This festive season, I will have the exciting opportunity to incorporate Peace Corps' 2nd and 3rd goals into my personal life! Yep, you heard it right! But before I dive right into into it, let's revisit Peace Corps 3 goals:
1) Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women
2) Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of peoples served.
3) Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
Now that we are all on the same page, let's continue.
As you may have read several posts ago, I will soon marry a beautiful Ethiopian man, who, as it turns out, has never been to the United States. Although he's never been there, he could probably beat the both of us in American history, geography, and present-day politics. He's seen American movies, adores Sam Cooke-era music, and can quote 1960's slang better than any James Baldwin character. Can you dig it? While he can do all of these things, as can many 'outside observers', a true understanding of the USA can only be gained from experiencing its many facets from within. Without experiencing the magic that is the spirit of America and its people for one's self, one can boil the US and all of its many dimensions down to sound bites from CNN and Fox News. Similarly, without exposure to the world beyond US boarder patrol, Americans can be led to think that all Arabs hate us and all Africans wear Zebra loin clothes to work. Nope, that just won't do!
During our two-week trip, with stops in Washington, DC; Chicago; and New York City, my dear, sweet, sweetness will have the opportunity to meet up with old friends who have immigrated to the US. He will take the requisite in-front-of-the-White-House photo, walk up the steps of the Supreme Court, listen to down home blues, decorate a real Christmas tree, watch the 24 hour marathon of "A Christmas Story" on TNT like a real American, stroll along Lake Shore Drive, see the bright lights of Time Square, feel the warmth of family and friends as they welcome him into their homes and lives, go ice skating in Millennium Park, eat a real Chicago deep-dish pizza, and much more. My lovely guy will get to experience how Americans celebrate Christmas and bring in the New Year. (Side note: Did you know that, in Ethiopia, they use the Julian Calendar? Did you know that, on September 11th, Ethiopians brought in the year 2004? Did you know that, in Ethiopia, Christmas (known as Ganna) is celebrated on January 7th?) He will see that, to be American, does not equate to xenophobia. He will learn that, to be American, is not reduced to Black or White, but is actually represented by the myriad of colors in a rainbow.
On the same token, my family and friends will have the opportunity to get to know and love my sugar pie-honey bunch, just as I do. They will get to hear, for the first time, the bird song-like quality of Amharic. My guy and his BFF, who lives in the US, will guide the family as it accepts its first Ethiopian meal of injera, wot and kitfo. I won't have to simply describe the warmth and inviting qualities of Ethiopians. They'll get to experience it every time they walk into the kitchen, or ride up the elevator to the top floor of the Empire State Building, or as they stroll down the streets of LaSalle...all with my lovely Ethiopian guy. My family's understanding of and appreciation for Ethiopians will be even further broadened during their first trip to Ethiopia in several more months.
Striving towards the 3 goals of Peace Corps is not merely limited to 2 years of active service, at least not for me. Incorporating the 2nd and 3rd goals won't even end at the close of our two week vacation. Being of service to my global community, and fostering a better appreciation and understanding of each other is a life-long pursuit!
Here's to a very merry festive season and a HAPPY NEW YEAR (to those on the Gregorian Calendar system, that is)!!!
Until next time,
Dani
