Call for Volunteers in Sudan Awoke a Co-op Veteran's Spirit of Adventure

Eddie Ferguson, supervisor of materials for Habersham EMC in Clarkesville, GA, had seen several of his co-op co-workers go overseas as volunteers for NRECA International. He'd always wanted to do the same. So when the call went out for warehouse help in Yei, Southern Sudan, this 31-year veteran and grandfather of two was quick to respond.

International TieLine caught up with Ferguson soon after he returned from his trip in the spring of 2009.

Volunteer Eddie Ferguson with a local lineman in Yei, Sudan

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’ve been with Habersham for 31 years. I started as a warehouse clerk and then I came on as the purchasing agent in 1999. I’ve been in that position ever since. I’m the supervisor of materials now.

Personally, I’ve been married to my wife for 33 years and have two daughters who are 30 and 31. I have two granddaughters – one is two and one is seven months old. We’re pretty proud of them too.

Why did you decide to get involved with NRECA international?

Some of our guys had already been down to Costa Rica and Guatemala. I’ve just always wanted to go overseas. I guess I was interested in the adventure. But when I got to Sudan, it became so much more.

What were your impressions of Sudan?

It was fascinating to see the people of Sudan. I was very happy to be there and help improve their lives – and to help improve life for the next generation. It’s just a different world from what I’ve ever experienced.

What kind of work did you do there?

I was charged with getting the warehouse organized. First I did an inventory, then a little organization. But here’s the catch: We had to build some shelves and bins from scratch. Here, in the states, I would have taken some measurements, called a vendor, and they would have come and set them up for us. Over there, everything is manual.

How would you summarize your experience?

It was great. The people of Yei were really good to us. They were just plain friendly. They joked and cut up with us. They were patient with us, and we were patient with them. It was a mutual kind of thing.

Would you do it again?

I would go back. I enjoyed it. It’s great to help out and be a part of something like this. After going through this, I understood what people went through in the 30s, when they were starting cooperatives here in the U.S.

My wife says I’m not going back – because she missed me too much. But I have to be honest. I was more excited about seeing a Big Mac and Coke than I was to see her when I got back!