Yevu (White Woman)

YEVU is the true story of a 63-year-old American widow’s solitary journey to Africa on a volunteer, humanitarian mission. Having spent the years immediately prior to her journey rebuilding her life after a series of personal losses, Taubert’s journey of healing led her to seek an opportunity to do something she’d never done before, on a continent she’d never visited, with a people and culture she’d never previously known. Living with members of the Ewe Tribe in the village of Abutia-Kloe in the Volta Region of Ghana, Taubert found the deep bonds and lasting friendships that can be forged between peoples of widely disparate backgrounds and cultures. It’s as much a story of an incredible native people who opened their hearts to a senior citizen from the USA, as it is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to give of oneself to others, and in the process, get far more in return. For anyone of any age who ever thought they might want to take a “volunteer vacation” to a developing country, Yevu is a must-read book.

YEVU is the true story of a 63-year-old American widow’s solitary journey to Africa on a volunteer, humanitarian mission. Having spent the years immediately prior to her journey rebuilding her life after a series of personal losses, Taubert’s journey of healing led her to seek an opportunity to do something she’d never done before, on a continent she’d never visited, with a people and culture she’d never previously known. Living with members of the Ewe Tribe in the village of Abutia-Kloe in the Volta Region of Ghana, Taubert found the deep bonds and lasting friendships that can be forged between peoples of widely disparate backgrounds and cultures. It’s as much a story of an incredible native people who opened their hearts to a senior citizen from the USA, as it is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to give of oneself to others, and in the process, get far more in return. For anyone of any age who ever thought they might want to take a “volunteer vacation” to a developing country, Yevu is a must-read book. Expect tears. Expect smiles. In essence, expect to be overwhelmed with pleasant emotions as you take your first steps into another world altogether as Kathryn Taubert, your willing and enthusiastic tour guide, transports you to a magical place like no other. While on your journey with the author, you will experience -- as she did -- what life is like for the people in Ghana, West Africa, along with their culture, environment and living conditions. Fall in love with the unique, touching characters you will meet along the way and join Kathryn as she shows you what it is like to find yourself on essentially another planet ... one that you'll never be able to forget. Jay Schlichter, Collier Citizen Editor, Naples Daily News, Naples, Florida www.naplesnews.com In YEVU, Kathryn Taubert chronicles her experiences and her reflections on her transformational journey to a remote village in Ghana, West Africa. Fulfilling a desire to make a contribution to those less fortunate, she took her considerable management and leadership skills and experience to cobble together with the natives a self-sustaining strategy to provide early education for the village's youth. She eloquently describes these loving, industrious people who are living in poverty. Though uneducated, they are bright, hard-working, and eager to improve their lot. Kathryn's experience reminds us how what's really important in life. Her mission was a success in so many ways. You'll not only discover how Kathryn "made a difference" on her journey, you'll learn how Kathryn's life was transformed by these gentle people. YEVU was a great read. Like me, you'll probably wish you could have made the trip. Bob Harden, Producer and Host of “The Bob Harden Show,” Naples, Florida, USA http://www.bobharden.com/ A beautiful, very real, and inspiring book. YEVU will open your mind and heart, and help you look at life from a new perspective. A must-read for anyone who has ever dreamed of volunteering abroad. This book will help you prepare both practically and emotionally for the adventure that lies ahead of you. Thank you, YEVU, for a wonderful tribute to the work of Global Volunteer Network's volunteers and projects around the world. Colin Salisbury, Founder and President, Global Volunteer Network, Lower Hutt, New Zealand http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/

Kathryn Taubert’s eclectic career includes employment as a professional fundraiser, insurance industry management consultant, animal trainer, clinical chemistry laboratory technician, cardiopulmonary lab research associate, jazz recording artist, and writer. A native Texan, she lived 26 years in the northeastern USA prior to moving to southwest Florida shortly after the death of her husband in 2001, Capt. Albert R. Taubert. As a self-described “chronic volunteer,” Taubert spent several years in Florida rebuilding her life, eventually returning to the role which had always been among her greatest sources of personal fulfillment: volunteering. From the desire to get her “feet back on the ground,” the trip to Africa was born. Presently, Taubert lives in Florida, writing her weekly blog, “Life in the Slow Lane,” for the “Naples Daily News” and is a regular guest on the Bob Harden Show (http://bobharden.com/). Taubert’s new book to be released in 2013, Better To Have Loved, is the true story of the dramatic events in the author’s life in years immediately prior to her decision to go to Africa that helped influence her decision. “Life in the Slow Lane” is found at http://blogs.naplesnews.com/lifeslowlane/ To order her CDs of jazz/standards, sign up for her mailing list to receive advance notice of her articles and latest book, go to www.kathryntaubert.com The author may be contacted at: P.O. Box 2331 Dunnellon, FL 34430 email: yevu1@yahoo.com