Freshly minted with an undergraduate degree from Cornell University Taylor joins the Peace Corps hoping to put her skills and knowledge to use for the good of others. She soon learns however that this is easier said than done. Through language and cultural barriers loneliness and insecurities she develops a newfound sense of self and a deeper understanding of others. Like a butterfly Taylor emerges from her own chrysalis and in doing so she finds the love of a man to whom she dedicates this book. Originally published as a wedding gift for her husband Stephen Taylor s first book is also a profoundly insightful collection of essays documenting her journey of discovery in West Africa and the people and experiences that changed her life.