An RPCV’s Holiday Reflections
An RPCV reflects on the holidays she spent overseas and how those shared moments nurtured a sense of belonging with her, her host families, and fellow Peace Corps friends. By Molly O'Brien (Jordan 2014–15, Thailand 2016–18) The holiday season always reminds me of my Peace Corps service. Within a month of arriving in my first country of service, Jordan, we were celebrating Thanksgiving. It was my first time away from my family for a major holiday. Although I felt a little homesick, the experience nurtured a sense of belonging with my new Peace Corps family. Then, next thing I knew I was a...
Coming Home: Thailand
A Constricted Heart “I left behind my Thai family and community and my work. That’s everything.” Thailand | Sierra Drummond Home: Thousand Oaks, California I was in Peace Corps Thailand, in the northeast region, sort of on the border of Laos. I had been there 14 months and was a part of a project called TESS — Teacher Empowerment for Students Success — as an English teacher alongside a Thai teacher. It was a mutually empowering teacher training experience. I came back to California for a visit primarily for my cousin’s wedding — and my brother just had a baby! So...