It was about this time last month that I found myself in a bit of a conundrum.  We were in the process of setting our new apartment up and it was very obvious that there was no room for my beloved custom-designed chaise lounge from the Philippines.  I was heartbroken.
I resigned myself to the fact that I would have to sell it (I’m not into storage anymore, if there’s no room for it, then it’s gotta go). Â I started posting it in our diplomatic community facebook forums and listservs. The response was overwhelming, but not in the way I had expected. Â I got reply after reply telling me that I absolutely could NOT sell the chaise. Â And interestingly, a unique solution emerged that I never would have considered.
The Diplomatic Community Never Fails to Surprise Me
People started volunteering to ‘house sit’ the chaise for a few years until we headed to our next post.  And mind you, these were not long-time friends, but total strangers.  There I was, humbled yet again by the generosity of our diplomatic community.
I accepted an offer from a lovely family whose timing matched ours (translation: we wouldn’t have to take it back before we leave again in 2-3 years). Â We coordinated via email and they showed up yesterday with a big ole moving truck. Â Not only did I not have to get it to them, but they didn’t even want my help carrying it from the apartment to the truck. Â Talk about service, huh?!
Big thanks to Lauren, David and Lily for helping us find a creative solution to our problem! Â No matter how big or small the challenge, I am thankful that we’re never in this alone thank to our amazing foreign service community!
I am so happy your favorite chair found a home and you didn’t have to sell it! I remember how excited you were when you bought it and it is a piece you should have with you forever.
I agree, it would have been a big loss. Yay for kind people!