oliveu2cm
Rock n' Roll Doggie FOB
Has anyone gone? Or known someone who went?
I read this book recently given to me by a dear friend. It's called "Dear Exile" and it contains the letters of correspondance between two college friends- one who went on to take a job in NYC, the other who went with her husband into the Peace Corps (they were placed in Kenya). It's a fantastic book, really a great example of friendships, every day things that happen to these two women, as well as what the Peace Corps accomplishes.
After reading this book, I had a few questions. I am in no way knocking ANYTHING or ANYONE who would ever do something so selfless as join the Peace Corps. (I'll admit there is only about a 4% chance I'd ever consider joining.)
My questions, however, lie in how effective is this organization?? Excuse my ignorance, as I am speaking strictly from what I read about this woman's experience. But she went there, had to leave one town and go to another b/c the living conditions was so horrendous, she was a teacher and it ended up she couldn't teach b/c the schools were closed after riots- the students were constantly beaten, she suffered unbelievable things while there, and then she comes back. Is she any better for it? Yeah, I can definitely see that- not taking anything for granted ever again. But.. did Africa benifit? I am really not trying to put down anyone but I just sincerely wonder if participating in those programs are really and truly worth it?
I know there are many different ways people react to situations and want to help - whether it be hands on, or financial help - but does going down there, risking your life, being forever affected by it (guilty over your own luxuries?!).. is this worth it? Ugh.. sorry if this post sounds terribly selfish. I'll just submit it and see if anyone knows what I'm talking about. I'm hoping I can get some confusion sorted out!
I read this book recently given to me by a dear friend. It's called "Dear Exile" and it contains the letters of correspondance between two college friends- one who went on to take a job in NYC, the other who went with her husband into the Peace Corps (they were placed in Kenya). It's a fantastic book, really a great example of friendships, every day things that happen to these two women, as well as what the Peace Corps accomplishes.
After reading this book, I had a few questions. I am in no way knocking ANYTHING or ANYONE who would ever do something so selfless as join the Peace Corps. (I'll admit there is only about a 4% chance I'd ever consider joining.)
My questions, however, lie in how effective is this organization?? Excuse my ignorance, as I am speaking strictly from what I read about this woman's experience. But she went there, had to leave one town and go to another b/c the living conditions was so horrendous, she was a teacher and it ended up she couldn't teach b/c the schools were closed after riots- the students were constantly beaten, she suffered unbelievable things while there, and then she comes back. Is she any better for it? Yeah, I can definitely see that- not taking anything for granted ever again. But.. did Africa benifit? I am really not trying to put down anyone but I just sincerely wonder if participating in those programs are really and truly worth it?
I know there are many different ways people react to situations and want to help - whether it be hands on, or financial help - but does going down there, risking your life, being forever affected by it (guilty over your own luxuries?!).. is this worth it? Ugh.. sorry if this post sounds terribly selfish. I'll just submit it and see if anyone knows what I'm talking about. I'm hoping I can get some confusion sorted out!