Born in Kansas but Made in Africa: An American Man’s Recollections of 50 Years in Africa

Born in Kansas but Made in Africa
An American man’s recollections of 50 years in Africa

At 21, Mark G. Wentling left Wichita for the Peace Corps. What began as three years in Honduras became five decades of Africa Travel across all 54 nations of the continent. This is the remarkable story of how a farm boy from Kansas transformed into a seasoned development professional, diplomat, and lifelong student of Africa.

With one clear-eyed chapter per country, Mark shares his first-hand Africa Travel experiences the beauty, complexity, and often surprising spirit of African life. From rural villages to capital cities, from war zones to development projects, he reflects candidly and respectfully on traditions, challenges, humor, and hope.

Countries I Have Traveled to in Africa:
Togo, Gabon, Niger, Guinea, Benin, Somalia, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi, Senegal, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, South Africa, Ghana, Mali, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Namibia, Mauritania, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Guinea-Bissau, Central African Republic, and Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Central Africa Travel:
The heart of the continent provided some of his most memorable lessons:

Gabon – Peace Corps leadership and immersion in community life. Angola – recovery, resilience, and the challenges of rebuilding. Central African Republic (CAR) – service shaped by hardship and humanity. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – reflections on leadership and authenticity politics.
For readers drawn to global journeys, cultural discovery, and lives dedicated to service, this Africa Travel memoir offers a rare window into fifty years of learning, laughter, and love across the continent.