In reply to Mark.

Hmmm, your reference did not "prick my conscious". I put my heart and soul into the work I do. I try and examine what I'm doing constantly, in order to change it for the better. While I do not deem myself to be "above reproach", your reference was incredibly offensive, made even worse by the fact that we don't even know one another. You say, "the conquistadors no doubt were well-intentioned too." I strongly disagree with that statement. The majority of the conquistadors were looking to find riches, and they enslaved the people of the areas they conquered. They weren't there to learn about the culture they'd encountered; they came to take what they wanted and change the culture according to their own belief systems. Changing the belief system of a culture is perhaps where missionary work might be akin to the actions of the conquistadors, but I am not here for that work. I am a health educator and a fellow member of my community. I approach both of these positions with respect and care.

That said, I do feel like our presence is sometimes invasive, but most people in the community tell us on a regular basis they are glad we are here to share with them. They use the word share; not conquer, not dominate, not change, not evangelize. We are here to share with them, and I love it when they say that, because I feel like they do indeed share so much with me.

Your example of teaching children is incredibly apt. I don't think the people that I work with are inherently stupid; they've never been given the opportunity to learn about health. Like children, what we tell them and how we present it often determines how much they do or do not understand. I don't think that makes me irresponsible in not telling them everything to the letter. If I had an 8 year old child I wouldn't detail the dangers of all birth control to him or her either, but I would "start the conversation" as they say.

Furthermore, I labor over these posts to be as honest as possible in order to share my experiences with my friends and family. I ask that you please be respectful of my thoughts and feelings in your reading and commentary.