Thomas and Kathrin

May 10, 2009 by Naomi.

Nancy called last night just as I was about to leave en route to a party and we did not get to talk so here goes a report about it. More than a party it was a parting, the last time I could hug the Swiss volunteers with whom I had email and personal contact since February. USFW Region 1 sent out a notice then about 2 people from Switzerland looking for a five-week volunteer position. They had tried all the western parks and nature preserves they could find before trying national wildlife refuges. Everywhere else there were obstacles - stay for 3 months, or six months, no time for a security check — obstacles that obviously prevented their coming — the specified they had only 5 weeks. The Friends would be responsible for them and no government intervention necessary.

Administration receiving the offer in Burbank, Washington, said “No way. No time to train anybody, especially foreigners who would have no concept of US wildlife.” Well I knew that training volunteers was as easy as pointing to a task and letting human curiosity and ingenuity take over. However I wasn’t about to take just anybody. I researched their background and abilities. All the information I turned up about them was positive. They had resources to take care of themselves. They had jobs to which they were obliged to return. I was most happy to accept their offer of volunteering during that limited time. Their offer was a gift. And I said come along, fly into Pasco and I will pick you up. I will see that you have a place to stay but you will have to rent a vehicle for the month - $700.

They were thrilled. Even more than I was. And now at the end of those five weeks Kathrin Buehler and Thomas Fischer are leaving the Tri-Cities and the McIntyre’s where they shared a bed in a single room and used kitchen and laundry facilities. When I arrived Thomas was concentrating on a recipe of cheese fondue. Kathrin was loading a batch of clothes to be ready for the next day’s departure. She does not like cheese and in fact is fussy about eating anything. And she did not drink the white wine except to toast all around. The party was a personal thank you knowing that I was responsible for their opportunity of service. In all ways I have been gifted by their presence.

They were as reluctant to think about these last hugs as I was. But hug we did. This was a parting not a party. I have a feeling that they formed friendships which will bring them back when time permits.

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