Friday, June 19, 2009

American Citizens Helping the Enugu Community

June 18 late evening: I had the opportunity to meet with a group of great American citizens living in Enugu, including our longest serving American warden. (Wardens help the U.S. Mission keep in touch with all Americans living in a particular community overseas, really providing a contribution to the American people.) . Most of them had attended or worked at a wide range of U.S universities -- from a couple who had taught at Clemson to those who went to the University of Maryland. Their professions ranged from a medical doctor working with our PEPFAR HIV/AIDS program, a retired librarian, and a businessman to a microbiologist and Catholic sister. We made sure that those who were not registered with us registered, and we had a good time. It was an interesting group and we talked about a variety of things including re-establishing an American Corner in Enugu with a Foundation of one of the couples at the gathering, with the possibility of the retired librarian serving as coordinator. We all got so excited we ran off to see the location in the middle of the night. It was great -- a perfect two-story modern building, computer and Wi-Fi ready, right in the center of town between all the Enugu universities. I am already dreaming of commissioning the Corner. Now I just have to convince my librarian. :)