1. Mongolia Morning of Mongolian Wedding

    Talking with my niece, Badmaa, during the morning of my wedding to her aunt, Tunga

  2. Mongolia Mongolian Wedding

    My wife Tunga and I getting married in Sukhbaatar province as Tunga's father, Jargalsaikhan, hands me a traditional silver bowl with Mongolian milk

  3. Mongolia Close of Service

    Close of Service Conference for our M19 Group as we finished our service in Mongolia.

  4. Mongolia Swearing In Ceremony

    Tunga and I during the beginning of my third year as a PCVL at the 2010 Swearing In Ceremony for our M21 Volunteers.

  5. Mali Is this in America?

    Shaka, a five year old that lives in my concession. Number one asked question of all time, is _______ in America? It could be anything, a cat, chair, sandal, rice, etc. This time he asked if there is a machine like this one in America, I did not know for sure, so I just said there are machines and maybe one in America is the same.

  6. Senegal Let's Meet Under the Mango Tree

    This picture was taken the day before the naming ceremony of my village namesake, James Diouf, named after my father in the US.  The women of the village are all gathered under one of the largest village mango trees, taking turns pounding millet for the porridge and big meal the next day.  The women are sitting around, making tea, dancing, gossiping, and egging each other on as they pound.  The images from this day will forever be imprinted in my memories.  Thank you, ladies.

  7. Jamaica Miss Thompson and Mrs. Gordon

    Sonia Thompson and Mrs. Gordon are associates. They are similar in that they both shoulder tremendous burdens. They lean on one another in times of need. They are central in a successful, unofficial community support system. This is a long term, mutually beneficial friendship; one of many I observed while working in Ewarton.  

  8. Ukraine Valentine's Everywhere

    As the first Peace Corps Volunteer (and practically the first American) in the small town of Kosiv in western Ukraine, it took a while for trust to be built.  Being invited to the Valentine's Day festivities at the local primary school was very special.  These two little children were chosen as the "king and queen" of Valentine's Day and happily danced for everyone.

  9. Morocco Spice Rack

    I met my husband while serving in the Peace Corps.  This poem is a celebration of the blending of our cultures and the wonderful diversity it brought to our lives.   Spice Rack   America’s melting pot implies mélange. Spice rack conjures up complexity: The tongue distinguishing textures And tastes – sweet, savory, Pleasantly piquant.                                         We were raised differently-- You: Moroccan, Arabic-speaking, Moslem; Me: American, English-speaking, Catholic, But food...

  10. Vanuatu My mamas and laplap

    The beloved Paama Mamas in my village are the foundation for life on the islands. They go to the gardens, cook, wash and look after the children and household with little time for themselves. Their support, love, hard work and perseverance are an inspiration to me. 

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“Sunset at the Railroad” by PCV Nicholas Baylor Hall. Namibia, 2011.