Ethiopia – Peace Corps Worldwide

Married to Amazement: A Memoir, by Kathleen Coskran (Ethiopia 1965-67)

May 16 2025

Married to Amazement is both a memoir and a celebration of the life passages we all experience with a brush of wonder and amazement. It’s not a Pollyanna approach, there is loss and error here, nobody escapes pain, but the foundational gifts of author Kathleen Coskran’s life have been wonder, through undeserved luck, she says, and an instinct for paying attention. Like Mary Oliver, Coskran too doesn’t “… want to end up having simply visited this world.” The first essay quotes a fellow Ethiopia Peace Corps Volunteer who, every day, spread his arms wide as they walked down “a clay road that sucked at our shoes in the rainy season and streaked our clothes with dust in the dry season,” and proclaimed, “So This is Paris!” The essays that follow celebrate the joy of becoming a parent (with five children born in five countries on three continents), the love of . . .

Savanna Spots: Colorful Creatures of Africa, by Benjamin Morse (Ethiopia 2011-13)

Mar 06 2025

Publisher‏ : ‎ Independently published (January 28, 2025) Paperback : ‎ 32 pages ISBN-13 : ‎ 979-8339263340 Reading age : ‎ 2 – 10 years Savanna Spots: Colorful Animals of Africa: Created for Children Ages 2-10: Discover 18 Amazing African Animals with Fascinating Facts, Over 25 Captivating Photos, and Engaging Animations Savanna Spots: Colorful Creatures of Africa is a captivating children’s book inspired by an unforgettable safari in Tanzania, perfect for introducing young readers to the beauty and diversity of African wildlife. This vibrant adventure features Buddy the Bee, a charming guide who leads children on an exploration of the savanna. Inside the book, young readers will encounter 18 different fascinating animals. Among them are majestic African elephants, known for their intelligence and social bonds, and regal lions, often called the kings of the savanna. Towering giraffes showcase nature’s elegance with their long necks and gentle demeanor, while resilient . . .

New Book: Plants of the Ethiopian Landscape, by Andrew Tadross (Ethiopia 2011-13) and Hiwot Tefera

Feb 19 2025

Today we feature a new book by a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Andrew Tadross (Ethiopia, 2011-13) and Hiwot Tefera. This plant science and gardening book is available now on Amazon. Plants of the Ethiopian Landscape by Andrew Tadross, Hiwot Tefera Independently published, Jan. 25, 2025 (Amazon) ISBN: ‎ 979-8877782006 About the book: Discover the botanical abundance of Ethiopia with Plants of the Ethiopian Landscape, a comprehensive guide to its flora, providing commentary and descriptions of over 400 plants; including native species, exotics, ornamentals, crops, fruits, herbs, palms, bamboos, and wildflowers. From the Afromontane highlands of the Simien Mountains to the verdant lowlands of Gambela and from rural homesteads to lakeside resorts, this book will connect you with plants and the people whose lives are shaped by their natural environment. Ideal for the casual horticulture enthusiast or a seasoned botanist, this book is your companion to understanding and appreciating Ethiopia’s botanical treasures. . . .

‘Where is the humanity?’: Congressman urges protection of USAID amid Trump’s agency cuts

Feb 10 2025

Democratic Congressman John Garamendi (Ethiopia 1966-68) served in the Peace Corps and has seen the impact of USAID firsthand in Ethiopia. He joins The Weekend with a passionate defense of the agency’s mission. Click here to watch Congressman Garamendi’s MSNBC interview. Citing his and Patti’s own experience with USAID in 1967 as Peace Corps Volunteers in Ethiopia, Congressman Garamendi noted that food and medical supplies provided by USAID are saving lives and and providing security here in the U.S. Gutting USAID threatens billions of dollars of income for American farmers, considering that, right now, the purchase of $340 million in rice, wheat, and other commodities has been paused. Garamendi emphasized that USAID’s humanitarian assistance is an essential American program. “It is America’s soft power” he said, quoting retired General Jim Mattis’ 2017 reference to the need for more more ammunition if soft power is done away with. “Pulling away . . .

Fiddler on the Roof of Africa by Derek Lowstuter (Ethiopia)

Jan 08 2025

Fiddler On The Roof Of Africa by Derek Lowstuter (Ethiopia 2010-12) Spring Cedars Publisher December 2024 277 pages $24.99 (Hardback) Available on Amazon Do you enjoy learning about far away lands and cultures? Do you have recurring dreams of pooping your pants in front of a foreign president? Have you ever begged neighbors for water to survive? Derek Lowstuter captures these realities of living and working abroad as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ethiopia. Fiddler on the Roof of Africa is a mix of academic study and personal observations—equal parts literature review, introspection, scholarly analysis, confabulation, with a pinch of classic ethnocentrism. Peace Corps service is exceptionally context specific, every Volunteer and every host community is unique. The reactions that take place between the two can be unpredictable and chaotic. The goal of this book is to address international development issues such as food aid, environmental conservation, cultural traditionalism, . . .

New Book by Danny Langdon (Ethiopia 1962-64)

Nov 19 2024

Junkyard Kid Book Description This is the fascinating, often humorous, story of Danny G Langdon—a person who has lived a very lucky life. A world traveler, he is one of the most sane, charming, talented, funny, profound humans you could possibly know—which is unlikely when you read that he was born in a warehouse and raised in a junkyard setting. However, he thrived in such an unusual environment! It promoted his curiosity as he lived with his seven siblings and widowed mother who ran a scrap metal, hide, wool, pelt, and fur business for 40 years. His is a story of overcoming learning obstacles to become a well-rounded person, a successful entrepreneur, and the author of a baker’s dozen books. During the first days of the U.S. Peace Corps, he volunteered as a teacher in Ethiopia—personally meeting President John F. Kennedy at the White House and his Imperial Majesty Haile . . .

New release ‘Falling Seven Times’ sheds light on the struggles of labor migrants in a powerful tale of survival and resilience

Nov 12 2024

By Editor | November 7, 2024 | 0 Follow the harrowing journey of an Ethiopian woman navigating the hardships of working abroad to support her family LUBBOCK, Texas – Author Mark G. Wentling marks his return to the publishing scene with “Falling Seven Times” (published by Archway Publishing), a fictionalized account of his Ethiopian wife’s true-life experience as a labor migrant. The story follows Alya, an Ethiopian woman who unwillingly leaves her home in a desperate need to provide for her family. Without jobs that pay a livable wage in her country, working abroad is her only option for survival. What follows is a journey fraught with physical and emotional challenges: challenging work conditions, language barriers, and cultural clashes — all in the hope of securing a better future for herself and her loved ones. With its poignant narrative, “Falling Seven Times” offers a new perspective on a story . . .

Big Black Hole-New Year’s Addis Ababa 1966

Nov 04 2024

Submitted by John Coyne for Peace Corps Worldwide Big Black Hole-New Year’s Addis Ababa 1966 by Charlie Ipcar (Ethiopia 1965-68) The “big black hole” reminds me of a New Year’s Eve celebration I and some Peace Corps friends were celebrating in Addis Ababa back in 1966. There was folk music, Ethiopian beer, and curious stuff being smoked in the pipes being passed around. Our new British friend Colin Figue, who had managed to hitchhike into Ethiopia with his friend Bob Herbison, was treating us to his rendition of Bert Jansch’s guitar solo “Angie” which we’d never heard before and which seemed to go on forever. Some time in the early morning we were making our way out the compound gate when one of us remembered the hole, the large black hole freshly dug for the cesspool, and we thoughtfully hollered out “Watch out for the hole!” and Colin actually . . .

Transition of Peace Corps Worldwide Website

Oct 01 2024

Marian Haley Beil and I have been writing about changes and developments in the Peace Corps, as well as, noting the publication of articles, essays and books by RPCVs for over 35 years. We have also reported on what the agency and Volunteers are doing worldwide. These are our efforts, we believe, at the heart of the Third Goal — to “bring the world back home.” Who does what Marian, as the publisher, edits, designs, and distributes the site. In the days of our printed newsletters, she also arranged printing and mailing. Now that we are online she has designed our site (with the great help of her son), and maintains a number of databases including one for 680 Peace Corps experience books, and another for more than 1900 Peace Corps authors. I am primarily focused on finding out what RPCVs are doing since their tours and using our . . .

Romance (Poem)

Sep 24 2024

Poetry — Romance That cat I killed last night (The aftermath of rage spent on you) Lay stiff, cast off, When I hastened back to you. It thought the journey safe; My fierce beam Caught it starry eyed Captured with the light. The act was quick and sudden; Painless was my wake. How unlike this kind deed Is our romance. We bite and tear As love unwinds to lust. Dragging our wants Through alleys of guilt. We’ll bear our hate In silent stares. Towards this cruel culmination We cart our long affair. — John Coyne (Ethiopia 1962-64)

Reflections in a College Bar (Poem)

Sep 21 2024

Poetry — Reflections in a College Bar Amidst the chit chit, and the chatter, The single cymbal, and the clatter, We made the scene. Amidst the lazy, stifling smoke, And the hungry wants of life, We saw the light: We watched a bright-eyed co-ed Hasten back from john to John. Knowing she had guessed his calculated look. We saw a bearded one playing pool. Satisfied with little billiards Never comprehending what lies, Unracked beyond this green. While in the back Two huddle deep in talk More ardent than any form of art. They, too, don’t know, or care, And that’s the pity. This perfect time of life Flies away always in the dark. — John Coyne (Ethiopia 1962-64)

Part 2–In That Time of Their Lives — Jeremiah Norris (Colombia)

Sep 21 2024

RPCVs in the news — by Jeremiah Norris (Colombia 1963-65) Peter Hessler And, now let us present the man who brought China Home to America, Peter Hessler. He served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in China, 1996-98, teaching English at a Teacher’s College. Afterwards, Peter continued his work in China as a freelance writer for publications such as: The Wall Street Journal; The Boston Globe; The South China Morning Post; and National Geographic. He joined The New Yorker as a staff writer in 2000 and served as a foreign correspondent until 2007. Based on his experience as a Volunteer in teaching English, Peter has written four books on China: 1) River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze; 2) Oracle Bones: A Journey Through Time in China; 3) Country Driving: A Journey from Farm to Factory, which is a record of Peter’s stories when driving a renter car from rural northern . . .

Paseo Maritimi (Majorca Poem)

Sep 18 2024

The woman in the hotel pool swam in steady lengths, Mindless of the Mediterranean, The yellow sun on harbor walls, The dance of docked white yachts. Mindless as well of my gin and tonic, Or Robert Graves, buried in the thick crust of Deya. Her blond hair combed the turquoise water. Beyond the high tips of palm trees, Palma de Malorca rushed by, While she kept pace in her wet world. Swimmers know nothing but their breath, The pull of muscles, coolness of flesh. She did not know us, watching her slight body, Tan limbs framed in red. I moved my drink with the care given antiques, Wanting to hold the yellowness of light Caught in the glass, Wanting to hold this last image Of the island, the woman, and the sea. Then she rose from the water with a rush, Spraying . . .

In That Time of Their Lives — Jeremiah Norris (Colombia)

Sep 18 2024

RPCVs in the news — by Jeremiah Norris (Colombia 1963-65) . . . The Peace Corps came into existence through an Executive Order from the President of the U. S. in March 1961. It had three complimentary goals, the 3rd of which stated: “To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans”. This Goal, often summarized as “bringing it back home”, has always been something of an afterthought—because it lacks documentation, though it is worth documenting …it represents a Return on Investment (ROI) that is unmatched by any other Congressional appropriation. In the decades that followed, it passed through two events of global consequence, either one which could have resulted in its organizational demise: the Viet Nam War and the Covid-19 epidemic. In the past several years, one would have to have been an expert in forensic sciences to find any article in the press or social . . .

Menorca (poem) | John Coyne (Ethiopia)

Sep 17 2024

John writes — MENORCA From the red tile terrace of the Port Mahón Hotel I watch the sun touch Spain. The harbor water is prickly white a painting by Matisse. Boats glide against the tide and disappear in dawn. Menorca, mucky with heat, wakes to the roar of Vespinos, and English tourists breakfasting. I walk to town in the shade of whitewashed walls. At the Plaça Reial I order café con leche, a sugary Ensaimada, and read yesterday’s news. The English follow, crowding the cobblestones, crowding me to the sea. In Playa de Son Bou, under a thatched roof I drink another cerveza and closely watch topless Germans. I swim to sea, float beneath an empty sky. It is August in the Balearics. But I am safe from Vespinos, tourists, and yesterday’s news. Time has stopped at Barcelona.