarmac at the Guatemalan airport, setting up the Press Filing Center at the hotel where the press were staying, and escorting the press to and from the National Palace where President Berger of Guatemala formally welcomed President and First Lady Bush. It was a whirlwind of activities, volunteering long hours to make sure everything went off without a hitch. As the staff from the US Embassy in Guatemala City is rather small, we had help from US Embassy staff from Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Panama. Our team effort paid off as President Bush stated at the press conference and reiterated through White House staff that the trip to Guatemala was one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences for President and First Lady Bush during Bush's presidency. Of course, I also contribute this to the hospitality and spirit of the Guatemalan people.
Please click on the photo below (and then on "slideshow") to see additional photos we took during the POTUS visit:
