Former Peace Corps Volunteer Retains Fearless Idealism, Faith

 Former Peace Corps Volunteer Retains Fearless Idealism, Faith

By DENISE COFFEY

STAFF WRITER |

MAY 09, 2016 AT 12:04 PM

Myra Anderson's Woodstock home is a museum of sorts.

Folk art from Japan decorates tables in the living room. Stirrups from Brazilian vaqueros hang from the fireplace mantle. A wooden work table bears the marks left on it by the cowboys. There are carved wooden spoons, a long serving bowl, and artwork. A picture of her and her husband, Robert, shows them in front of a Tibetan monastery with Mt. Everest rising up behind them and prayer flags waving in the wind.

Anderson's home is a tribute to the life she led as a Peace Corps volunteer. She joined the initial wave of Peace Corps volunteers in 1961. When she was just 23-years-old, the Corvallis, Oregon resident decided to heed the call of President John F. Kennedy. She volunteered to serve a 2-year mission in Brazil with a class of approximately 30 people.

Her 4-H experience was the bedrock foundation for her work. She grew up in 4-H, raising sheep and beef cows. A first place prize in canning won her trip to Chicago and the Illinois State Fair. It was there she met people in the International 4-H Youth Exchange Program.

 

https://www.courant.com/community/woodstock/hc-pt-woodstock-peace-corps-volunteer-looks-back-0512-20160509-story.html