Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Winter 2012 Issue | Page 21
ANNE SPRINKEL
St. James the Less, Ashland
Anne is serving in the Peace Corps in Guatemala in the Healthy Homes Program, where she
is stationed from April 2010-July 2012. The program focuses on preventive health education,
forming rural health promoter groups and training them in basic preventive health topics,
and building sanitary infrastructures.
What drew you to involvement in mission work?
I’ve always loved traveling, and since I could never quite get myself to turn in that
business school application, here I am. I’ve always found mission work not only interesting
and challenging, but something different that makes me feel like I have a positive impact on
the world I live in.
Anne Sprinkel, in
traditional Guatemalan
dress, stands before a
women’s rights march in
a rural mountain village,
where over 600 women
gathered to participate
What has been the biggest reward in your work?
The biggest reward for me has been both the culmination of large events I’ve been able
to plan as well as small, daily events.
What has been the biggest challenge or obstacle?
Being away from my family has never been easy and seems to be getting harder, but a
main challenge in my work is the lack of communication and not having enough time in my day.
What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing international mission work?
I would suggest getting as much experience as possible – whether it’s with a local
organization or going on international mission trips. Speaking a second language is extremely
important in pursuing international mission work, as well. There seems to be a “catch 22” in
this line of work – you need a good amount of experience to even apply to many positions or
programs, but it can be tough to get that first bit of experience, so take it wherever you can
get it and jump on opportunities that arise!
ANGELA GALBREATH
Holy Trinity, Port au Prince
Angela is an appointed missionary in the Partnership Program Office of the Diocese of
Haiti, where she works with mobile medical clinics, teacher trainings, educational seminars,
microcredit projects, goat-rearing initiatives and more. Although she doesn’t come from
Virginia, the Diocese considers her a missionary of Virginia given our substantial work with
her and her assistance to our congregations. The Diocese is also helping Angela in her
fundraising efforts. Follow Angela online at her blog, freshsqueezedfruit.wordpress.com.
Angela Galbreath, right,
helps children in a clinic in
Cap Haitian.
What drew you to involvement in mission work?
Being a missioner in Haiti affords me the chance to be a part of initiatives that are
transforming people’s lives positively. It is a way for me to react to the unequal distribution
of opportunities across the globe. The Episcopal Church has been present in Haiti for over 150
years and its influence continues to grow. I like knowing that I am not acting alone, but am
part of the entire Anglican Communion and am thus not relying on my own discernment or
whims but am guided by a global network that will exist in Haiti for many years to come.
What has been the biggest reward in your work? What has been the biggest challenge or obstacle?
The last three months o