Shad Engkilterra

My Life in the Peace Corps Shad Engkilterra

When I left for the Peace Corps in 1998, I knew I was in for "the toughest job you'll ever love." I just didn't know what that meant. One thing that I did understand was that I would need support from my family and friends in the U. S. to get through the experience. I wrote many letters home to keep them informed of my experience, and to give us something we could discuss when I returned to America. In country, I took on the duties of providing public health and community development resources. I trained a health agent to give talks on AIDS and hygiene, and I organized and found funding for the renovation of the community health center. My partner was the doctor at the health center. We worked hand-in-hand. He helped me avoid cultural traps, faux pas, and loneliness; I brought in educational resources and innovation. I lived in a hut for two years, played with children, and faced the frustration of culture differences. Every volunteer knows there are no shortages of bug and pest stories. However, few realize the amount of death they will face during their service. The Peace Corps isn't for the faint of heart. These letters detail the emotions and events as I went through them. I hope they inspire thought and caring for our fellow human beings.