Interview with James Burchfield, December 9, 2020

Interview Summary

James Burchfield served as a Peace Corps volunteer with his wife in Nebaj in the Guatemala highlands from December 1973 to December 1975 and from March 1976 to 1977 in a recovery program following a devastating earthquake. He discusses his gardening and nutrition activities in local elementary schools and communities during his first tour and later starting beekeeping cooperatives in conjunction with a local priest. He talks about rich coffee growers, the exploitation of indigenous Mayan workers, and the beginnings of the Guatemalan civil war. The growing violence between government paramilitary forces and leftist rebel groups led to his and his wife’s evacuation. He speaks fondly about his friendships with Guatemalans and fellow Peace Corps volunteers during and after his service, and his involvement in Third Goal activities through the Montana Peace Corps Association. He wishes more people had the opportunity to benefit from this broadening experience.

Interview Keyword

Guatemala (Country of service) School gardens 1973-1975 (Date of service) Earthquake recovery 1976-1977 (Date of service) Guatemalan Civil War Third Goal activities Nutrition Beekeeping

Interview LC Subject

Peace Corps (U.S.) Peace Corps (U.S.)--Guatemala Guatemala Acculturation Communication and culture Culture Culture shock Intercultural communication Interpersonal communication and culture Interpersonal relations Interpersonal relations and culture Language and culture Language and languages Lifestyles Manners and customs Voluntarism Volunteers

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Interview Usage

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