Peace Corps Family

When we arrived for training, Peace Corps personnel designed participatory activities so we would get to know our fellow PCVs from Group 79. They told us that we would be one family while we were in Jamaica and that we would be each other's support systems.

This morning this fact hit close to our hearts. Rose's beloved daughter and soul mate Annie was killed last night in New York. She was crossing the street with a friend and they both were struck down by a speeding driver. We have come to know and love Rose as we've gone through Peace Corps training together. We feel as though we know Annie as we've listened to countless stories of her adventures in life told by her Mom. When we received the call this morning from Anne, our security officer we had a chance to speak with Rose at the airport before we flew home. Annie had served as a Peace Corps volunteer after college. We were going to spend the day with Rose at an art museum.

Rose is one strong, lively committed woman as the other PCV's know. We grieve as she goes through this devastating life event. We hope to post an address where we can reach her to extend our support and love. Rose's words to us were:" I hope you're still in Jamaica when I come back."

I might add that kudos go to the Peace Corps Jamaica office staff, especially Anne for immediately supporting Rose and making flight arrangements so quickly. It's no small irony that Anne lives nearby Rose's site.

Tearfully,
Kare