The Foreign Service Journal, April 2012

30 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / A P R I L 2 0 1 2 and managers. True, there were also some challenges along the way. Working with the Mozambican Ministry of Health and its branches was tricky, demanding around-the-clock diplo- macy, particularly when it came to suggesting better ways for the ministry to conduct certain operations. During my final year there, the ministry appeared to be- lieve that expatriates were “stealing” highly qualified jobs from Mozambicans. As a result, I saw several colleagues and partners lose both their jobs and their work visas, ef- fectively forcing them to return home. But while I had to request and renew special work authorizations from the Ministry of Labor, I was able to remain working through- out the period. Despite the hurdles, I enjoyed the experience so much that when my husband completed his tour and had to re- turn toWashington for his next assignment, we agreed that I would stay behind to finish my commitment to the con- tractor. (I had started a national staff training program, and needed to see it through.) Was it difficult to be separated for almost an entire year, with two little children? Absolutely. But it was also well worth the sacrifices we all made. The experience gave me a sense of confidence, responsibility and self-respect. And I believe it can be an example for other eligible family members seeking overseas job opportunities, whether within or outside the U.S. mission. One can do anything with the proper guidance and support. Back in Brazil My husband, Leonel, has been a political-economic of- ficer at the U.S. consulate in Recife since 2010. Although it’s a small (but fast-growing!) post, there have always been opportunities for EFMs to work, whether in the consulate or within the local economy. Still, getting back into the work force wasn’t easy. Our family arrived in Brazil two years ago, with two toddlers and a baby on the way. Just a few months after our youngest child was born, I began working full time as a math and sci- ence teacher at the American School of Recife. In coordi- nation with the school principal, I’ve also launched an experimental program to expose elementary school chil- dren to science. Another successful program I have worked with, hosted by the Northeastern Technology Center (CETENE), is called “Future Scientists.” Intended to tailor female high school students to pursue careers in science, the program has the support of Brazil’s national government and U.S. Consulate Recife. The original idea for this project came from the Brazil- ian government’s interest in finding innovative ways to en- courage young women to pursue careers in science and technology. I see my role as sharing experiences as a fe- male scientist working, researching and teaching in Brazil, and discussing the challenges I’ve encountered and ways to overcome them. As an Eligible Family Member, a mom and a scientist, I am frequently invited to share my thoughts on work-life balance with program participants. These young Brazilian professionals want to know if it’s possible to live and work overseas, pursuing and keeping a professional career, de- spite frequent moves. My answer? “Absolutely! It may not be easy, but it’s definitely possible.” We Foreign Service family members all have a special responsibility to share success stories about being locally employed overseas. In that spirit, I hope my own experi- ences will help inspire other EFMs out there. That would be a great reward. F OCUS