RPCV Phyllis Gloden, 74, spent two years in Lesotho
Read and comment on this story from the Lansing State Journal on Phyllis Gloden who just returned from from two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa. "I'm glad I went, and I would recommend the experience to anybody," she said. "Most Peace Corps volunteers are younger, but people shouldn't let their age hold them back." said Gloden, who's less than two months shy of her 75th birthday. Read the story at:
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Woman, 74, tells of experiences in Africa
Peace Corps worker offers services again to Lansing Habitat
HUGH LEACH/Lansing State Journal
By Hugh Leach Lansing State Journal
EAST LANSING - One of Phyllis Gloden's first stops after returning last week from two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa was the Habitat for Humanity Lansing office.
"I wanted them to know I'm back and ready to go to work," said Gloden, who's less than two months shy of her 75th birthday.
The two years in Lesotho, a country the size of Maryland, disrupted her fitness routine. So Gloden might not be ready quite yet to swing a hammer again.
"I got a little out of shape," said the 1999 Habitat Lansing Volunteer of the Year. "But I'm sure they can find something for me to do."
Denise Paquette, executive director for Habitat Lansing, is overjoyed to have Gloden back.
"Phyllis is an inspiration to all of us," she said. "She came in and our whole day brightened. She's the perfect volunteer."
Gloden, who sold her dressmaking business before leaving, enjoyed her time in Lesotho but is happy to be back.
"I'm glad I went, and I would recommend the experience to anybody," she said. "Most Peace Corps volunteers are younger, but people shouldn't let their age hold them back."
In Lesotho, Gloden helped native women create and market quilts, wall hangings, crafts and other items, primarily for sale to tourists. When she arrived in Lesotho in May 2001, Gloden decided she wanted to live like the natives. "I didn't have running water or electricity," she said. "At the end of 10 weeks I decided I could use hot water and a shower."
In Lesotho, Gloden helped native women create and market quilts, wall hangings, crafts and other items, primarily for sale to tourists.
She brought six quilts back to give to her grandsons when they get married. The wedding date for the first is a few weeks away.
When she arrived in Lesotho in May 2001, Gloden decided she wanted to live like the natives.
"I didn't have running water or electricity," she said. "At the end of 10 weeks I decided I could use hot water and a shower."
Her experiences included hosting Lesotho's queen mother Mamohato Bereng Seeiso at a tea in her home and receiving a return invitation for tea at the royal palace. The two women had met briefly on two previous occasions.
"The young kids were blown away because I called the queen mother," Gloden said. "I figured I had nothing to lose. The worst that could happen would be she would say no."
Gloden said the queen mother "is a very gracious, wonderful lady with a good sense of humor and an infectious laugh."
She also found time to work on a South African Habitat for Humanity project organized by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, whom she met on the work site.
Julie Gloden of Grand Ledge said her mother is the type of person who is first to offer help to anyone for whatever they may need.
"She is a selfless and caring humanitarian," Julie Gloden said. "A real statement about her is the fact she already has a list started of things to do in her next life."
Contact Hugh Leach at 377-1119 or hleach@lsj.com. Click on a link below for more stories on PCOL
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This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; Older Volunteers; COS - Lesotho
