Phobos & Deimos

Many of us live dual lives, as though we live in two worlds. This divergence is perhaps greatest for those embedded in what may be called ""multiculturalism."" Multicultural people, with their unique life experiences, are migrating around the globe, carrying their own baggage while they face the demands of living in new and strange lands. The short stories in this collection look at the daily tests facing people, frequently in Africa, as they struggle to survive, often in a rapidly changing world. These observations are made through the lens of an outsider--someone from a different culture, with different habits, seeing and learning how these trials are met--seeing and learning that people, regardless of ethnicity, share a common humanity that makes taking these tests poignant and, at times, a true reflection of the human condition. The stories focus on farmers and families, business and traditional leaders, the poor and the rich as they move through life's pathways, not knowing the changes in store for tomorrow. The stories tell tales of sadness and success, while underscoring the common denominators we all share. The stories may be seen as representing a different world, but they most likely represent the whole world. ""John Moehl's empathy with the people of Africa reflects a deeply personal knowledge of the triumphs and tragedies of everyday life on the Mother Continent. Anyone who has spent quality time in Africa will recognize these characters and the sights, sounds, smells, and serendipity that define their world. By eloquently describing how these common folk navigate often bewildering circumstances, these short stories remind us of our common humanity.""   --Randall Brummett, Senior Specialist at the World Bank; spent 30 years doing development work in Africa John Moehl was born in a sawmill town in eastern Oregon, but moved to the savannahs of Central Africa when he joined the Peace Corps in the early 1970s. For most of the following four decades, he lived and worked in Africa. Since his retirement from the United Nations in 2012, and his return to his native Oregon, he has devoted his time to writing about his experiences and the people he was fortunate enough to know.