James Murren

Go Here, Go There James Murren

Between the years 2005 and 2012, I traveled and worked for international development projects centering on improved household energy technologies and agricultural techniques, as well as organizational capacity building. During that time, I had the privilege of working with many people who taught me about their homelands and how to be a more conscientious global citizen. I am indebted to them for the lessons they shared with me, hoping to have put a few into practice. What is in these pages are my words and photos of experiences in: Ghana (2005), Nigeria (2005, 2008, 2009), Senegal (2016), Paraguay (2011), Brazil (2006), Canada (2010), Puerto Rico (2009), Costa Rica (2010, 2011, 2012), Panama(2012), and the Republic of Georgia (2012). While putting this book together, a few themes seemed to be present: What does it mean to have a passport that allows for free movement around the globe for work and pleasure? And then visiting places of forced migration? Of places where people move as a means to survive? How can food be used to build bridges? What role does possessing land to live on and grow food have in defining our humanity? Are we doing enough to save that what is "wild" on our planet? When we travel, what are our responsibilities? I do not have exact answers to any of those questions. Perhaps some light is shed on them in this collection of writings. It might even be that shadows have been cast, instead.