https://www.globalcitizenyear.org/updates/jacobs-story/ Global Citizen Year immerses HS grads in developing nations to live and work on the frontlines of today's global challenges during a gap year. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 03:23:05 +0000 hourly 1 https://www.globalcitizenyear.org/updates/jacobs-story/#comment-16647 Thu, 29 Mar 2012 03:23:05 +0000 http://archive.globalcitizenyear.org/?post_type=updates&p=13756#comment-16647 Mitchell,
I am struck by the story Jacob told, described as a fictional life. I’ve just read a book written by a Peace Corps volunteer who worked in a coastal Ecuadoran jungle village in the 1960’s. He was a farmer from the west, in his forties. Not a typical peace corps volunteer. The similarities in his story (non-fiction) and Jacob’s were remarkable. Your reporting and this book make me think about the the power to do harm as well as good starting with the best of intentions. You show a willingness to take the next step to consider the potentially far reaching consequences of actions in a culture that is not fully understood by we who come to “do good.” I applaud you for being willing to put yourself in an uncomfortable position for the sake of seeking greater understanding. Sometimes being a quiet observer/listener in a new culture is the best way to know how to proceed. And less (action) can be more, or mo’ betta, in the long run. Good for you!

]]>