To be honest, taking the time to reflect on the history of the Peace Corps made me prouder of my decision to join than I have ever been. Sometimes it feels like a selfish decision because it is something I always wanted to be a part of and because I am getting so much out of it. Even on my tough days I know that this is what I signed up for, in a lot of ways I have wanted the tough days because I know those are the experiences that change you, that make you ...I don't even know to explain what those changes are, I can see them in myself but it is not easy to state...but this job is hard! Peace Corps' tagline is 'the toughest job you'll ever love' and I don't think it could be put better than that. There are really tough times and a lot of work and frustrations but working with amazing people in beautiful places and constantly- every day- learning. The exchange between community members and volunteers is what makes the PC experience what it is. By approaching each other as equals we are able to capitalize on one anothers experiences, it is what makes a PCV able to come back transformed- as the learner- and to have had a sustainable impact on his/her community- as an educator (which feels to strong of a word, but you know what I mean). Peace Corps wouldn't work if we didn't get something out of it- not because people wouldn't want to participate but because sustainability does not work if you are not willing to listen and learn from the people with whom you are working. So many failures have resulted from a lack of communication, a missunderstanding.
In rememberence of the passing of Sargent Shriver and his important role in the beggining years of the Peace Corps, we read a section of a graduation speech he made about a year after Peace Corps was started to the trainees. Here are some of my favorite parts:
''We have decided," one Volunteer wrote, "to match our actions with our convictions."
There is no such thing as an average Peace Corps Volunteer -- except in age, which is 25 for the men and 28 for the women.
There are, however, some characteristics that are similiar.
They are serious, decided, and determined.They are under no illusions. They know life on any frontier -whether Kansas one hundred years ago or Colombia today ---demands the "constancy to purpose" which Disraeli 'said is the secret of success.
Willingly and eagerly they have tackled the big task of studying the rudiments of a foreign language, of learning a new culture and a new people, of preparing themselves to teach, to work in the hospitals or laboratories, or in the fields.
They are a new breed of Americans overseas.
They are not trying to impose their wills on the people with whom they are working. They are working for the foreigner -- not vice versa.
They are speaking his language.
They live under his laws.
They are not trying to change his religion.
They are not trying to make a profit from conducting business in his country.
They are there to do a job --- to share their know-how and skill -and to train teachers, engineers, mechanics, carpenters, home economists, soil specialists, tractor and farm equipment operators, agricultural extension workers , and laboratory technicians.
They are there to work with and learn from those with whom they teach. Like Johnny Appleseed, they are multiplying their influence and leaving a part of their lives wherever they serve.
AND
What is the Peace Corps supplying that has been missing from our foreign policy? I think it is a personal touch. Pamphlets, radio broadcasts, films --- as good as they are, are largely impersonal. To communicate our concern and interest, to express in an awakening land the values of a free and pluralistic society -- people must work with people, people must teach people. Human beings and human values are what democracy is ·all about. If we fail to carry that spirit abroad, we will fail, indeed.
The Peace Corps is not attempting to transplant a culture to the millions of people in the world's underdeveloped nations who are only now beginning to ask what can be theirs in terms of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Their way of life must be just that --their own. But Peace Corps Volunteers are carrying with them --- beyond their skills -- a spirit, a concept, an attitude that says to these people: "We know what you are up against. We have climbed this wa:y, too. We can understand your dreams because they are still our dreams. We know your aspirations and your determinations and we want to share what we know and what we have if it will belp you to grow and prosper"
The speech (and Peace Corps Application) can be found on the wbesite http://www.peacecorps.gov/
If you are thinking about applying: DO! Peace Corps is a wonderful chance to make a difference for someone and have someone make a difference for you. It's not easy, but it's wonderful
Teaching
Learning
Teaching
Learning
Teaching
Learning (well, using something he learned..this by the way is how the grass gets 'mowed')
Teaching
Learning by experiencing...
