Now I have to find a way to explain to my Namibian friends and colleagues (as well as myself) just what the US election results mean.
My entire adult life as been devoted to building bridges to people from other countries around the globe. Attending university, living, working and traveling overseas, I believe in inclusiveness – and in leading by example. That commitment remains unchanged today.
All Peace Corps Volunteers around the world share 3 goals, the 2nd of which is to help the people we meet in our host country understand more about America. As another colleague explains well in his blog post, this just got so much harder:
https://peacecorpsmax.wordpress.com/2016/11/10/mourning-in-america/
In the past couple of days we (we PCVs) have been besieged with questions and comments from our in-country friends and colleagues. In my own life, many have shared their concerns for the unknown of our future (the world’s, not just America’s). And a few have gloated that this “tell-it-like-it-is TV star may surprise us all and be the best president ever…”
Those of you who know me can attest that I’m just fine representing myself, my values, and my views on my country’s history, strengths and weaknesses. I hope you’ll appreciate my struggles to represent 60 million other people who felt this was their best or only choice. I have been reading, researching, exploring and talking to fellow countrymen – trying my hardest to understand. As of yet, I just don’t get it.
I was always attracted to Peace Corps’ motto: “the hardest job you’ll ever love.” This hard part of the job, I have to admit… I’m not loving.
Just keep doing what you do Chris. You are making a difference in people’s lives everyday!
I for one will enjoy watching the Talented Mr. T be pressed to deliver on all his far flung promises.
Hello Chris!
The results were just as shocking to us as they were to you.
It wasn’t just that Trump won, it was the fact that the day before most of the polls gave Clinton a 90% chance of winning!
Of course, the big concern here is that with control of both the Senate and the House, we are in for a tough ride for the next four years. I’m a pretty big environmentalist (One of the six original founders of Save Our Shores, etc.) so things don’t bode well for our causes…
So, after cowering in the corner and eating ground glass for a few hours, I took a deep breath an said…”Only worry about what you personally can control- Don’t obsess about things out of your control- that leads to anger and madness that has no good end”…
On a positive note, they have legalized the possession of one ounce of marijuana in California- we will need that for the next four years of the Trump presidency.
Keep safe, my friend- from your postings it looks like you are living in a pretty harsh environment but are adjusting well.
As I said in an earlier E mail as a quote from a famous 20th century British poet…” You are a better man than I am , Gunga Din…”
Be Well,
Van Tunstall
Thanks for your comment, Van. I love Kipling but hope I don’t have to take “a bullet where his breastplate shoulda been.” Staying true to ourselves, we’ll all contribute to a better future for everyone.