If you are there to teach the native population on how to understand the world that expands beyond that wonderfl realm, that is not a bad thing. I have seen the impact in terms of Indians wearing "Western garb" and adopting some of the habits that are unhealthy, but yet again, they do not live in the best conditions. For many years the governments of Amazonia have ignored the denizens of the Amazon so as much as one can criticize the Missionaries for preaching, I question the philosphy of leaving them alone? Alone to be exploited? If you are imparting life skills to the peoples of the Amazon, then I applaud you - especially having lived there with your family, I can imagine you learned a great deal too?

I loved this story - it brought me back... no fire wood to pile up, just lugging these growingly heavy burlap shopping bags full of oranges and other heavy produce my parents would buy every Saturday at the farmer's market in Caracas. My hands would grow sore and my arms feel like dropping out their sockets - waking up at 5 AM so to have first dibs on best fruits and veggies as they were unloaded off the trucks... I hated it then - your narrative awoke that frustration yet I also feel that sense of redemption - the privilege we had of sharing things with our parents...We actually do laugh at those memories as well! Thanks!