January 2025 – Page 2 – Peace Corps Worldwide

Opinion | The Hard Reality American Expats Quickly Learn, by Paul Theroux

Jan 07 2025

Paul Theroux (Malawi 1963-65), one of the most prolific Returned Peace Corps travel writers, provides an insightful rendition of the plight of expats. He reminds us with a quote from obnoxious nativist Pap Finn from the “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” that Americans have complained about the state of affairs here, and many have acted on the threat to find refuge abroad, which is ironic today when millions are putting their lives at risk coming here. Those leaving often are looking for something new, according to Theroux. Pap Finn’s rant, “A man can’t get his rights in a government like this. Sometimes I have a mighty notion to just leave the country,” inspired Theroux’s main character in The Mosquito Coast, Allie Fox, who despaired at America’s decline and took his wife and four children to Honduras. He was reminded of his “stubborn American self” and went too far, and his expatriation . . .

Tokyo-ing! by Eric Madeen e-book available for free this week on Amazon

Jan 06 2025

Bestselling author Eric Madeen has announced ‘Tokyo-ing! Three Novellas’ will be available at no charge in e-book format from January 6 through January 8, 2025 on Amazon. ‘Tokyo-ing!’ is an apt title for this trio of tales that chimes with anyone even slightly interested in Asia’s most dynamic metropolis and its glazing of layers – be they cultural or taking-wing exuberant. About Face — An American professor is trophy hunted by a wily student who then boasts of her conquest, sparking a full-blown scandal. Brought to heel in tradition, he fights for his dignity and what a down and dirty fight it is! Sobering Love — Told in first person female persona, a Japanese career woman is obligated to join after-work drinking sessions with her colleagues at behemoth ad agency Dentsu, leading to alcohol addiction and deteriorating health. There seems to be no way out, until she meets Frank, a . . .

Peace Corps Community in the News (week of December 29, 2024)

Jan 03 2025

In case you missed it, here are the top online media articles about the Peace Corps community published during the week of December 29, 2024. To receive email notifications, please subscribe to Peace Corps Worldwide. I figured out how to use two-thirds less water — and it only took a week to set up, by Victoria Namkung in The Guardian, December 29, 2024. While droughts are a natural feature of California’s climate, human-induced warming has made them even drier. After Eric Haas (RPCV Liberia 1985-87), 62, moved to Oakland in 2007, California was in a drought so severe a statewide emergency was declared. After experiencing drought conditions for several years, the California professor had a rainwater and greywater capture system installed at his highly efficient urban home to do his part to conserve water. How chocolate, vanilla, and spices brought 7 RPCVs together in Madagascar, By Bill Guyton (DRC 1984-86) . . .

Jimmy Carter’s grandson Jason speaks out on former president’s life, legacy

Jan 01 2025

Editor’s note: As America mourns the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, I have been amazed by the number of posts, blogs, and photo sharing by Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) who had the privilege to personally meet President Carter through their Peace Corps connection. Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn wrote “For over 50 years, President Carter, his mother Lillian Carter, and the entire Carter family have championed the Peace Corps’ work to advance world peace and friendship through international service.” Many RPCVs shared about meeting President Carter through the Lilian Carter Award; others through the Carter Center’s work to eradicate Guinea worm disease in Africa and Asia. I personally met Jimmy and Rosalyn a couple of times (though I regrettably have no photos of the occasions). At the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation, where I serve as chief advancement officer, we are honored to count Jason Carter (RPCV South Africa, . . .

Archive - January 2025