March 12th, 2010
Peace Corps workers will lecture on Turkemenistan

An assemblage of Turkmen.

STAFF REPORT

Former San Marcos Public Library staff member Gary Goodson and his wife Robin Wilson have spent the last two years in Turkmenistan through their Peace Corps tour of duty. They will share their experiences at the San Marcos Public Library, 625 East Hopkins Street, March 16 at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Turkmenistan, once a part of the former Soviet Union, is located north of Iran and Afghanistan. It is one of the most closed countries on earth. Political gatherings there are illegal unless they are government sanctioned. The history of the Turkmen is full of conflict and colorful cultural surprises. Wilson and Goodson have some fascinating stories to relate about this very different country.

Robin Wilson is a native Texan. Goodson was born in Iowa, but has lived most of his life in south Texas. The couple met at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin and, after graduating, lived in Japan for three years teaching English.

Goodson got his Master of Arts in Literature at Texas State. Wilson received her Master of Public Health degreeat Texas-San Antonio.

While in Turkmenistan, Goodson taught English and Wilson worked as a community health educator. The couple returned from Turkmenistan in December 2009.

The flag of Turkmenistan.