Iola Medd

Sunshine and Shadows: Remembering Nagasaki Iola Medd

When Charles and Iola Medd left Thailand in June of 1957 they expected to return. For two years they had lived and worked together in the northeastern city of Nakhorn Rachisma for the United States Information Agency. Two for the price of one it was in those days! Prior to their leaving Thailand USIA Bangkok told Charles they wanted the Medds to return at the conclusion of their home leave. They were to be reassigned to Chiang Mai, a lovely city in the northern part of the country. USIA Washington however had different plans for the Medds. Charles learned we had been assigned to Nagasaki, a city located on the island of Kyushu in southwestern Japan. Surprises such as this were a part of Foreign Service life and this was the life the Medds had chosen. When their leave came to an end the Medds packed their bags, and together with their 17-month old daughter and 6-weeks old son they said goodbye to their family and friends, and headed west-back across the Pacific to Japan.