It has been interesting in learning people's ideas about what Peace Corps is in talking about our upcoming trip. It seems that many people think that Peace Corps are just a bunch of hippies with extreme ideologies that are going to impoverished countries to 'change the world.' It has been interesting in that some people have said "is this a good thing?" Peace Corps is well organized and has adapted to the ever changing world to make sure that they are helping rather than being a nuisance to the community. The Peace Corps has been around since 1961, per President John F. Kennedy's executive order signed just weeks after his inauguration, responding to a desire from college kids to get involved and give back to the world. Since then over 200,000 people have served in more than 139 countries. Through breaking down barriers of "otherness" Peace Corps aims to spread friendship and promote peace. Sylvia and I will be teaching English as a foreign language, but the conversations, friendships and cross cultural exchange is just as important. Peace Corps works in the areas of education, health, youth development, agriculture, environment and community economic development. We are both extremely honored to be accepted into such an amazing organization with real non-violent solutions towards peace and justice! Stay posted, as we continue to document our journey over the next three years. Thanks for all of the encouragement and support through this transition!
You can listen to a recent radio interview that Sylvia and I, and our dear friend and fellow Wisconsinite Bridget did on KCMJ Community Radio in Colorado Springs.
https://soundcloud.com/kcmj9…/justice-peace-hour-feb-24-2015
Love,
Jimi and Sylvia