Dr. Barbara A. Coe began to work internationally in 1995 to help foster community empowerment and sustainable development. She lived and worked overseas for years. Then, in 2009, she returned to the United States to begin a new phase, conducting short-term projects in countries including Georgia, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Jordan, and others. Many of the people with whom she worked had experienced great pain and suffering yet showed great resiliency and commitment to improving their conditions. Without exception, even when their circumstances were dire, people were warm, hospitable, and good natured.
As Barbara navigated unfamiliar terrain, languages, and customs, both positive events and challenges continued her life lessons. She often saw how her own thinking sometimes led her astray but prompted her to refocus on her goals and keep advancing. She went to teach, but experienced profound learning. Most importantly, she learned that connections with people are the most valuable part of life and that cultural differences are far surpassed by our shared humanity.
In this account, laced with wry humor, she takes you along to places less traveled to share the experience. For Barbara, this was another Joyful Journey for which she is deeply grateful.
