Letter to Dad & Tera - Sept. 11 & 20, 1993

September 20, 1993 …a letter to Dad….

I am in Nam Nao National Park with five other community forestry volunteers.  There is a tiny library here at the visitor center, I go in there every once in a while and read about Darwin or Gemology or some other interesting subject.  Tonight I picked up a book that was so cool, I wanted to share…  the Teaching of Buddha, Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai, copyright 1966 – revised 1982, Kosaido Printing Co.  It is found in hotels here – I guess like Gideon’s Bible!

The beginning of it says: “Any part of this book may be quoted without permission, with credit to the author and copy to the foundation.”  The story on the left page is in English and the right side is in Japanese – I am assuming it is the same story.

Today I met a Missionary and his family, they are from Whittier!  We didn’t get to chat for too long.  It is hard to imagine teaching Southern Baptist ideals to Buddhists…Why?…who’s to say?…

What is everyone interested in nowadays?  Anyone for recycling paper, making beaded jewelry, making toothpaste, integrated farming?  We are sure learning a lot of really cool Peace Corps stuff, plus learning to speak Thai (very slowly!).  And, lots about trees in a tropical location!

September 11, 1993 … letter to Tera…

I am in a good mood and that is a good time to write!  It is 9:20 am and approximately 90 degrees with a humidity of 98% and I am sweating like Mr. Universe – jungle sounds all around me!  Who wouldn’t be in a good mood! 

Pia’s mom is coming out in November for six weeks, Pia thinks she will be hanging out at the elementary school.  The more we talked about it the more I thought about my mom.  She would love it here!  She could even join the Peace Corps, which is a great idea… I am so proud of me and the Peace Corps.  She’d probably go to Africa and learn to speak French!

Anyone with a sincere interest in learning and living in another culture and sharing themselves, can join, I see now, it is not as difficult as I thought, education helps… but the “want to do and sincere desire to help” is all you really need. 

September 19, 1993 … letter from Tera…

Your last 16 page letter typed into 6 pages, double sided to save a tree!  I can relate to the shots you are getting!  While I am on active duty, they tell me I need typhoid, tetanus, TB and yellow fever!  I can’t believe it has been 10 years since I was a freshman in college, when I had them last.  I got the typhoid and tetanus last Thursday and then ran two miles on the beach Friday morning.  My whole body suddenly got typhoid as I cooled down. (jep!)  My active duty with the SEALS has been very interesting!  I have been working out everyday, despite the fact that all my shots came due this year!  I will get the yellow fever shot on my drill weekend.  Cholera in 30 days!  I will be up to date on all my shots before I come to visit!  It is interesting that you get your shots once you are there… we have to have ours all up to date before we leave the USA.