Life in a Fish Bowl – Marta Block, Ghana 2002-2004

“Toward the end of my service, I was made queen mother of development (Nkosuahemaa) in my village. It was an amazing day full of music, speeches, parading through the village & celebrations. I was given a beautiful piece of kente cloth that probably weighed ten pounds & wore it throughout the day. It was just such a beautiful culmination to my service with so many people in my community who I loved.” – Marta Block

Photos from Marta’s Service

Marta Block’s Peace Corps Story

Where and when did you serve? What did you do?

Ghana 2002-2004. I was an Environment volunteer & worked with four nursery operators to develop sustainable agriculture practices. My secondary projects included the World Map & a Peace Corps Partnership Program grant to build a new kindergarten building in my community.

What is one of your favorite Peace Corps memories?

Toward the end of my service, I was made queen mother of development (Nkosuahemaa) in my village. It was an amazing day full of music, speeches, parading through the village & celebrations. I was given a beautiful piece of kente cloth that probably weighed ten pounds & wore it throughout the day. It was just such a beautiful culmination to my service with so many people in my community who I loved.

I also met my husband (a fellow volunteer) in PC…so, March 1, 2003 we had a PC event in Bolgatanga & stayed up until sunrise the next day talking. We’ve been together ever since! And afterwards I found out that’s the “birthday” of PC. Love that connection.

What is one of your least favorite Peace Corps memories?

Waking up in the middle of the night with a splitting headache & diagnosing myself with cerebral malaria & being convinced I was going to die.