October 2022 marks the 10 year anniversary of the founding of Trailing Houses – the unofficial Facebook Group of the Foreign Service. Affectionately known as THOTUS, the group now numbers at around 23,000 members.

Since its inception as a way for a few EFMs from Kathmandu to keep in touch after departing post, it’s grown to be the first stop for questions, answers, information, sharing, and connection for folks serving in Embassies and Consulates around the world as well as those based “back home.”

Trailing Houses is moderated by 5 admins: 4 EFMs (spouses of Foreign Service members) and a direct-hire FSO: Ed (E.M.) Dyer, Erica Meeks, Ricky Lynn, Lesley Beahm (who couldn’t make the interview), and Kim Beauchamp. Collectively, they’ve served in: Abidjan, Abuja, Harare, Kathmandu, Khartoum, La Paz, London, Nairobi, Podgorica, Prague, Pristina, Tallinn, Tel Aviv, and, of course, D.C.

In this exclusive interview, the Admins share with us the origins of Trailing Houses, how it’s grown, where it’s heading, and what they’ve learned from moderating a hugely diverse group who move around the world, trailing their houses with them.
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You can support the generous work of the Trailing Houses admins by contributing to their Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/trailinghouses