Betsy Small | Author of "Before Before" (a 2026 Nautilus Silver Award Winner) Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Finalist | RPCV Sierra Leone 1984-87

I had the wonderful opportunity to reconnect with Betsy Small a fellow RPCV who served in Sierra Leone 1984-87

We chat about her very non-linear career path after Uni, how this lead her to some awesome meaningful work in Sierra Leone where she worked in the agriculture sector, aiding with growing rice and even experimenting with fisheries in the village.

This experience lead her to many unique experiences and learnings over her life. Like teaching sign language, working on a farm, working for various non-profits and international aid-organizations, and even writing her own book!

In the podcast episode we chat about some of the challenges the locals faced with the civil wars, blood diamonds, ebola outbreak and more.

Her award wining book "Before Before" talk about her time in the Peace Corps, the village members questioning her ability at first, their curiosity of new information beyond their own boarders, working together and just trying new things out, building lasting friendships and more!
Betsy wanted to show the world, that Sierra Leone is more than the headline news, conflicts and tragedy. To highlight how nice and wonderful the people are, and how resilient the communities are before these conflicts happened.

We also chat about the layers of complexities of international aid, where food from overseas (like Rice) that had good intentions, was meant to feed and nourish the people in the communities. It clashed and disincentivized many of the farmers to overproduce rice production because they knew they couldn't compete with the free rice or food from abroad.

In the end, everything is a learning experience!

Betsy will continue her great work in Sierra Leone and visit her old host village next month. Sharing the stories and her book "Before Before" in person. The book was peer reviewed by village members and experts in the field for accuracy and cultural awareness / sensitivity. So her village members and local friends were a part of the entire writing process!

Betsy has also worked with organizations that serve post war communities and peoples.
We also chat about fear and some of the village saying to help over come them.
Her work helping children dealing with post war conflicts as well. To help overcome these negative sentiments and thoughts, to figure out a way to forgive and reset.

"di wata we na for yu nɔ go rɔn pas yu"
the water that's for you won't run past you

Everyone has a different experience in the Peace Corps and there are challenges. But when you boil everything thing down, the simplest things are the luxury.
The People and friends you make are really the luxury; and make your stay in country so wonderful and enjoyable!

We talk about so many things in the episode.
From the challenges like fear, the lovely parts, the funny things, the book and more!!!

Please check out and purchase "Before Before" on Amazon, Direct from the her website or from Barns & Nobles. (All Proceeds from the Book goes directly to the Village of Tokpombu!)

Check out Betsy's Website: https://www.betsysmall.com

Buy "Before Before" from the publisher here:
https://press.umich.edu/Books/B/Before-Before3

Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0472057294?lv=shuf&bestFormat=true&newOGT=1&channelId=704&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_9J0BBYFN0MPAA4M0N7YM&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Barnes and Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/before-before-betsy-small/1146216443

Hope you enjoy! Please share the podcast with your friends and family!

Thanks and take care!

-Albert

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