We Are Volunteers of America

Whenever people outside of the US think of Americans, what do they think of? From what I gather, they think of Bush and Obama, Rihanna, Michael Jackson, Eminem, and Chuck Norris. They fearfully think of Columbine, 2Pak videos, and 9-11. And they think of opulence; dollar bills pouring freely from over-stuffed pockets.

For many folks living in rural Santo Antao, Cape Verde, their image of America is tied to the NATO Troops. Some years ago, for reasons that I’ve not been able to piece together, there was a unit of American NATO military personnel living and working in Cape Verde. What their official business was, I have no clue. However, the impression that they left was that their purpose was to give away gifts. My neighbors have shared with me happy tales of the materials donated to schools, pieces of candy given to children, and food items provided to families.

What the Troops are equally famous for, however, is of greater interest to me personally. One evening, several enlisted men joined a dance party at our town’s store/bar. Where they good dancers? I don’t know. Did they make the ladies swoon? Well, at least not in the intended way. All that remains of the Troops’ legacy is that…. wait for it….. they loudly and shamelessly passed gas. All of them. And they thought it was hilarious.

And thus publicly passing gas is what comes to mind when my neighbors think of Americans.

Skip ahead to 2010. Enter Scott and Melissa.

Upon arrive in our community, Scott and I proudly introduced ourselves around town as Volunteers from America. Unbeknownst to us, we hit two unfortunate misrepresentations with one stone.

In Cape Verdean Kriol, the term “volunteer” is most often used in the following phrase screeched at children by an infuriated mother: “ ‘cha de volunterismo!”

Loosely translated: “Enough of the Volunteerism!”
Meaning: “Stop acting like an idiot!”

And so we go.

Of all the millions of things that you’ll do in your life, it’s downright inspiring to imagine what you’ll be remembered for. Furthermore, as a Peace Corps Volunteer, an entire community may form an impression of an entire nation of people based on your actions.

Scott and I are busy marching around Cape Verde acting like “volunteers” and representing you- all of you Americans, with our every word and deed. Watch out ; )