As employees of the State Department, our lifestyle is very different from most Americans. Our home base will always be Washington, D.C., but we live overseas for 2-3 years at a time, providing unique opportunities for our children to have immersive, cross-cultural experiences. Within the diplomatic community, there is a tremendous support system for children and adults alike, since the vast majority of our friends and colleagues move on a regular basis. It’s also a community that embraces diversity, as many families adopt or have mixed-race families through marriage. We have seen that over time, children in families like ours tend to grow up understanding the value of public service and they are adept at adjusting to changing environments. Education is very important to us and we have chosen careers that will give our children access to the best private schools all over the globe. At the same time, we recognize that every individual reacts differently to change, especially as teenagers. Fortunately, our careers provide us with the flexibility to remain in D.C. while our children proceed through middle and high school if that turns out to be a better fit. Above all, our kids are our number one priority. We will do everything in our power to ensure they have unforgettable childhoods, but that they also feel grounded and supported throughout their adolescence and young adulthood.