2007.02.07: February 7, 2007: Headlines: COS - Kenya: Older Volunteers: Delmarva Daily times: Nancy B. Stills writes: After living in the African bush in village conditions, Chincoteague was heaven sent, a soft place to fall
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2007.02.07: February 7, 2007: Headlines: COS - Kenya: Older Volunteers: Delmarva Daily times: Nancy B. Stills writes: After living in the African bush in village conditions, Chincoteague was heaven sent, a soft place to fall
Nancy B. Stills writes: After living in the African bush in village conditions, Chincoteague was heaven sent, a soft place to fall
"The job market was harsh on older applicants, all electronic submissions and virtual job fairs, and there were too many choices of toothpaste and everyone was driving an SUV. I struggled, but here on Chincoteague everyone was caring, supportive and friendly. Every day I could walk the wildlife loop and find peace. At the end of the day, I was home. I have just accepted the offer of a position with the Red Cross. I am now the executive director of the Red Cross in western Colorado. I am not leaving Chincoteague. It has become the home of my heart. However, I am looking forward to this new challenge and to starting a new phase of my life and career. I can't begin to thank you dear and thoughtful people of Chincoteague for your support, guidance, and encouragement provided me all along."
Nancy B. Stills writes: After living in the African bush in village conditions, Chincoteague was heaven sent, a soft place to fall
Many to thank on island
To the editor:
I am a returned Peace Corps volunteer having served three years in Kenya. When I came back to the U.S. a year ago, my dear friends, the Bonde family on Chincoteague Island, offered me their home while I got back on my feet and found a job.
After living in the African bush in village conditions, Chincoteague was heaven sent, a soft place to fall. Little did I imagine the adjustment a mature, professional career person like me would have coming back to a country and family who thought I'd be the same.
The job market was harsh on older applicants, all electronic submissions and virtual job fairs, and there were too many choices of toothpaste and everyone was driving an SUV.
I struggled, but here on Chincoteague everyone was caring, supportive and friendly. Every day I could walk the wildlife loop and find peace. At the end of the day, I was home.
I have just accepted the offer of a position with the Red Cross. I am now the executive director of the Red Cross in western Colorado. I am not leaving Chincoteague. It has become the home of my heart.
However, I am looking forward to this new challenge and to starting a new phase of my life and career. I can't begin to thank you dear and thoughtful people of Chincoteague for your support, guidance, and encouragement provided me all along.
Whether its the friendly police who welcomed me during the Christmas parade as I drove onto the island my first night in the U.S., the volunteers at the library and their sincere interest in what I'd accomplished in Africa, Kelly and his staff at the Island Creamery and the endless hours I used their wireless to look for a job, the Fish and Wildlife Service folks who remembered my internship there and welcomed me to volunteer in their public programs, the H&H Pharmacist who counseled me on my mysterious black tongue and allergic reaction to my Malaria meds over the holidays when all else was closed, or the ladies in my yoga class who always knew I'd find my way.
The list of all to thank is endless. But, this is Chincoteague. What else could I expect.
Nancy B. Stills
Colorado
Links to Related Topics (Tags):
Headlines: February, 2007; Peace Corps Kenya; Directory of Kenya RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Kenya RPCVs; Older Volunteers; Maryland
When this story was posted in March 2007, this was on the front page of PCOL:
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Story Source: Delmarva Daily times
This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Kenya; Older Volunteers
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