Peace Corps

I'm getting ready to head off on my next adventure. I am currently working on a graduate degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. As my practicum I have chosen to do a program through the Peace Corps. On October 5th I will be leaving to spend the next 27 months in Samoa.

In my research on Samoan culture I have found that it is a very religious society. According to the U.S. State Department's International Religious Freedom Report 2007:

Nearly 100 percent of the population is Christian. The 2001 census revealed the following distribution of Christian groups: Congregational Christian, 34.8 percent; Roman Catholic, 19.6 percent; Methodist, 15 percent; the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), 12.7 percent; Assemblies of God, 6.6 percent; and Seventh-day Adventist, 3.5 percent. These statistics reflected continual growth in the number and size of Mormons and Assemblies of God and a relative decline in the membership of the historically larger denominations. The following groups constitute less than 5 percent of the population: Nazarene, Anglican, Congregational Church of Jesus, Worship Centre, Jehovah's Witnesses, Full Gospel, Peace Chapel, Elim Church, Voice of Christ, and Baptist.

 The importance of religion in Samoan society may have an effect on Peace Corps Volunteers as we will be expected to respect local customs. This doesn't necessarily mean we will be forced to participate in religious activities. However, doing so would probably help us gain the respect of our neighbors, coworkers, and other community members. In the Peace Corps's welcome book for new volunteers to Samoa they address the issue as follows:

Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers
Since Samoa is a Christian country, Volunteers may face the tag of being non-church going or an atheist if they do not attend church on Sundays, which can affect their acceptance into a village and thus their ability to succeed with all three of Peace Corps‘ goals. Sunday observance in Samoa is enforced, especially within the villages. Volunteers, despite their religious beliefs or affiliations, often find that participation in certain church services or activities, like singing in the choir, are useful for community integration and can be viewed as another aspect of the cross-cultural experience. For those who do not attend church services, you should refrain from any activities outside or inside the home that may be interpreted as being disrespectful of the holy day. Probably the biggest complaint Volunteers have about religion in Samoa is not having to go to church on Sundays, but the large donations made by villagers, including the poorer families, to support their local church and pastor. Volunteers often believe that the money donated to the church is more needed by families for things such as improved nutrition, better education of their children, home improvements, business development, etc. or needed to support the village school and village improvement projects. Although some Samoans also are starting to agree with this sentiment, Volunteers must recognize that this matter is very sensitive and should refrain from making their thoughts public in their village

I definitely feel like this will be an issue I will need to give myself a place to write about. I figure that this would be a perfect place to do so.