The early days of the U.S. Peace Corps from the perspective of a Volunteer in the Philippines. Covers the gamut from an ironic twist in country selection through training, early field experiences and placement of Volunteers in barrios, towns and cities to begin their work. Story told from viewpoint of Volunteer who becomes a Volunteer Leader working first in the central islands and then in Mindanao and Sulu to the south. Extensive coverage of person-to-person relations and general living conditions in communities where Volunteers live and work. Account includes tragic plane crash in which two Volunteers die and later a huge fire which consumes the main commercial district of the third largest city in the country, including Peace Corps office and a Volunteer household. A romance begins and flourishes unexpectedly near the departure time for a large contingent of Volunteers.