This is a book about two forms of service that may appear contradictory: war-fighting and peacemaking, military service and social entrepreneurship. In 2001, Marine officer-in-training Rye Barcott cofounded a nongovernmental organization with two Kenyans in the Kibera slum of Nairobi. Their organization-Carolina for Kibera-grew to become a model of a global movement called participatory development, and Barcott continued volunteering with CFK while leading Marines in dangerous places. It Happened on the Way to War is a true story of heartbreak, courage, and the impact that small groups of committed citizens can make in the world.

This book was an alternative to suicide. When I thought the only solution was to end my life I decided to write a book outlining my decision. I figured that way everyone I cared about could see that i had no choice but to end it all. The further I got into the book the more I could find reason to live. I actually had to laugh at some of my adventures that I at one time considered sad moments. I began to see how much pleasure I had actually contributed to my friends and family. Im a 60 year old single mom of one. always trying to find a way or place to fit in with the rest od society. Every new decade brought new hope but no new solution, until age 60.