The Peace Corps Experience

Have you ever thought of joining the Peace? Why? You might ask. That's a good point to begin.

I did and it changed my life.

The Peace Corps today has served in 139 host countries. Some 200,000 have lived in far away countries ever since President John F. Kennedy laid before us a challenge and a vision. I caught that vision and optism. I wanted to change the world.

You are asked to give 27 months of your time to serve, to help, to learn another language, to assist in a number of areas: education, health and HIVAIDs, business development, environment, agriculture, youth development, etc.

The volunteers serve all over the world: Africa 37%, Latin America 24%, Asia 7%, North Africa/Middle East 4%, Pacific Islands 4%, Caribbean 4%.

Congress recently approved a budget of $400 million for the year 2010. An increase from $340 million in 2009.

The Peace Corps Director in Washington is Aaron S. Williams who had served in the Dominican Republic, 1967-1970.

For information, call the toll free number: 800-424-8580. March is Peace Corps month.

My Brief Story

Right after I graduated from college in Iowa, I joined the Peace Corps and with 47 others, trained at Southwest Texas State College in San Marcos, Texas. We studied Spanish for four hours every morning, were trained in history and culture of Costa Rica, a Central American nation. We were introduced to riding horses: first to prepare them, brush them, get them bridled and saddled, then rode them. We played soccer, a popular sport in Latin America.

Our training was in "Accion Comunal," Community Action. For two months we trained in Texas, and six weeks in Puerto Rico. It was a physical training, climbing rocks, learning a drown proof method in swimming, and two hours of Spanish. The best way to learn a language is by total immersion. Then we were in the field. I was assigned to a 4-S program (4-H in America).

I served in Costa Rica from 1965-1967. My assignment was the Nicoya Development Association. We helped communities develop leadership, plan self-help projects such as building a water system, a health center. A major project of the Association was to work with four municipalities and three American engineers helped train students to operate heavy machinery and build impact roads.

In Peace Corps training, we were told, "Don't do anything major until you have been in the country for six months." By then you'll have developed language proficiency. Also, until you have the trust of the people, nothing will happen. This was good advice.

What I found is that, people are people wherever you are. We share a common humanity. Until you walk in the shoes of another people, you will never understand them. Speaking the language is an essential bridge to understanding and relationship.

After a year, one of the high school teachers approached me and said, "Senor Ginoza, my wife and I want you to have dinner with us." At dinner, he explained, at first they were apprehensive to invite me to their home. They felt it was not good enough, not comparable to American homes. Now they felt comfortable with me. Then he said, "If you want to borrow my motorcycle to visit the towns, just let me know." This was heart warming and a new bridge. We had a delightful dinner. I did borrow his motorcycle.

I had some wonderful experiences, some adventurous, some productive, some interesting, some close calls. Later I will write more. I remain, Peace Corps Volunteer, Costa IV.

Easter: Like Ships at Sea

We are like ships that leave familiar harbors to explore new lands, new horizons, and new opportunities. But like ships we face dangers of getting lost in the storms at sea or simply losing touch with where we came from. Dangers lurk at the edge.

Each of us has had a beginning. As children we are kept close to home by parental direction. When raised with caution, stability, and security, we keep close to those who have given us life and a continuing support system. However, we each have in us Adam's wayward seed.

Until we come of age, we shall walk that precarious edge. Curiosity will put us into the danger zone. Bravery can drive us to the point of self-injury. Weakness will make us subject to destructive forces indiscriminately. Ignorance and innocence will cause us to be vulnerable to anything and everything that exists out there. Mental frenzy will keep us confused and unprotected in a self-aggrandizing world.

For each of us, ready or not, the world awaits us. It beckons us to come like the unexplored forest, the city on a hill, or a distant shore.

The time will come when each must move on. Today we move to the Easter experience and from the Easter experience, the most remarkable event in history. We make this our truth claim. We build upon it our faith. We open our eyes to the risen Christ who set in motion the Christian movement of which we are a part.

Can we now move on without losing sight of our faith? Secular forms lure us, disbelief runs rampant in the streets, habits grip us again like webs, and worldly needs preoccupy us once again. But I say, hold dear to the Resurrection. It is the tipping point of my faith, our faith, and our future. God's power remains with us and is there for our asking. Move on but never from this Truth. Jesus Christ I do proclaim.