Peace Corps volunteers were serving in over 60 countries around the world as teachers, health care extentionists, and in the areas of small business development, agriculture, animal husbandry, environmental conservation. For many of them, it was a life dream fulfilled.
Then it came to an abrupt halt. COVID-19 ended the dream.
The Peace Corps Director on March 15 announced the withdrawal of more than 7,300 Peace Corps volunteers, trainees and staff- a complete evacuation of the Peace Corps worldwide.
All the volunteers were told to back a couple of bags and leave their sites ASAP- on the next bus out.
They left behind friends and lovers, beloved pets, unfinished projects and anything that didn't fit in those two bags.
There were no farewell celebrations. They just vanished from towns and villages around the world.
The director said in her announcement letter that these evacuations represent the temporary suspension of Volunteer activities.
But for this group of volunteers this isn't an interruption of service. It is the end of their Peace Corps Journey. They were all COSed (COS means Close of Service) which in Peace Corps terms means their time was finished- their service closed- none of them were going to restart where they left off...
They were told they need to self quarantine for 14 days on arriving back in the States where there were not people at high risk- which for many meant they couldn't go home to family.
Our RPCV family came together quickly to provide support for everyone coming back. It is amazing what a small band of motivated people can do in a crisis. The Facebook group, Returned Peace Corps COVID-19 Evacuation Support started by Josh Johnson took off in a few hours with all of us from everywhere offering what we could to those displaced so abruptly. It makes me once again proud to be a part of the Peace Corps Community.
Even in the darkest days, there is light and hope. Or as Mr. Rogers always said- Look for the helpers.
Love to all of you, my Peace Corps family. I am so proud of all of you!
Then it came to an abrupt halt. COVID-19 ended the dream.
The Peace Corps Director on March 15 announced the withdrawal of more than 7,300 Peace Corps volunteers, trainees and staff- a complete evacuation of the Peace Corps worldwide.
All the volunteers were told to back a couple of bags and leave their sites ASAP- on the next bus out.
They left behind friends and lovers, beloved pets, unfinished projects and anything that didn't fit in those two bags.
There were no farewell celebrations. They just vanished from towns and villages around the world.
The director said in her announcement letter that these evacuations represent the temporary suspension of Volunteer activities.
But for this group of volunteers this isn't an interruption of service. It is the end of their Peace Corps Journey. They were all COSed (COS means Close of Service) which in Peace Corps terms means their time was finished- their service closed- none of them were going to restart where they left off...
They were told they need to self quarantine for 14 days on arriving back in the States where there were not people at high risk- which for many meant they couldn't go home to family.
Our RPCV family came together quickly to provide support for everyone coming back. It is amazing what a small band of motivated people can do in a crisis. The Facebook group, Returned Peace Corps COVID-19 Evacuation Support started by Josh Johnson took off in a few hours with all of us from everywhere offering what we could to those displaced so abruptly. It makes me once again proud to be a part of the Peace Corps Community.
Even in the darkest days, there is light and hope. Or as Mr. Rogers always said- Look for the helpers.
Love to all of you, my Peace Corps family. I am so proud of all of you!
