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Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County Director Gets More Than Bargained for on Recent Trip to London
July 18 , 2005 by Kathleen GordenLynn Reed, executive director of Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County, got more than she bargained for on her recent trip to London. Reed, an experienced globetrotter, was in London during the Olympic announcement and the subway bombings. As horrible as the bombings were, Reed focuses on the positive things she witnessed.
“I was so impressed by the support you saw everywhere for the Olympics,” she said. “The whole country was united and posters were everywhere declaring ‘Back the Bid’ for the 2012 games. They were dancing in the streets the day the announcement was made naming London the Olympic city.”
Reed was in London to see the 60th Anniversary of World War II, a huge event that was scheduled for two days after the bombings occurred.
“We took the trains, which had reopened, and had no problems,” said Reed. “Even the Queen attended the event, which was held near Parliament. It was amazing to see the unity, bravery and support the people gave each other after such a tragic event.”
Reed is no stranger to close calls. She was supposed to be in New York City on September 11, but had returned home the day before due to her husband’s health. However, she was back in NYC on Sept. 15 to tend to another relative.
“It was eerie because the airport was almost empty,” she said. “Not many people were traveling at that time, so the usual crowds were gone. I was impressed by the spirit of the people in NYC, who are gutsy and wonderful.”
Reed was also in Kenya, shortly after the U.S. Embassy was bombed in the late 1990’s, and the university students were demonstrating against their government. She returned to Kenya six months ago and was impressed by what she saw.
They seemed to be using the money properly,” she said. “I saw improvements to the roads and water systems, and the infrastructure in general. Kenya has one of the best flower markets in the world, and they could build an economy on their ability to grow flowers. And the money goes directly to the growers, unlike with coffee, which has so many middlemen. Seeing the improvements, gave me hope for the country.”
Reed has been to China three times, to five countries in Africa, most of Europe, the British Isles, Thailand, Korea and numerous times to Mexico.
