"To do the thing that was necessary-wasn't that at the heart of our mission? And wasn't it obvious what we needed to do? Plant trees; teach others to plant trees; save the crops
from the inexorable forces of erosion
. ...
But was that the only task that would be needed of us?"
Walking With Evaristo
is a gripping journey-at turns lyrical, occasionally boisterous-venturing deep into the heart of a breathtakingly beautiful country torn by strife. And as the story unfolds, it also becomes a radical exercise in the recovery of personal memory. Nill chronicles three turbulent years working as a Peace Corps volunteer in a deeply traditional Mayan community that fell under the shadow of the sinister forces of oppression. Immersing his readers in the vibrant tapestry of life in a town called Rabinal, the author gradually becomes a witness to Guatemala's escalating civil war-and a brutal counterinsurgency campaign that could only be called genocide. Through his intimate reflections as an environmental professional and as a witness, Nill confesses his shortcomings while at the same time forcing us to think hard about America's role in perpetuating the conditions of oppression. Prepare to be immersed in a thought-provoking odyssey that intertwines the personal and political.
is a poignant memoir that will forever change how you perceive the world.
Includes maps, and over 60 illustrations.