Joseph

Writing up the memorials has been good. When I just read them I get so upset that I don't read all the words, just quickly go through it without really taking it in. Joseph did have an impact, and he did lead a very full life.

Joseph was so quiet and introverted as a child, and even a young adult. He was always doing things that required a lot of concentration like the piano, swimming, studying, puzzles, books. He loved being around people, loved going to parties but when it got to much for him he would just leave abruptly. The stories from his students, neighbors and other volunteers really brings home how he had reached out to others and impacted their lives. He didn't wait for them to come to him, he went out of his way to experience all that the Peace Corp had to offer.

When we went to Africa to visit, it was the same old Joe, but with the twist that he wanted to go and reach out to people, to talk to them and see what their experiences were. Ray and I were so proud, and we were so excited about hime coming home. He was just starting on his successful life, he had rounded out and was an exceptional young man. He was Joseph, but even more so.

The day before we left the boys for their trip up Killamanjaro the family took one last hike together up Mount Meru. We weren't going to the top, just the base camp. Ray wanted to make sure that the boys were acclimated for the hike up Killamanjaro, and I think he wanted to be a part of their big hike. I wish now that we had gone with them.

Anyway, when we got up to the camp on Meru we were hanging out at the table talking and waiting for the food to be cooked - nothing like traveling with porters and cooks!There was an American girl, she was the only Westerner in her group of porters and cooks. Joseph saw her, and jumped up from our table saying "I have to find out what her story is!" Daniel and I watched in amazement as he went over to her, and Daniel commented, in amazement, "I think we've created a social butterfly!"