The Foreign Service Journal, April 2010

A P R I L 2 0 1 0 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 33 F O C U S O N T H E F S R O L E I N H A I T I T ALES FROM THE F IELD ozens of AFSA members from around the world responded to the AFSAnet solicita- tion the Journal sent out asking Foreign Service personnel from all agencies to share their stories of participating in the U.S. response to the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti — whether on site, at their own posts or in Washington, D.C. Our thanks to all who contributed to this compilation. — Steven Alan Honley, Editor A B EACON OF H OPE I am an Eligible Family Member Professional Associ- ate in Beijing who had worked for the United Nations in 2005 as part of the Asian tsunami relief operation. Shortly after the Jan. 12 earthquake, they asked me to go to Haiti to do similar work. When I spoke to my supervisor, he immediately said I should go. I then spoke with the embassy human re- sources section, which was also supportive. Within a day, the department had authorized me to take leave for two months to assist the United Nations. Wow! EFM employment is tough to come by as it is, but hav- ing such flexibility and quick decision-making by the State Department is worthy of praise. Its recognition that my skills could be better used elsewhere for the moment clearly demonstrates that State deserves its reputation as one of the best places to work in the U.S. government — even for spouses! My particular job in Haiti is running the largest U.N. staff camp in the world. I work from 4 a.m. until 10 or 11 p.m. every day, and am in touch with my counterparts in other U.S. government agencies performing similar tasks at Embassy Port-au-Prince. The embassy is a beacon of hope in the rubble of col- lapsed buildings surrounding it. As the largest and strongest structure still standing in the city, it symbolizes the strength of the United States in this time of need and provides a strong sense of stability for all who pass by it. Its interior is also remarkable. Compared with my own experience of sleeping in tents and working outside, it is a paradise! Real office space, air conditioning, clean drink- ing water and a cafeteria may seem like small things in nor- mal times, but they are luxuries compared to anything outside. However, that doesn’t mean the job is easy there! The high expectations everyone has of the American response adds a pressure that is unlike that of any normal working H UNDREDS OF AFSA MEMBERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD ARE RESPONDING TO THE CRISIS IN H AITI . H ERE ARE SOME OF THEIR STORIES . D