There were two other PCVs who lived in Natal while I was there: Ann Van de Sand, a Physical Therapist, and Larry Gibbs, who was there for a few months, but he returned to the U.S. when his job fell apart. Our group began with about 75 trainees. We staged for a few days in Miami, and then did our training in-country at three separate locations. Those of us who would serve in the northeast trained in Campina Grande, Paraiba, at a training center that was part of a hospital called "O Hospital do FAP." We lived with host families while in training (July - September), and then the three mentioned above went up to Natal in October 1976, to begin our two years of service. We were the penultimate group of Volunteers in Brazil. I think only about half of the original 75 trainees completed their two years. I've kept in touch with a very small number, but will try to contact them and tell them about your site. Paul Sekscenski RN 76-78 Mt. Vernon, NY
August 2001 |