Good Morning, Mr. Paul

Preface
I arrived in Palembang, South Sumatra in the 1960’s as a shy, idealistic, young man who aspired to tackle President John F. Kennedy’s challenge, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country” by serving as a Peace Corps volunteer coaching Indonesian athletes for the 1964 Olympic Games in Japan. Little did I realize, however, that my myopic view of the world would drastically change in the crucible experiences and the etching events that shaped my life from 1963-1965. My two “years of living dangerously,” in some ways paralleled the harrowing events portrayed in the movie, The Year of Living Dangerously. My experiences would alter my value system, strengthen my faith, and change the course of my life forever.
Good Morning, Mr. Paul chronicles my experiences through vignettes – some hilarious and some not so funny – depicting my relationships, work, and daily life in Indonesia. It is, perhaps more significantly, about a young man with a limited world view learning that people are far more important than things; that the measure of a man, even an athlete, lies not in his physical strength but in his courage to continue when there seems little hope; that it is better to serve others than to be served; that faith is real.
In so many ways, I received more from my Peace Corps service than I gave. As readers follow my adventures in Indonesia, I trust the memoir will challenge fellow travelers of all ages to service by reaching out to others and by sharing in our common humanity despite our wonderful differences. Such life priorities position one on paths with amazing twists and often divine surprises. While the book speaks to all ages, it is my hope that my fellow Baby-Boomers, now facing retirement, will hear President Kennedy’s call, not to ask what will be given to them but what they can still give, perhaps by “retiring for Good.”