Page 75 - IFAFA ebook v4

In Spain I was able to work on assignment with the same employer I

had in Dublin, for the duration of the posting. In Mexico, I focused

on caring for the kids, enjoyed the vast cultural offerings there and

through serving on the board of a children's welfare NGO, managed

to balance multiple interests. Ethiopia was one of the more

practically challenging places to be and never less than fascinating.

I served on our kids' school board there, and still do, even though

we have returned to Dublin. With kids there is always busy-ness.

Without kids there is still always much to do, but the challenge is

greater as one is often alone, without the support network or

structures of home. So when people describe these circumstances as

a career 'break' I'm not sure how I feel about the word 'break' in

there.

IFAFA committee members consistently work hard to advocate for

us families and contribute at European levels to an impressive

degree. The organization and support for this photography

exhibition project is another example of the thoughtfulness and

enthusiasm of IFAFA leaders; I'd like to acknowledge them here and

say thank you for all that they do. And thank you to Christine for

the wonderful results of our morning in Stephen's Green, the place

that we chose because we miss it when we're away.

Patrick Scott, husband of Sonja Hyland, parents of Louis and

Alexander.

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