August 18, 1965

This was my father’s 61st Birthday.

So we can start by saying that in 1965 I knew very little of Africa and did not really want to go there. My idea was to go to Thailand or India because they seemed exotic. I had always wanted to go to South or South East Asia. Except for Pakistan I still haven’t.

The Peace Corps asked if I wanted to go to Uganda and I will have to admit that I did not know anything about Uganda. I had heard a bit about Kenya. I did not think anything of Africa. I just took it as a given that it was controlled by Europe and was going through a decolonization process- though I did not know much else. I learned this through Time Magazine and most likely did read a bit about Africa through the print media.

When I was a kid, I don’t think I had many thoughts about Africa or much of the world outside of Europe. I knew about slavery. I saw the usual Tarzan movies. I must have known something about South Africa. I ‘m trying to get my mood about 1965 Africa and I can’t. I did take a course in history and geography and they most likely talked about Africa so I must have known something about Africa.

In Michigan, I do not think it was my idea to join the Peace Corps though I was not against it. I was thinking of going to law school, but Fione wanted to go to the Peace Corps; so we did. She wanted to go because I think there was a sense to wanting to do good in the world. She had taught the black kids in Saginaw reading and had hoped to do good work either through Social Work or service. So I just went along. I guess we were in Ann Arbor in our little trailer, a small tin can outside Saline, Michigan. I would say we applied in February maybe January. I do not remember.