Most days the life of a diplomat are not that different from that of any other government civil servant, except that we live in strange countries. Whether on the visa line or in the political section, it's a pretty normal office job - and in today's era of budget cuts and a high level of awareness at all levels of the embassy to be good stewards of the tax money we do receive, very little of the high society cocktail reception type of stuff takes place.
Today, though, I experienced high level diplomacy first hand with the visit of Ambassador Luis CdeBaca, head of the State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. The Philippines is serious on fighting human trafficking, and Ambassador Thomas has spoken publicly on the subject on numerous occasions, so though many back in the U.S. may have never heard of Ambassador CdeBaca -- he's a bit of a rock star in Manila.
The day's schedule: breakfast with the Secretary of Justice; round table discussion with three cabinet level secretaries and 10 other government big wigs; courtesy call with the Vice President; lunch with the various U.S. government agencies in Manila who work on trafficking; round table discussion with 7 NGOs; coffee with ambassadors from five other countries to discuss collaboration possibilities; and, finally, an art exhibition by young trafficking victims who are participating in a two year rehabilitation program (which includes art therapy).
Ending the day with the art exhibit was a brilliant suggestion by Ambassador Thomas. A long day of meetings - even with all those important people - is tiring. The girls, though, were so excited to be at the ambassador's residence and so obviously brimming with budding confidence. Their artwork was full of bright colors and hope. Talking with them provided a reminder that, even with the severity of the topic and the endless sad stories heard, all is not lost. I asked one girl why she painted a Philippine eagle, expecting an answer about it being the national bird. Her response? "Because an eagle is strong and reminds me that I can soar above to see further."
While I'm reflecting on the day's stereotypical "diplomat" meetings, the one young artist will be the one whose talk really sticks with me.
Today, though, I experienced high level diplomacy first hand with the visit of Ambassador Luis CdeBaca, head of the State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. The Philippines is serious on fighting human trafficking, and Ambassador Thomas has spoken publicly on the subject on numerous occasions, so though many back in the U.S. may have never heard of Ambassador CdeBaca -- he's a bit of a rock star in Manila.
The day's schedule: breakfast with the Secretary of Justice; round table discussion with three cabinet level secretaries and 10 other government big wigs; courtesy call with the Vice President; lunch with the various U.S. government agencies in Manila who work on trafficking; round table discussion with 7 NGOs; coffee with ambassadors from five other countries to discuss collaboration possibilities; and, finally, an art exhibition by young trafficking victims who are participating in a two year rehabilitation program (which includes art therapy).
Ending the day with the art exhibit was a brilliant suggestion by Ambassador Thomas. A long day of meetings - even with all those important people - is tiring. The girls, though, were so excited to be at the ambassador's residence and so obviously brimming with budding confidence. Their artwork was full of bright colors and hope. Talking with them provided a reminder that, even with the severity of the topic and the endless sad stories heard, all is not lost. I asked one girl why she painted a Philippine eagle, expecting an answer about it being the national bird. Her response? "Because an eagle is strong and reminds me that I can soar above to see further."
While I'm reflecting on the day's stereotypical "diplomat" meetings, the one young artist will be the one whose talk really sticks with me.
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