Summary of "Josh Swiller: What I Lost in Africa"
Introduction and Context (03:00 - 04:30)
In the compelling story "What I Lost in Africa," Josh Swiller recounts his experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer stationed in rural Zambia. Upon arrival, Josh was thrust into a challenging environment devoid of modern conveniences such as phones, roads, electricity, and even basic sanitation facilities like flush toilets and toilet paper. His primary mission was to dig wells—a critical task, as "about one out of every three, one out of every four children died from waterborne disease" (03:45).
Initial Struggles and Conflict (04:30 - 07:30)
Despite his dedication, Josh faced significant obstacles in fulfilling his mission. After a year without successfully digging a single well, frustration mounted. His efforts to engage the local community and rally support were continually thwarted by a powerful local figure—a "witch doctor" who held sway over the villagers. This man's influence was so profound that "no one would do anything he didn't say to do" (05:15).
Determined to overcome this barrier, Josh and his team attempted to negotiate with the man. Josh describes a pivotal moment during a crucial meeting: “I come from a different school of diplomacy. I came from having three brothers who were bigger than me. School where you strike fast and then follow with the left hook” (06:10). However, his confrontational approach backfired when he lost his composure and confronted the man by calling him a liar and a thief, which led to ominous warnings about curses—a reflection of the local beliefs and the gravity of his misstep.
Personal Challenges and Malaria (07:30 - 11:30)
Amidst these professional struggles, Josh found solace in the anticipation of a long-planned vacation with his girlfriend, Maria, the Peace Corps nurse. This trip to Zanzibar, a vibrant island off the coast of Tanzania, was meant to be a reprieve from the stresses of his mission. Josh paints a vivid picture of Zanzibar’s allure: “It's like the crossroads of three continents. There's Africa, the Middle East, and India” (08:45).
However, the vacation took a dire turn when Josh contracted malaria. He describes the harrowing experience of battling the illness: “I hallucinated that the ceiling fans in my hospital room were helicopter gunships” (10:10). Despite his deteriorating health, he was determined to enjoy his time with Maria, even as his condition fluctuated between fever and delirium. The ordeal culminated in a poignant moment as he recovered, only to face unforeseen loss.
The Theft Incident (11:30 - 14:00)
Upon returning to Zambia to continue his work, Josh encountered a devastating setback. At the airport, the finality of his departure weighed heavily on him, exacerbated by the theft that occurred on his beach stroll. Josh narrates the loss: “I saw two boys walking along the sand... they picked up my bag and ran away. They got everything. My shirt, my shoes, my passport, my wallet, and last but not least, my hearing aids” (12:30).
As a deaf individual who relied on his hearing aids for communication, this theft was not just a loss of possessions but a profound blow to his identity and independence. His ability to speak fluently masked his deafness, leading to internal struggles with feeling like he was “living a lie.” The theft forced Josh to confront the vulnerability of his condition, especially in an environment where he felt his deafness could never be entirely inconsequential.
Reflection and Conclusion (14:00 - 14:23)
The culmination of these events—failed projects, personal illness, and heartbreaking loss—led Josh to reflect on the nature of fairness and resilience. He muses, “We think life is so unfair. Why am I deaf? Why can't I have the vacation I want? Why can't I dig a well? Why do I get robbed?” (13:45). Despite the overwhelming challenges, Josh’s story is a testament to perseverance and the human spirit’s capacity to endure hardship. His narrative not only highlights the intricacies of working in a foreign environment but also underscores the personal battles that often lie beneath the surface of such missions.
About the Author
Josh Swiller is the author of A Memoir of Deafness and Africa and serves as a professor at Gallaudet University, the National University for the Deaf in Washington, D.C. There, he has developed programs to support America’s thousands of deafened service members, blending his personal experiences with his professional expertise to advocate for and educate others facing similar challenges.
Timestamp References:
- 03:45: Importance of digging wells in Zambia.
- 05:15: Influence of the local witch doctor.
- 06:10: Josh’s confrontational diplomatic approach.
- 08:45: Description of Zanzibar.
- 10:10: Josh’s experience with malaria.
- 12:30: Theft of Josh’s belongings, including hearing aids.
- 13:45: Josh’s reflections on fairness and adversity.
Note: The aforementioned timestamps correlate to specific points in Josh Swiller's story as recorded in the podcast transcript.