Russ and Jean Lawrence are selling their share of Chapter One Book Store, Hamilton, Mont., to their partner, Shawn Wathen, and then leaving the country June 3 to train and work as Peace Corps small business development volunteers in Peru for 27 months. Russ wrote, "We had been led to expect about three months' notice before our posting and were slotted for a September departure, but they called us a couple of weeks ago and offered us the Peru slots, but only if we could get our affairs resolved in five weeks--and they needed to know by the next day. We took a deep breath, a long walk, and had a (very encouraging) conversation with Shawn before signing on."

Unfortunately for the rest of us, the Lawrences won't be at BEA. Russ, a former ABA president, said, "We're very sorry we won't be there to say goodbye and to thank to our many, many friends in this wonderful universe. It's been a great run and, as with any job, it's the people who made it so."

The Lawrences don't know yet what "jobs" they'll have in Peru--likely "working with an artisan co-op or a group of farmers to help them develop better business skills, marketing, and provide know-how. Some volunteers also work on tourism development, and most also work on secondary projects based on their community's needs and resources, and the volunteer's imagination." But Russ said they're prepared for most anything. "I think that in addition to our 23 years at Chapter One Book Store, my experience with ABA's Book Sense and IndieBound programs will be invaluable. So will my experience doing improv."