Learning to be an expat, part 2

Exhibit A: 2002. I’m in Turkmenistan, my first job that requires ongoing negotiation with government officials. I am in the anteroom at the Ministry of Health, for my introductory meeting. … more Blood & Milk…

Learning to be an expat, part one

I’d only been at my job for about two weeks, and Artur and I were sent off to look at some field sites. We were in Ferghana City in Uzbekistan, … more Blood & Milk…

Things I don’t believe in #6 – All powerful expatriate leadership (June 2008)

  Note: August is looking like a crazy and stressful month for me, with no time to blog here. To make sure no one gets bored and abandons me, I … more Blood & Milk…

What we can learn from missionaries

I’m going to start with #9, because a lot of you asked about it. And I don’t want people thinking I was suggesting we convert people to, well, anything. No … more Blood & Milk…

How to ride in a white SUV

1. Look sheepish, like you would never been in this huge vehicle if you weren’t forced into it by overprotective security officers. 2. Look ill. Maintain a greenish-grey visage that … more Blood & Milk…

Anger, control, and finding the zone

I have, once again, given up substantial amounts of control over my life. Living overseas does that to you. Part of it is the expatriate experience. The language barrier makes … more Blood & Milk…

Things that do damage

Badly planned, badly thought out NGO operations hurt the communities they attempt to serve. We’re all aware of that in the big ways, like allowing food aid to be turned … more Blood & Milk…