When Tincy Miller learned that 40 guests were coming to her home on Tuesday, August 18, for Les Femmes du Monde lunch, she had some trepidations. Well, any hostess would. But her home-sweet-home was already filled to the rafters with loads of family photos, furniture and collectibles. It was the kind of place to raise a family and have holiday feasts, but it was going to be a stretch to have a buffet lunch and seating for 30 to hear from former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia/author/attorney/SMU Fellow Robert W. Jordan plus have an area for him to sign books.
Luckily, Tincy’s ability to be flexible rose to the occasion when the organizers arrived and told her that the body count had risen to 60.
Parking along the street was the first challenge. Construction on neighboring properties had created a cozy car situation.
Luckily, the Jack Boles crew was at the driveway to greet the guests, with Gary Ferraro escorting them up the steps and to the front door where a table was set up for check-in.
To assist guests from the dining room buffet to the sunken family room, there was another gentleman to offer a hand.
Luckily, Robert was able to beat the crowd to the buffet and gulped down his lunch before telling about his days as U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Following 9/11, he was appointed by former President George W. Bush to serve from October 2001 to October 2003. Despite having no diplomatic experience, he learned on the job. He spoke of the close relationships that he built with “Crown Prince Abdullah and leaders in Saudi Arabia on sensitive issues of terrorism and human rights.”
As usual, Les Femmes provided an opportunity for members and guests to learn about the world outside of North Texas for the benefit of the World Affairs Council Dallas/Fort Worth and Children’s Health. If you weren’t able to make it, you can read all about it in Robert’s book “Desert Diplomat – Inside Saudi Arabia Following 9/11” that was released in July.