Page 43 - IFAFA ebook v4

14.

Rita Sheridan

We always tried to sell a move as an adventure, both going on a

posting and returning home, and for the most part it worked. The

exception was when on being posted home from Chicago, our 15-

year-old son, in love for the first time, was not happy, there were

many tears at the airport from all parties. With much sympathy on

our part he seemed to get over it in a few months and by Christmas

he was in love again!

Moving schools was always a worry, wondering if everyone would

settle and make friends and not lose out academically. The big

downside of this for us was, when posted to Zambia, our 13-year-old

had to return to Ireland to boarding school. We had brought her

with us but had to reverse the decision as the school just didn’t

work out.

She was happy to be going back to Ireland and had a great

experience in boarding school. Another downside was that, the

unfortunate experiences of life, like losing a baby, or a family

member passing away is much more difficult on a posting. Although

I think the Department and colleagues are very supportive in these

situations.

I think the role of the diplomatic spouse is learned as one goes

along. I was very fortunate in that our first posting was Washington

DC which was a large mission with many other experienced and

helpful spouses from whom I learned a lot. It was an invaluable

experience as our next posting was Zambia, which was a one-person

mission.

I never worked while on posting, but of course on coming home it’s

difficult to regain a position. I have gaps in my work service with

the consequent reduction in my pension.

My experience with IFAFA has only been a good one, having been

on a couple of committees, I have met some wonderful people full of

knowledge and advice about our strange life. It was great idea, and

well done to the ladies who thought it up 40 years ago. It has been

invaluable to families especially in liaising with the Department

regarding school fees, planned postings etc. over the years.

My advice to my younger self would be, enjoy it all! It’s been a

wonderful experience and I would do it all again!

34