Looking for something to fill her time this past winter, as her fellow teachers in Kosovo were on strike, Gina Larson turned to Instagram. Rather than opting to fill her time with endless scrolling, she decided to create @artistofpeacecorps. Through her awesome micro blog, Gina shares art created by volunteers and the local artists in communities where volunteers serve.

Photos from Betsy’s Service Elizabeth (Betsy) Gallery’s Peace Corps Story Where and when did you serve? What did you do? Nkongsamba, East Cameroun 1963 What is one of your favorite Peace Corps memories? Seeing the tiny gazelle eating from our salad dishes in Yaounde where I spent some time with a French boyfriend. And […]

Serving as a volunteer provides numerous unforeseen challenges and is a job that requires you to be "at work" 24/7. For even the most outgoing of volunteers, this can become tiring. For those who consider themselves introverts, it can leave you utterly drained. Yet, Kate Martin, a self-described introvert, had an amazing service, despite the pull to always be out in her community. It all comes down to knowing how to make your service yours and working within your personality and skill set.

NICA Ceramic Art was born out of the Peace Corps experience of founder Paul H. Devoti in the indigenous pottery pueblo of San Juan de Oriente, Nicaragua.  NICA Ceramic Art’s mission is to expose the world to the ceramic art work of the master artisans of the pueblo as well as the Nicoyan Indian heritage […]

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.

Photos from Mark’s Service Mark Bryson’s Peace Corps Story Where and when did you serve? What did you do? I served in Jamaica from March of 2010 till June of 2013 as a volunteer in the Green Initiative Sector. I was partnered with the Ewarton Community Development Action Committee (ECODAC) in Ewarton , St. […]

Adam’s desire to help others led him to the Peace Corps where he served as a business advisor in Moldova. While serving, he began building websites for the local governments and small businesses he worked with. Adam saw an opportunity to start a full-service creative agency. In 2016, he formed Enspire which has grown to a dynamic 11-member team of Moldovans and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers dedicated to creating unique value for their customers. Recently returned from Moldova, we talk about Adam's service, adventures, and learn more about Enspire.

Photos from Deborah’s Service Deborah Moskovitz’s Peace Corps Story Where and when did you serve? What did you do? I served with the Peace Corps in Concepcion, Intibuca, Honduras 1992-1994, as an Agricultural Extension Volunteer. We had a longer training of five months, because we had to learn Spanish, cross cultural training, and soil conservation […]

"I miss my family and friends. I miss the food. I miss the ease of walking everywhere and the accessibility to cross-country transportation. I miss my healthy lifestyle. Feeling free and like I could do anything. Having no bills to worry about." - Kelly Branyik, RPCV China

I hope you had a great 2018 and have an even more amazing 2019. You'll be hearing from me in February. Until then, I wish you the very best and want you to remember that every volunteer has a story. What's yours?