Tim Gripka is currently serving with the Peace Corps in Bangladesh
Tim Gripka serving with the Peace Corps
By TODD G. HIGDON / Daily News staff writer
In 1960, then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged students to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. Today the inspiration is known as the Peace Corps.
Tim Gripka, 25, is currently serving with the Peace Corps in Bangladesh, an Asian country near the border of India. Tim left in August 2003 for his journey, and after training for several weeks, arrived in Bangladesh on October 26, 2003.
"He was interested in the idea of the Peace Corps and wanted to go," said Doug Gripka, Tim's father. "He teaches conversational English there and seems to enjoy being over there."
This assignment is Tim's first time out of the United States. And he is learning much about his host country, which is a soggy, delta country with a population of 133 million people.
The Gripkas have the chance to communicate with their son by e-mail or by cell phone. "The Peace Corps provide Tim with a cell phone and we get to talk to him about every week or two," said Doug. "One thing is for certain, you have to watch on what time you call because of the time difference."
According to e-mails from Tim to his family and friends, "I have had the chance to visit Shrimongal, located in the northeast. There are tea plantations and I get to ride around the plantation on my bike."
In March, Tim's parents, Doug and Tammy, traveled to Bangladesh to visit their son.
"Tammy did not think it was as 'dirty' as a third world country is depicted as," said Doug. "We were there with Tim for about five days."
Tim teaches two English classes, four days a week and "loves his students." He has also picked up a couple of phrases including: "Nomushcar" meaning Christian greeting in Bangla, and "ami bhalo achi," which means "I am well."
At first, Tim was living with a host family, but currently lives in an apartment on the top floor.
"The sun sets around 6:30 and this is when most people socialize and walk the streets, because it's not so hot at that time," said Tim.
Tim has been able to do some traveling and see some interesting things.He has been down the Menga River to a place called Kuakata on the Bay of Bangal which has on the world's longest beach.
"I have also had the chance to see snake-charmers, native art, and Hindu shamen (holymen)," said Tim.
Tim has also been able to teach English to some Chinese. "They in turn teach me some of their phrases," he said.
"Peace Corps makes a difference in the lives of people," said Doug. "The Peace Corps is also very safe for volunteers."
Tim is under a two-year agreement to serving the Peace Corps, but he will be coming home for his brother Issac's wedding in December.
Tim says the people he lives near are very nice and he has earned their respect.
For more information on the Peace Corps visit the website at www.peacecorps.gov or call 1-800-424-8580.
