Lady Hiva Becomes a Diplomat

 

Several months ago Lady Hiva took the Foreign Service Officer Test. It was something that will allow her to have an amazing career as we live abroad.  Thousands of people take this test every year as an entry into their dreams of being a diplomat for the United States of America. Only a fraction of them pass and even less of them make it through the next several stages of recruitment. 

Lady Hiva was not sure that she would pass and was hard on herself with self-doubt. But we cheered her on and she was brave enough to try. She passed! Then she had her other assessments and interviews. She passed!!! We were so proud of her. 

But that also meant she had to go to Washington, DC for training. So for the month of June, we said a tearful goodbye and sent her off to the USA while the Muggles and I hung out in Mumbai for school to end. 

Thankfully, we have electricity. I cannot imagine being apart from each other 30 years ago and technology did not allow for easy communication. But with video calls, Lady Hiva is with us early in the morning and every night. We just carry her with us as we move from room to room. 

It also made it possible for us to watch her be sworn in as a public servant to defend our country. It was a special experience to sit with our children and watch their mum achieve amazing heights. 

Lady Hiva even had a flag day to assign her to a country. Surprise! She was assigned to Mumbai! HAHA. 

The kids wanted her to not be lonely, so they sent some of their favorite stuffies with her. These stuffies slept with her, they watched kids play in the park out the window with her, they ate with her. The Muggles loved that their mum took photos of their toys spending time with her! 

On the other hand the kids and I spent plenty of time enjoying all that Mumbai has to offer. We would go, go, go! As you can see from below, they were both tired. 

We went out for ice cream together. 

They wanted to practice their Olaf styled smolders for their mum...haha. 

I apparently don't pay as much attention to details when rushing out the door as a single parent. I walked around ALL DAY with my shoes like this before I even noticed!

We went up to Kid-Zania again. They loved worked and learning about money management. They did their thing and I just listened to a book and walked laps. It was a fun way to count down the days until we could be with Lady Hiva. 

He was so proud that he got his driver's license so he could drive the small go-carts. 

He then went on to get his motorcycle license. He was too light for the simulator so he could not lean all the way to the side to turn! It was comical to watch. 

We would go to the Mall and play card games together. It is a fun way to just enjoy the time we had. 

We spend a lot of time in the kitchen together. I love that they are both learning how to cook and bake. It is too the point that both of them can make banana bread with no help. 

As you can see below, sometimes it does not work out as planned. This was the fresh banana bread right out of the oven. The whole 13x9 glass casserole dish slipped out of Lucky Dragon's hands and shattered on the marble floor. They were so sad to lose their hard work. Luckily for them in India you can order food and it will be delivered within 10 minutes. So they were able to make a second batch to enjoy.  

They both love playing the grand piano at the Consulate. I like hearing them play. They are truly talented people. I hope they keep growing in their skills. 

They helped me bake bread for the neighbors and we prepared gift bags to give away on our trip.