You know, you have to be careful what you say in front of kids. You’re always setting an example – the question is, what kind?
Either I needn’t have worried in the first place (“I was a kid, for heaven’s sake!”), or she has WAY over-corrected.
We kept hauling her to Sunday School and church, and youth group, and there was no escape from the values of Scouting. Her mom is the Girl Scout leader supreme. This picture is from survival weekend when the girls were about fourteen or so.
The next thing you know, despite your best intentions, you find out your kid is taking this values and mission stuff seriously. She feels called to serve her fellow man, and she up and joins the Peace Corps, headed for darkest Africa. “Maybe not darkest Africa. Maybe more like just dingy Africa.” she says. I feel better already.
She has been talking about it for years, but people have been known to change
their mind. When she did the six-month horticulture internship at “The Land” in Epcot at Walt Disney World, I thought she might ease up on the “to serve man” thing. Plus, I’d always yell, “It’s a cookbook!” Here’s her Christmas card, and it kind of says “Disney Princess”. On the other hand, here she is giving the greenhouse tour, and this is more down to earth… actual earth, plants and such.
After more than a year of soul-searching and writing and re-writing her essay on why she wanted to join the Peace Corps, her application was finally sent in and accepted (there are three times as many people applying as there are placements). She had requested a post working with agriculture (her degree is in plant science) in Africa (she hates being cold). Oddly enough, many Peace Corps workers are now serving in Eastern Bloc countries, doing I.T. and business plans, living in apartments (tiny, cramped apartments without cable TV, but apartments). Blair wanted the old school, sixties-style Peace Corps (check out the movie, “Volunteers” with Tom Hanks and John Candy).
That’s what she got, too. She is posted to Zambia, which used to be Northern Rhodesia. It’s about the size of Texas, with a temperate climate. The country is very poor, but relatively stable politically (unlike the hell-hole of Zimbabwe to the south). She will live in a mud hut with a thatched roof and no electricity or running water. Sort of a two-year survival weekend. At least she’s going to a place where the people have actually asked for help from the Peace Corps (rather than going to be shot at in Iraq or Afghanistan).
Blair didn't want to do a speaking tour before she left. "I haven't done anything yet." Mom twisted her arm and she spoke in church the Sunday before she left. Blair used Zambi in her children’s sermon on Sunday. She tried to give the kids a rudimentary notion that there are people less fortunate than they who need their help. I doubt they have any concept how much less fortunate.
In the mean-time we’ve got pictures and Zambi.
As an RPCV (Returned PC Vol) - Burkina Faso, 00 - 02 - I have to congratulate your daughter on her decision to join the PC. It truly is "the toughest job you'll ever love". I cannot say enough about what a wonderful experience PC was, and what a lasting effect it has had. I bet you'll find that she's much less isolated and out of touch than you anticipate, and I guarantee she'll have fantastic stories! Good luck to Blair!
Posted by: Sarah Jones | February 17, 2010 at 05:57 AM
On Saturday, February 20, 2010, we received a text message from Zambia, our first communication since 2/17/10. Everything is going according to plan, at least so far.
I found another lousy definition for adventure:
"Adventure starts when something goes wrong."
Blair leads a charmed life. All will be well.
Posted by: Doc | February 20, 2010 at 10:18 AM
2 cool, Ev; Blair is indeed charmed; all is well:)
Thanks for coming today.
Leah
Posted by: Leah | February 21, 2010 at 05:34 PM
Blair was blessed with parents who not only preached, but taught by example. The world is a better place now.
Posted by: Sheila | February 23, 2010 at 12:56 PM
That's great for her! Let us know how she's doing.
Posted by: Janet | February 24, 2010 at 06:12 AM
Hi,
I'm from Jefferson City, MO (I went to MU) and am leaving for Ghana with the Peace Corps in June! Congrats to Blair!
Jeanna
Posted by: Jeanna | March 02, 2010 at 01:24 PM
Wonderful, what a lovely girl you have.. will keep her in my prayers, and hope you give us all updates regularly. This will be a life shaping experience for her.
Posted by: Darlene Girard | March 18, 2010 at 03:37 PM