My time in the Peace Corps (Ecuador) has forever impacted my view of the world 
and my place in it. I was blessed to have the opportunity to learn from the amazing women I worked with. My goal is to eventually compile all of my journals and photos to share with others (the Peace Corps’ “3rd Goal”). This will be a work in progress!I was a part of “Omnibus 83,” an eccentric group of idealistic recent college grads, a few retirees, and some married couples who were fulfilling a lifelong dream. We met up in Miami and then traveled to Quito, Ecuador, where the adventure began. We spent the first three months all together, then in homestays, learning the technical skills and language training to competently contribute in our communities.
I took on a project in the beautiful coastal town of Bahia de Caraquez, Manabi, and I worked with women’s groups to help them establish small income-generating projects. We created an awesome recycled paper cooperative, making beautiful stationary from scrap paper, decorating it with pressed, dried flowers from the region, and selling it in the tourist shops. It was a lot of fun but incredibly challenging on so many levels. My other project was to start a community bank—essentially a small savings and credit program for women. A very simple, short-term, high-interest bank that they 
managed themselves and contributed the funds which allowed them to implement or augment small income-generating activities. It was a very successful program, and the women multiplied the banks several times over. I am very proud of what they accomplished with that project.
After a year, I sorta won the “Peace Corps Lottery,” and was offered a chance to move to Galapagos to implement similar projects with the wives of the fishermen on Isla San Cristobal. Believe it or not, it was a VERY tough decision to leave the people I loved so much in Bahia, but I figured I would leave eventually, and I might as well take this new 
opportunity and run with it. Galapagos is everything you imagine: beautiful, unique, pristine . . . very special indeed. My work on the island was equally gratifying and got to experience the “Galapageno culture” as well as see evolution right before my very eyes. Truly an incredible place!!
I am so proud of the people that I had the honor of working with, and of course my fellow volunteers in Ecuador. We will forever be connected through our experiences of 12hr overnight buses and the random seatmates, riding on top with the animals, street food, intestinal challenges, bucket baths, taxistas, rickshaws, mosquito nets, $1 almuerzos, cockroaches the size of Texas, “Gringa! Shh! Shh!!”, tears and hugs when leaving . . . and chipping away at our goals to survive and succeed at The Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love!
So how is this related to triathlon? It’s not. But it was a big part of my life and is still more important 
to me than any race result. Despite all the craziness we dealt with, Peace Corps kept me balanced, even long after I left South America. I guess keeping the experience alive (and encouraging others) is a way to seek more balance (something in short supply when you get competitive in this sport!)
If you or anyone you know is interested in learning more about the Peace Corps, please see the links below. Feel free to contact me if I can help you make the decision!
Peace Corps Links:
Peace Corps: www.peacecorps.gov
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Site: www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell
Friends of Ecuador: www.friendsofecuador.org/
Great Peace Corps Ecuador Journals: www.peacecorpsjournals.com/ec.html
World Wide Peace Corps Blog Updater: www.peacecorpsjournals.com
Peace Corps Blogs, Stories, and Photos: www.thirdgoal.com
Making paper with Carlota on Isla San Cristobal, Galapago |
My “despedida” (farewell party) at the bus station in Bahia |
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Rickshaw traveling to the market in Bahia |
Our homemade yogurt and popcorn sale during the festivals in Bahia |
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Enjoying corn on the cob with my buddy |
The beautiful girls of Bahia |
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