This news headlines this past week here in Taiwan have been dominated by President Chen's visit to Central America. The visit was a chance to meet with some of the nations that enjoy open relations with Taiwan...yes, there are still a few. Twenty or so countries have resisted jumping on the "One-China" philosophy, therefore recognizing Taiwan as a sovereign state. Not, in my opinion, the smartest economic move. Cooperation with Taiwan does not bode well with the mainland.
Anyhow, the purpose of this post is to express my joy at seeing one of my favorite places on the planet, Honduras. The pictures and stories that have been included in the reporting have stirred some good memories.
My year in the jungles of Honduras was a wonderful time in my life. I have never met better folks than those living in the less-than-ideal environment that is Central America.
The smiles on the faces and the endless hospitality that prevails there are priceless. I am really enjoying my time here in Taiwan, but I do miss that just happy to be alive mentality that runs deep in Honduras. Folks here are far too hurried and wouldn't dare to exhibit the overt acts of affability that you can count on when you are living/working/visiting Central America.
Taiwan, along with the rest of the world, should take a cultural cue from Honduras and their neighbors...loosen up and enjoy life.
Showing posts with label Honduras. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Honduras. Show all posts
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
The Toughest Job You'll Ever Love
A man confessed to murdering a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines. Here is the link the to the story:
Yahoo News
As a former PC volunteer, this story hits close to home. PC is not an easy gig. I was once told by a US Marine while I was serving in Honduras that he would "Never serve in Peace Corps, it makes serving in the Marines look easy."
Serving in PC is about risk versus reward. In order to succeed, you have to be willing to put yourself in harms way. Volunteers are sent to remote places alone and are expected to fend for themselves. Unfortunately, tragedy happens when you do this. Considering how many good men and women are serving in PC, it's surprising that there isn't a higher rate of crime against the volunteers.
When something like this sad event takes place, it's big news, thankfully. Julia Campbell was doing what not nearly enough people are willing to do. She was giving of herself in order to make this world a better place. Peace Corps is an outstanding organization that I am proud to have been a part of.
Yahoo News
As a former PC volunteer, this story hits close to home. PC is not an easy gig. I was once told by a US Marine while I was serving in Honduras that he would "Never serve in Peace Corps, it makes serving in the Marines look easy."
Serving in PC is about risk versus reward. In order to succeed, you have to be willing to put yourself in harms way. Volunteers are sent to remote places alone and are expected to fend for themselves. Unfortunately, tragedy happens when you do this. Considering how many good men and women are serving in PC, it's surprising that there isn't a higher rate of crime against the volunteers.
When something like this sad event takes place, it's big news, thankfully. Julia Campbell was doing what not nearly enough people are willing to do. She was giving of herself in order to make this world a better place. Peace Corps is an outstanding organization that I am proud to have been a part of.
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