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Coming of Age in Honduras: A Young Adult's Struggle With Faith, Poverty and Sexuality

Coming of Age in Honduras: A Young Adult's Struggle With Faith, Poverty and Sexuality

Donald Clymer

  • 1295


Jolted out of his innocent, isolated and comfortable world, the author confronted the cruel realities of geopolitical forces of war, exploitation and poverty when he went to Honduras as a 19-year-old Mennonite conscientious objector during the Vietnam War. Sometimes funny, sometimes shocking, but always engaging, the book is filled with personal stories of Clymer’s encounters and interactions with the Honduran people, and the Spanish language and culture. (142pp. Masthof Press, 2020.)

Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
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J
Jana Beyer

HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO EVERYONE
I have read Don Clymer's other books and enjoyed them greatly, so picking up this one was easy. It did not disappoint. I would encourage anyone who has had experience with service (domestic or abroad) or considering service to read this book.
My greatest takeaway however, was searching for our commonalities and building relationships from there rather than looking at our differences. When we do that, there is the greatest chance for change and growth.

R
Rosemary Hershberger

A POWERFUL, DEFINING EXPERIENCE
"Coming of Age in Honduras" is a fascinating memoir.  Persons who have lived abroad for a time in a culture different from their own, particularly in a developing country, are likely to find points of connection and much to identify with in Clymer's story of his two years living, learning, and serving in Honduras.  Even for persons who have not lived abroad, it offers important and interesting observations and insights written in an engaging, entertaining style with a transparency and honesty that at times can surprise.
The author's sojourn in Honduras affected him so profoundly that it became the defining experience of his life.  It captured his heart and soul and permeated his life; expanding his worldview, awakening him to poverty and injustice, informing his future life choices, and propelling him forward in his quest for God and his commitment to living out his faith with humility, empathy, integrity, and courage.
In the introduction, the author states, "My hope is that others who struggle with poverty and justice may find new insights for their journey with faith within this book.  I also hope that my story will be inspiring and entertaining." For this reader, it was that and more!  I'm sure that many readers will find it so.  

D
Dwight Roth

God is Waiting in the Unknown
Clymer's book provides a unique look at the intersection of Clymer’s sheltered Mennonite background and the cultural diversity during the rapid social change that was the nineteen sixties and early seventies. His gifts of anthropological insight and communication skills, especially his ability to speak Spanish, contribute to the narrative’s uniqueness.
The story is about a young man, seemingly unprepared for difficult cross-cultural experiences; the pathos of being tested by sexual desire and the pain of poverty and warfare. Clymer’s entrance on the Honduran stage is as an unknown. His exit is that of a folk hero, a Jesus man.
As with many people, Clymer is inspired by the Sermon on the Mount with its emphasis on peace and non-resistance. But Clymer’s life as a young adult and now as an elder and grandparent is distinguished by his Christian intuition in concert with his other gifts.
What Clymer narrates isn't always explicit. Words can only convey so much. This is evidenced by his seeing God in everyone no matter their position. When the younger or older Clymer sees the face of a beggar, a woman of the night or others defined as marginal people, he sees the many faces of Jesus. Without trying, Clymer connects with the collective soul.
God is waiting in unlimited infinity. Clymer’s story given our linguistic necessity is an excellent way to hear the unhearable – to see the unseen. Therefore, I highly recommend this insightful yet entertaining memoir.

D
Doreen Stauffer

Wonderful
I just read it to my dad (a former VS director in Honduras). We're both, "Wow! So interesting!"

K
Ken Horst, former VSer in Honduras

A Real Treat
What a treat to walk down memory lane with Don Clymer. His retention of specifics is terrific. I love his style of writing.


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