Some of you may be up on your Presidential tour/ Middle Eastern news and already know this, but for those who don't... President Obama is visiting us! Well, not us specifically, but Jordan. I jotted down a few thoughts of things I would say to Mr. President if I see him strolling on the sidewalk in Jordan. I am sure that will happen, right?
If I could give a speech to Obama about Peace Corps and why continued
funding for the program is crucial:
Mr. President, I had no desire to come to Jordan, or anywhere in the Middle
East. I was hesitant, worried, unimpressed when I got my invitation, but I
already decided I was doing the Peace Corps regardless, so Jordan it was. I got
here and everything seemed loud (particularly the 5AM call to prayer), messy,
confusing, broken… then I met the people. I first met my host family, who took
me in unconditionally. I, a complete stranger, was to live with them for three
months and barely be able to communicate, but they did not care. I was instantly a part of judging who was funnier contests, helping with homework, introducing Thumb Wars to the family, and watching cartoons with three young boys. I immediately
felt welcome and wanted. We all cried when my time there was finished. I then
came to my current site, where day-in and day-out they seem to let my idiosyncrasies
go with minimal questioning. I have not once felt like I was a nuisance or
unwelcome at my site. Each person is genuinely interested in my life, who I am,
what I want to do, what my family is like, what my favorite food is, etc. I
will be devastated when I have to leave, but I know I must remember it will end
at all times so I can gather up as many experiences as I can to take with me to
America.
I wish that everyone could feel the love, the inconceivable
open arms that I experienced my first minute at site. If they could feel that,
I know perceptions about the Middle East would be different. If only they could
sit down over that first cup of tea, watch the faces of their neighbors fill
with love and pride as they speak about their families, their goals, their
drives… and realize it is not so different than sitting with friends in the
States and talking about their families, their goals, their drives. We are far
more alike than different. If only I could bring every person here to have this
amazing feeling of instant belonging, and compassion. I know there would be
more dialogue instead of heedless decisions based on stereotypes and learned
hate. Being here, learning about the culture, and really knowing the people in
my village, has been a game changer in terms of how I look at issues regarding
the Middle East. I actually look at them now. Before I would just gloss over
them, thinking it is just a group hating another group. I thought it had no
impact on my life, but it does now. I can put faces with any of the stories I
read, and I know now that things have to change.
My hope is that I can give as much of me as possible to the
people in my village, my Jordanian family… teach them through action that not
all Americans are evil, or hate Muslims, and I can only attempt to take back as
much as possible from them. If I can convey just a tenth of the amount of
acceptance and love I felt here to just one person at home, I will feel my time
and challenges have not been in vain.
I urge you President Obama, to find time to talk with Peace
Corps volunteers. Learn about the experiences around the globe. I bet you find
countless stories similar to mine. I understand you do not have the time to sit
with families across the world and hear about their lives, but maybe you could
spend a few hours with us women and men who do exactly that every day for 27
months. We are the future of America. We have lived with families, discussed
politics, religion, the future of the world, economics, the best way to make
the local dish…etc. This is where the change happens.
When we return to America, we continue this dialogue, with
anyone who will listen, sometimes even when that person tries not to listen to
that one funny story about the dog for the 15th time. We will be
more aware of the bias in the media and call out those responsible when
necessary. We will educate our friends and family on misconceptions concerning
our country of service and the issues facing that region. Not only this, but
the village will continue to talk about the volunteer for years. My village is
still talking about a volunteer that was here a few years ago, and others have the
same experience. We leave an impact Mr. President, and my goal is to leave a
positive one so there is an improved view of America. This group of men and
women should be a focus for you.
To continue to cut funding for an organization with a unique
opportunity to not only improve the view the world has of the United States ,
but to come back with new skills for the workforce, and a drive to make global
changes, seems a shame. I hope you consider my words and find time to speak
with other volunteers on how important service is, how it changed worldviews,
and what they plan to do with that new outlook. I am sure whatever goal the
volunteer says, The United States of America will benefit. That may be
something to consider when looking at the budget for Peace Corps.
Thank you, enjoy the rest of your walk.
