Village Assignment: True Stories of Humor, Adventure, and Drama in Guatemala's Highland Villages - Softcover

Huebsch, Dave

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0974173401 ISBN 13: 9780974173405

Publisher: Highlight Pub, 2004

Synopsis

Speaking authoritatively for human development workers worldwide, Dave Huebsch presents a remarkable series of stories that will stir the hearts of readers with 78 sensational stories about the struggles of the powerless to rise from the crushing grip of poverty. It's a powerful and entertaining first-hand series of stories of the amazing people living in the mountain villages and their rise from poverty.

This book is a very human story about people at their best, despite their living in unbelievable conditions. It deals with dreams, and courage, and hard work... and eventual progress. Filled with surprises and insights, Village Assignment is a mosaic which explores the difference between illusion and reality. It listens to the cry of the poor and continually demonstrates dreams translated into a positive life experience.

Dave Huebsch, who turned away from the comfortable middle-class life in Minnesota for the poor mountain villages in Guatemala, now presents the world audience with his new book. It is a non-fiction adventure story, which peaks the interest and imagination of young and old readers alike. Its dramatic and humorous content inspires readers, and will change the vision for doing human development forever.

It is an insightful combination of the familiar and the unfamiliar, which will force the reader to reflect on the human elements of change and development, and understand the impact on real people in real places. Readers will see themselves everywhere in this page turner, which should be required reading for anyone sponsoring a child, supporting the poor, or desiring to be a volunteer themselves.

About this title

From the Publisher

Only a lucky few of us can go to the villages... and roll up our sleeves and plunge ourselves up to the elbows in the labor of Human Development with the very poorest of people. Most Americans have a great compassion for those in need, but can only wish for such an adventurous and dramatic hands-on experience. We are caught up in our own busy pursuits, and we can't let go. Village Assignment transports the reader into the world of human development and the lives and hearts of the villagers.

This exciting collection of 78 dramatic stories and encounters awakens the natural desire most people have to help others. It is a "must read" for the millions of Americans who have sponsored a child, or the generous millions who support efforts for the poor. It will speak to volunteers and Peace Corps workers. The broad appeal of these candid and humorous encounters will become a text and a guide for all who dream of doing something significant in the lives of others.

From the Author

My mother, a country schoolteacher, once told me the story of David and Goliath. She told me this story when I was a child because my name is David and she wanted to encourage me to take a stand for the things in which I believed. When she finished the story, she asked, "What was David thinking when he stepped out to do battle with Goliath, having only his sling and a few pebbles?" "He must have been scared!" I said as a small boy, "He was thinking that Goliath is so big that he could never win?" "No," said my mother, "He was really thinking that Goliath is so big, that how could he ever miss him?" My mother taught me to believe in myself and to face large tasks without fear.

Leaving a comfortable teaching career and going to the highland villages of Guatemala was like the story of Goliath. It was so large a task that we asked, "how could we ever make a difference?" The truth was, however, that we could hardly miss.

This is a book that encourages people to discover which of the elements of their lives are real and which are illusion. Those who have been volunteers will find themselves saying, "Yes, that is me also. I have been there, too!"

We must remember that this is life; it's not a dress rehearsal. Each of us has been given an assignment, and there is much work to be done on them.

Edition details

• Publisher: Highlight Pub
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0974173401
• ISBN 13: 9780974173405
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 268