She submitted to an interview, she completed mounds of paperwork and she received numerous eye, medical and dental exams. Martin also attended a seminar last spring which enabled her to meet people who've been involved in the organization. That experience, she said, removed any doubts she ever had. "I never felt energy like that," she said. "It was contagious, you felt it. It was like electricity. ... When I walked out of there, I floated. I was on cloud nine."
In her 60s, Peggy Martin is ready to tackle a new challenge -- becoming a volunteer for the Peace Corps
On a Mission of Mercy
ERIN SNELGROVE, esnelgrove@newsreview.info
August 22, 2005
Peggy Martin of Roseburg lives a full life. She raised three children. She became a grandmother and great-grandmother, and she's worked in both the advertising and nutrition fields.
In her 60s, Martin is ready to tackle a new challenge -- becoming a volunteer for the Peace Corps.
"Now is the perfect time," said Martin, who is divorced. "When things fall into place, that means it's supposed to happen."
For much of her adulthood, Martin has been interested in joining the Peace Corps. But her work and her family dominated her time, until now. Through a chance meeting with former Peace Corps volunteers, her interest was renewed. She made a commitment to learn more about the program.
She submitted to an interview, she completed mounds of paperwork and she received numerous eye, medical and dental exams.
Martin also attended a seminar last spring which enabled her to meet people who've been involved in the organization. That experience, she said, removed any doubts she ever had.
"I never felt energy like that," she said. "It was contagious, you felt it. It was like electricity. ... When I walked out of there, I floated. I was on cloud nine."
Since that time, Martin has been preparing herself mentally and physically for her adventure. She's simplifying her life by getting rid of material things and giving family treasures to her children.
She's spending time with her friends and loved ones, and she's taking many yoga and exercise classes at the Downtown Fitness Center in Roseburg.
Damian Webber, Martin's personal trainer, said Martin is ready for what lies ahead. Not only has she improved her physical fitness, she has the strength and vitality to succeed in any environment.
"She's very much a free spirit, very adventurous," Webber said. "She's a sweetie and she's very respectful to everybody. She's inquisitive and eager, and I think that will help her out wherever she goes."
TJ Lapite, who works with Martin at Marco Pharma International in Roseburg, agrees. She said Martin is a motivational, patient and compassionate person. Although she will miss Martin once she leaves, she knows the Peace Corps will be a great experience for her.
"She has such a tranquil, positive personality, which I think will be quite comforting to anyone she has the chance to help in this new venture of hers," Lapite said. "She is just terrific with people. ... Love is such a strong force, and she has so much of it."
Although she doesn't know the specifics of her journey, Martin said she is expecting to learn more by October. Her suspicion is she will be sent to Asia and that she will work in advertising or marketing.
She will also be away from home for 2 1/2 years, the first six months of which will be spent living with a host family. That time, she said, will be dedicated to learning a new language and culture.
"I'm eager to actually be doing some activity so I feel like I'm progressing," Martin said. "Waiting, that's hard for me."
As one of seven children, Martin said she learned at an early age the importance of independence and self-reliance. She moved around a lot and attended between nine and 10 schools by the time she graduated from Canyonville High. Her parents were also the type of people who embraced adventure and who offered unconditional support.
Because of this background, Martin said she feels ready for anything.
"When I go there, the focus won't be on myself and what I can get. I'm beyond that," Martin said. "I'm going to give total service, 100 percent to where I'm going and where I'm needed."
* You can reach reporter Erin Snelgrove at 957-4208 or by e-mail at esnelgrove@newsreview.info.
