Two days before her scheduled arrival, Peace Corps volunteers living in Bamako were invited to the US Ambassador’s residence to hear a short presentation by Mrs. Bush. We were told not to bring cell phones or backpacks, and to dress well. We all had to meet at the Peace Corps Bureau. We were then bused to another US Government facility, where we were placed in another government vehicle. I understand that these vehicles had all been screened for bombs. We were then driven to the Ambassador’s home on streets closed to all other traffic, vehicular or pedestrian.
Outside the Ambassador’s residence, there were many Malian police. At the gate entrance, the presence of the Secret Service first made itself known. Two metal screening stations were set up. Several white people (men and women) in sunglasses stood back and watched very carefully as each of us was screened. They had a list by name of everyone who was permitted onto the grounds.
There were cold drinks offered as the group assembled at waited. There were Peace Corps volunteers & staff, Embassy staff, and employees from other government related agencies. As I waited, I asked the Secret Service how I should address her. They said that she prefers “Mrs. Bush”. Other first ladies sometimes prefer “Madam First Lady”.
After about 1 hour, we could hear sirens approaching. After about another 5 minutes, the huge armored sliding door opened very quickly. Two identical black SUV’s entered, and the door was shut behind them VERY quickly. Untold numbers of people in sunglasses poured out of the 2 cars, perhaps 8-12 people. Then, the gate opened again, one SUV left, the other left and immediately returned this time backing into the driveway. The huge door was closed behind them. Everything was quiet.
After another 5 minutes of so, the Ambassador led a procession out of his house, with Mrs. Bush, and her daughter Jenna, following. He very briefly introduced her, and turned the podium over to her.
Mrs. Bush was very cordial. She expressed her sincere thank you to staff and the Peace Corps for their hard work in Mali. She mentioned that earlier that day, she had met with the Malian President Toure regarding the work that the US was supporting in Mali. She then had her picture taken with a group of children, followed by a picture with the Peace Corps volunteers.
At that point, something much unexpected happened. As she approached the corner where all of the volunteers were asked to stand, she decided that she needed to go behind the rope and stand amidst the group. I had been standing in back of the group, because I am taller than most. She opened the rope in front of me, proceeded through the group of volunteers, and came face to face with me. At 6 inches apart, I shook her hand and said “Welcome to Mali Mrs. Bush”. She looked me directly in the eye, thanked me for my work, and proceeded to stand with the group for the photo. It was a very warm greeting. I appreciated it. Click Here for my pictures.
So this was my brief visit with the First Lady. During my volunteer stay, I have met the US Ambassador to Mali several times, the Director and the Assistant Director of the Peace Corps, the US Ambassador to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), and many other Directors and ‘Chiefs of Party’ (COP’s). I have found each of these encounters interesting and contributed to my understanding of how work and life occur in the developing world.
Thank you Mrs. Bush.