2006.09.26: September 26, 2006: Headlines: COS - Lesotho: Carmi Times: Rebecca Nolan is returning for a short visit after spending 16 months in Lesotho, a southern African nation, as a Peace Corps volunteer
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2006.09.26: September 26, 2006: Headlines: COS - Lesotho: Carmi Times: Rebecca Nolan is returning for a short visit after spending 16 months in Lesotho, a southern African nation, as a Peace Corps volunteer
Rebecca Nolan is returning for a short visit after spending 16 months in Lesotho, a southern African nation, as a Peace Corps volunteer
Nolan has worked considerably with the farmers and garden caretakers to increase their crop production. Gardens are done as raised beds, with organic material placed underneath the beds in alternating layers of wood ash, manure, organic material and soil. She has planted experimental gardens with the school children, trying to find ways to extend their growing season for greens. Community gardens help feed the sick and elderly.
Rebecca Nolan is returning for a short visit after spending 16 months in Lesotho, a southern African nation, as a Peace Corps volunteer
One year in, Peace Corps volunteer Rebecca Nolan back home for visit
By JUDY BINGMAN Special to The Times
Published: Tuesday, September 26, 2006 4:26 PM CDT
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Public welcome at open house, 4-H informational meeting
Crossville native Rebecca Nolan is returning to White County for a short visit after spending 16 months in Lesotho, a southern African nation, as a Peace Corps volunteer.
Nolan, daughter of Charles and Gail Nolan of rural Crossville, entered the Peace Corps in June 2005. An open house in her honor will be held at the Nolan home from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30.
Also, the Crossville Prizewinners 4-H Club will host an informal reception for Nolan on Sunday, Oct. 1 at the Ron and Marlene Harrington home, 1549 County Road 1625 North. Nolan will prepare some food typical to the Lesotho diet and talk about life in the African country. The club will hold a short meeting beginning at 2 p.m., with Nolan's presentation following at 2:15 p.m.
Nolan's home in Lesotho has no running water or electricity. The home, called a rondoval, is round with a thatched roof and cement floor. The only light comes from two windows.
The village where she lives is surrounded by mountains in all directions. The village is on a hill, then drops off to a stream.
Sesotho is the language spoken in Lesotho, and Nolan has become more skilled at communicating with the local residents during the past year. She works with the families to grow food more efficiently.
Nolan and her colleagues in the Peace Corps work in various endeavors in the country. HIV/AIDS deaths have resulted in an increase in the number of orphans in the country, and the orphanages are always in need of assistance with care of the children, food preparation and care of the gardens.
Nolan has worked considerably with the farmers and garden caretakers to increase their crop production. Gardens are done as raised beds, with organic material placed underneath the beds in alternating layers of wood ash, manure, organic material and soil. She has planted experimental gardens with the school children, trying to find ways to extend their growing season for greens. Community gardens help feed the sick and elderly.
Nolan walks to nearby villages or occasionally catches rides on government vehicles to purchase supplies and food. The local people welcome young volunteers into their communities and provide housing.
Nolan has nurtured many friendships with other Peace Corps volunteers.
"PCVs are like family in the sense that you are all in roughly the same situation, so it is very easy to bond with everyone," Nolan said. "Our training group is especially tight, and I'm grateful for that."
Nolan's diet includes sorghum porridge on most mornings. Lunch includes either egg salad or peanut butter on bread, which Nolan makes herself. Suppers may include noodles, rice or potatoes with soup, as well as one piece of fruit during the day. Meat is a rarity because of its cost and lack of refrigeration. Milk is powdered so it can be kept indefinitely, and most vegetables are root crops or canned vegetables.
"I'm not really deprived of food," Nolan said, "but I definitely don't eat the variety I did in the States."
Nolan entered the Corps to learn firsthand about food needs in Third World countries. Nolan earned a bachelor's degree in crop science from the University of Illinois at Champaign in 2001 and a master's degree in horticulture from Ohio State University in 2004. She hopes her Peace Corps experience will make her better aware of the needs of people in developing countries.
The Nolans request those expecting to attend either reception to call them at 966-3883 so they can be prepared for guests.
When this story was posted in October 2006, this was on the front page of PCOL:
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Story Source: Carmi Times
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