January 2022: Encontrar, Festejar, Mirar

Encontrar (to find/discover)

i am running into a new year

by Lucille Clifton

i am running into a new year

and the old years blow back

like a wind

that i catch in my hair

like strong fingers like

all my old promises and

it will be hard to let go

of what i said to myself

about myself

when i was sixteen and

twentysix and thirtysix

even thirtysix but

i am running into a new year

and i beg what i love and

i leave to forgive me

Festejar (to celebrate)

Celebrating the life of my father-in-law who passed away over the weekend. Pop Dukes was a steady and reliable presence in my life. He was a constant in over a decade of birthdays, holidays, milestones and vacations. Living in New York City, the Glenns' home was my home away from home. He led by example - a family man in the truest sense. Losing him is immense. Rest In Peace, Pop Dukes. Love you.

Mirar (to look at/watch)

This month dedicated to Pop Dukes.

I'm an "EFM" (Eligible Family Member) as defined by the U.S. Department of State. Here's what I've been EFM-ing this month.

An EFM as defined by the U.S. Department of State:

Eligible family member (EFM): An individual who meets all of the following criteria,

(1) Is the spouse or domestic partner of a sponsoring employee; or child of a sponsoring employee under 21 and unmarried, or (regardless of age) unmarried and incapable of self-support; or a parent (including step-parent or legally adoptive parent) or sibling who has been declared as 51% or more dependent on the sponsoring employee;

(2) Is listed on one of the following:

(a) The travel orders of a sponsoring employee who is assigned (not TDY) to a U.S. mission abroad under Chief of Mission authority, or at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan;

or

(b) An approved Form OF-126, Foreign Service Residence and Dependency Report (or other agency equivalent), of a sponsoring employee who is assigned (not TDY) to a U.S. mission abroad under Chief of Mission authority, or at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan, and is residing at the sponsoring employee’s post of assignment.