Friendship

Life overseas with USAID meant spending years at a time far from extended families and home communities. During those times, the Agency’s staff found new connections with the colleagues and families serving alongside them.

Those attachments often formed quickly – sometimes ending when it was time to move to the next assignment in the next country – but other times growing into lifelong bonds.

Close quarters, small communities, and remote postings could be socially stifling, but when we found the right people, friendships were deep and durable.

Alongside those friends, we navigated tough bosses and shared office gossip, just as any other workforce would. But we also celebrated holidays together, cared for children together, and invented our own ways to have fun together.

If you’re a USAID alum or family member with a story of friendship overseas, I’d love to hear it. Send me a message at www.itwasneverajob.com.