Starting a Land War in Asia: the Five Classic Aid Worker Blunders

1. Thinking you’re the only one who’s ever tried to do what you’re doing. 2. Brushing your teeth with tap water. 3. Believing all problems have solutions. 4. Mistaking the … more Blood & Milk…

Things I’ve learned from my colleagues: cross cultural competencies

                I learned most of what I know about interacting across language and culture from the incredibly kind and thoughtful way my host … more Blood & Milk…

Coordination Meetings

You always think they’re a waste of time, and there’s always that one really important thing you find out at the end…  

International Consultants

                        The key is to figure out which kind they are before you fly them to your office.

Walk On

  It’s okay to quit the Peace Corps. I’ve gotten a couple of email lately that made me really nervous. I responded to them personally, but it made me want … more Blood & Milk…

Time and Space

The other day, I was talking to a friend about my concept of the hourglass. Basically, when you move to a new place, your hourglass is full on top with … more Blood & Milk…

And so it goes

    Yesterday, my office had a retreat. We’re in the middle of a messy, stressful workplanning process, so we took a day to relax in the sun (and finalize … more Blood & Milk…