The article, “Peace Corps Guilt” by Esther Katchoff, originally published November 1st, 2012 on huffingtonpost.com, recently popped up in my Facebook news feed courtesy of a fellow PCV in Senegal.
In my opinion, this article warrants a blog post because the author does a wonderful job of articulating some of the challenges PCVs face in their daily lives at site. I found it interesting that I’ve had almost exactly the same experiences at my site as the author has had at her site despite the fact that I’m in West Africa and she is in South America. I definitely relate to what she has written about and part of the reason why I want to share the article on my blog is to borrow her words because “if I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants” (thank you, Mr. Issac Newton).
After reading this essay, I want to make two points:
1) A long time ago, I realized that in this world, we are more a like than we are different. It is true. I see it every day. I wish more people believed this because I think it would help make the world a better place. I would go on, but I don’t want to interfere with your own thoughts and reflections on my observation. I’d be interested in your thoughts if you care to send me an email (I always love to hear from YOU!).
2) The author mentions the third goal of Peace Corps. For a quick recap, here is the statement taken directly from the Peace Corps website (http://www.peacecorps.gov/about/mission/):
“In 1961, President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps to promote world peace and friendship.
The Peace Corps’ mission has three simple goals:
- Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
- Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
- Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.”
Just as the author fulfills goal number three through her article, I try to fulfill goal number three by keeping a blog. You can meet me half way and continue to read and share my blog. So, thank you for reading and coming back for more, and please read the article by Ms. Katcoff!
One last note – apologies to my family members who subscribe to my blog because I already sent this article to them in a separate email.
Happy Mo-vember!
J xoxo
julia's journeys 