In December, my husband and I fulfilled one of my dreams and had the opportunity of a lifetime: we traveled to the small West African nation of Ivory Coast to visit our son, Brian, a Peace Corps volunteer.

        When Brian decided to join the Peace Corps more thantwo years ago, I swallowed my fear and apprehension and put on my “go for it” face.

IN MY LIFE

Jane McConnell of Montgomery is a French teacher at Ursuline Academy, Blue Ash. She and her husband, Terry, have five children: Kelly, 28, Brian, 26, Bridget, 22, Casey, 19 and Kevin, 14.

        A lot of growing up had happened over the past few years, and Brian was truly independent and determined to live out this adventure.

        So, with tears, we put him on a plane in May 2000, and he never looked back.

        Brian is living in a small agrarian village of about 1,000 people called Abedeni in east-central Ivory Coast. There is no electricity and no running water. The average annual income is about $150. Brian is considered to be rich because he's paid about $1,500 a year.

        I am not a camper, but I adjusted fairly well to the latrines and the “bucket showers.”

        The food was prepared outdoors over fires and after the adults had finished, the children would eat whatever was left over — scraps and all.

        Most of the children were dressed in rags or in clothes that had been sent over in care packages. Many were malnourished.

        There was no medical care in the village. The government had built a clinic, but the building stands empty because the people cannot raise enougth money to equip it and hire a doctor.

        Thanks to the Peace Corps and to Brian, the school has been refurbished and the families are beginning to send the children back to school. Adult night classes are also under way.

        But in spite of all of their hardships, these are the most generous, wonderful people I have ever met. They literally couldn't do enough for us.

        I now have two new dreams: To return to Abedeni some day and visit again with Genebou, Moussa and all of our new friends, and to become a Peace Corps volunteer. Granted, being a volunteer will have to wait for another 10 years or so, but I am determined to do it. Why? Because in a world that is so bogged down in hatred, the Peace Corps is a beacon of love and compassion. The volunteers truly represent all that is good about this country.

        If you have a child who is considering this commitment, send them off with your blessings. It is truly one of the greatest things they will ever do, both for themselves and for those with whom they work.

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