During PC:

Along with 19 other PCV's I worked in a Health and Community Development project in the favelas of Rio. We worked out of the local Health Post and tracked down people who hadn't picked up medicines, gave shots, talked about nutrition and showed Disney Health films on a sheet that stretched across the road where it ended. The projector came from the Embassy. The electricity came from who knows where. I started an Association of Moradores (residents) - which still exists today. For me, the Peace Corps was a fabulous experience!

After PC:

I worked at Peace Corps Headquarters for a couple of years and took a leave of absence to do some Peace Corps work in Africa. Basically, I am a writer and photographer and have published several children's books with Dodd, Mead and Penguin USA. The last one was called THE PRIVATE WORLD OF SMITH ISLAND. It is a photo essay. 

At the moment I am a caregiver for my 89 year-old mother with a disease called CBGD --a rare disease somewhat similar to Parkinsons. I have returned to Brazil several times. I have not always been able to go up into the favela because of gang related problems. The last time I did go with a friend who had been a part of the Association. We visited her sister in one of the top shacks on the hillside. She had gathered together several members of her family. When it was time to leave she turned and said: "Obrigada por ter lembrada de nos." I can still hear her saying those words. The granddaughter of a friend from Rio Grande do Norte stayed with us for a year while she was studying English at the College of Notre Dame. Funny how paths cross again. She has asked me to be the madrinha at her wedding next year. I hope I can go.

Sally Foster
Baltimore, MD
September 2000