Little Miss Missy,
You knew it was coming...the day that I would really have to show my commitment to Peace Corps...accepting a vow of poverty (going from a salaried job to a volunteer's stipend) for the next twenty-seven months. Yes, today is the day that I turned in my letter of resignation, with my last day being June 30th. I think I rehearsed what I would say to my boss a million times. I even examined the situation and all of its possibilities in role play exercises: Me (as me), Me (as my boss), Dad (me), Mom (boss), Dad's friend (me), Loopy Gurdlekisser (boss), Medin (co-workers), Emma...girlfriend of Medin (boss), Me (as me again)...oh, ok...you get the picture.
As much as I role played, worried, dreamed about resigning, talked about resigning, drew pictures of resigning, I was still shaking in my boots (black mary-janes) when I went to do to deed. You see, I have an overwhelming sense of loyalty and sometimes guilt (which I plan on sharpening so I can turn it around and use it to get my future children to do the dishes...just playing, well, maybe not), which made it difficult to leave my job after I committed to it...but I've been told that it happens all of the time...and maybe next time, it won't be so dramatic (at least on my end). When speaking to my boss, I pointed out that I really enjoyed my job, liked the people I work with, learned a lot, etc....but I've got to fulfill this dream of mine...joining the Peace Corps! In the end, she was very supportive of me and wished me well. Now, I'll focus on tying up loose ends at work...and at home...six more weeks until I'm ZA bound!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
BBQ'd Out!
One of the things that I included on my agenda (mentioned in the last post) was to show the world I had command of a grill, but I think it should read more like: Show the world that, if you put in the least amount of effort, you too can gain weight by being a Memorial Day BBQ groupie.
On Saturday, my homegirl and I hosted a BBQ at my house, and about twenty or so people showed up. Even though that doesn't seem like a sizeable crowd, it sure did look the part on my small patio! In fact, it was busting at the seams, and if any more people were to have showed up...I might have ended up on the grill.
Sunday (which really seemed like a Saturday) was spent in the hundreds (and if you're from Chi city, you'll know what I'm talking about), with a couple of friends. There was a lot of food and even more trash-talkin' over the seemingly endless games of spades (Joker, Joker, duce, duce...ATL style), and gin!
Monday was spent on one of the south shore beaches with a bunch of old and new friends. Chef Yulanda and Felicia threw down with the corn (Yomika is still waiting on hers), hamburgers, beef ribs, and "grown-folks" snow cones! Mmm, Mmm good!
Ahh...while I'm supposed to spend my time, on this day, reflecting about all of the people that fought for this country...my nose won't let me stop dreaming about ribs, cakes, pies, fish, hamburgers, watermelon, baked beans, and potato salad.
On Saturday, my homegirl and I hosted a BBQ at my house, and about twenty or so people showed up. Even though that doesn't seem like a sizeable crowd, it sure did look the part on my small patio! In fact, it was busting at the seams, and if any more people were to have showed up...I might have ended up on the grill.
Sunday (which really seemed like a Saturday) was spent in the hundreds (and if you're from Chi city, you'll know what I'm talking about), with a couple of friends. There was a lot of food and even more trash-talkin' over the seemingly endless games of spades (Joker, Joker, duce, duce...ATL style), and gin!
Monday was spent on one of the south shore beaches with a bunch of old and new friends. Chef Yulanda and Felicia threw down with the corn (Yomika is still waiting on hers), hamburgers, beef ribs, and "grown-folks" snow cones! Mmm, Mmm good!
Ahh...while I'm supposed to spend my time, on this day, reflecting about all of the people that fought for this country...my nose won't let me stop dreaming about ribs, cakes, pies, fish, hamburgers, watermelon, baked beans, and potato salad.
Friday, May 26, 2006
52 days and counting...
In 52 days, I will be headed off to Peace Corps staging, presumably in Philadelphia! Ohmigoodnessgollygracious, time is moving so quickly! Just last month, or even at the beginning of this month, the days seemed to be dragging on and July 17th seemed soooo far away! Now, my leave date is right around the corner and I still have so much to do! Well, thanks for visiting my...oh, you want to know what I have to do, in order to leave? Ok, here it is (keeping in mind that things will be added to the list as we go):
Today: Get a whole lot of work done for my job! All I do is work, work, work!
Saturday: Showin' the rest of the world that I have command over a BBQ grill!
Monday: Get up early and start getting ready for work, smile and realize that today is Memorial Day, and roll back over to continue my Peace Corps dreams.
Tuesday-Thursday: Work, work, and more work...ugh!
Friday, June 2-Sunday, June 4: Headed out to Tacoma, to visit my former Oklahoma City-Redeemer Lutheran Church-Sunday school buddy, Jay-Pee (with an emphasis on the Pee). I used to see him during my yearly summer pilgrimage to the grandparents', that is until he and his family moved to Florida. We lost touch from at least my stint in Jr. High School to the end of grad school...what is that, like 11 years? Well, while in OKC visiting her dad, my mother ran into him...and gave him my number. We we've been fast friends ever since...and now to my long-awaited trip...cause I've been telling him I'd visit him for a year now... Really, this trip is more of a site seeing tour, seeing as how he is the first African American I knew with red hair and freckles (think the Black male version of Pippi Longstockings). I will be posting pictures!
Some time between June 5 and 9: Submitting my resignation for my job...which would make my last day June 30th!
Friday, June 16: Complete the last portion of my Peace Corps medical application. I know, I know, I told you that I was medically cleared a long time ago. Well, I was, but the PC medical application lasts for one year from the date you first submitted it...which is why I'm leaving before October 2006...so I don't have to go through the whole process over again. My dental clearance however, has expired, so I need to get a check up to say I have good teeth...I do, I really do. Actually, I had my first appointment on May 15th, but I have to replace a filling that decided it had enough of me...and left the building! So after my appointment on the 16th, I'll Fedex the PC my form...and I'll be ready to hit the road running.
Some time between June 5 and 30: Selling my dear sweet Candy! I'll miss you girl!
June 30: MY LAST DAY ON THE JOB!!!...although I've really enjoyed working here. It's not too often that someone can say that they really love what they do! I'm one of those people! I've met so many wonderful people and have gained valuable work experience...but joining the PC is something I've wanted to do for so long, and it will hopefully take me far (in my personal life, work life, spiritual life, etc.)! I've gotta do this for me!
July 1-17th: Pack, visit friends, say my many goodbyes, bask in the ultra violet UV-PC rays, and visit every restaurant that I've grown to love here in Chicago (soooo many...sooo many)!
I'm sure things will be added to the list...I'll keep you posted!
Today: Get a whole lot of work done for my job! All I do is work, work, work!
Saturday: Showin' the rest of the world that I have command over a BBQ grill!
Monday: Get up early and start getting ready for work, smile and realize that today is Memorial Day, and roll back over to continue my Peace Corps dreams.
Tuesday-Thursday: Work, work, and more work...ugh!
Friday, June 2-Sunday, June 4: Headed out to Tacoma, to visit my former Oklahoma City-Redeemer Lutheran Church-Sunday school buddy, Jay-Pee (with an emphasis on the Pee). I used to see him during my yearly summer pilgrimage to the grandparents', that is until he and his family moved to Florida. We lost touch from at least my stint in Jr. High School to the end of grad school...what is that, like 11 years? Well, while in OKC visiting her dad, my mother ran into him...and gave him my number. We we've been fast friends ever since...and now to my long-awaited trip...cause I've been telling him I'd visit him for a year now... Really, this trip is more of a site seeing tour, seeing as how he is the first African American I knew with red hair and freckles (think the Black male version of Pippi Longstockings). I will be posting pictures!
Some time between June 5 and 9: Submitting my resignation for my job...which would make my last day June 30th!
Friday, June 16: Complete the last portion of my Peace Corps medical application. I know, I know, I told you that I was medically cleared a long time ago. Well, I was, but the PC medical application lasts for one year from the date you first submitted it...which is why I'm leaving before October 2006...so I don't have to go through the whole process over again. My dental clearance however, has expired, so I need to get a check up to say I have good teeth...I do, I really do. Actually, I had my first appointment on May 15th, but I have to replace a filling that decided it had enough of me...and left the building! So after my appointment on the 16th, I'll Fedex the PC my form...and I'll be ready to hit the road running.
Some time between June 5 and 30: Selling my dear sweet Candy! I'll miss you girl!
June 30: MY LAST DAY ON THE JOB!!!...although I've really enjoyed working here. It's not too often that someone can say that they really love what they do! I'm one of those people! I've met so many wonderful people and have gained valuable work experience...but joining the PC is something I've wanted to do for so long, and it will hopefully take me far (in my personal life, work life, spiritual life, etc.)! I've gotta do this for me!
July 1-17th: Pack, visit friends, say my many goodbyes, bask in the ultra violet UV-PC rays, and visit every restaurant that I've grown to love here in Chicago (soooo many...sooo many)!
I'm sure things will be added to the list...I'll keep you posted!
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Packing Conversation (Part I)
Good mornin' everybody! In case you were wondering, yes, I've started packing, or at least I've started to think about what I need to pack. In the volunteer welcome CD-rom, the Peace Corps provides a very general packing list comprised of suggestions from former volunteers. At first, I thought I was going to wait to buy all of my supplies until I had the cash I would make from parting ways with my beloved car Candy, but my mom encouraged me to stretch the process out over a longer period of time. Oh, I think I'll take the (hopefully) easy route and sell my car to Carmax. I hope I get a decent enough price on her...we've shared so many memories (trips to Tallahassee, Orlando, S. Carolina, Savannah, Chicago, all around the city of Atlanta). I'll always love and miss you Candy Girl, you've seen me through good and bad times! Before we part, I'll be posting a picture of my dearest friend!
Toiletries
On Thursday, May 18th, while I was trying to kill time until my friend Chris' delayed flight landed at Chicago O'Hare, I went over to the local friendly Target, in order to by new socks, undies, and toiletries items. After connecting with a few current and former South Africa PCV, I was told that bringing lots of quality undies is best. I'll be making a trip out to a jockey outlet soon! Here's what I've bought thus far (remember this is only a preliminary list. I will be providing a link to the complete list later):
Palmer's Cocoa butter (2 bottles)
Tooth brush (2)
Tooth paste (2)
Dental floss (2)
Suave roll-on (2)
Women's once-a-day vitamins (1)
Q-tips and cotton balls (1 box each)
Pumice stone (1)
Packing/Camping Gear
On Sunday, May 21st, my dad and I went down to our local Erehwon (No Where spelled backwards) and bought a few other items. I already have a small tent (for the occasional camping trip and visiting other volunteers), and sleeping bag:
Compass (to guide me to the nearest Nando's)
Osprey Arial 65
Water proof backpack cover
Nalgene water bottle (2- one wide mouth and one small mouth)
Solio solar charger for phones and iPod
Clothes
Contrary to what many of you may believe, South Africa can be a very trendy and fashionably conscious place. Yes, I need to bring sturdy clothes because I'll probably be doing a lot of hand washing, but the cuteness factor is very important. As much as I love Urban Outfitters, Paper Denim& Cloth jeans, etc., I'll need to get cute clothes that can stand a beating. Any suggestions on where to go? Also, I won't be packing clothes for two whole years, I'm going to be able to buy plenty of things there.
During staging and while working at my new job, I'll need to dress professionally (more so at my job), so I need to find a few pieces that can serve as multiple outfits.
From experience, I know that it can get pretty chilly (30's F and 40's F in some places), so I will need to bring a jacket or two. I already have a black North Face fleece, but I guess I've grown a little bit since 10th grade (or it shrunk a little), so the sleeves ride up 1/3 of my arms when I lift them. To fix that little problem, I bought a new North Face Denali (polkadot pink) fleece. I have a water resistant North Face shell that will go over the fleece when I need it. I also need to get a good pair of walking/running shoes (although I can't jog to save my life, I figure I have plenty of time and opportunity to start), flip flops, and hiking boots.
Well, that's all I have for now. Like I said, I'll be posting a more complete list later that can be found on the side toolbar. Check ya later!
Toiletries
On Thursday, May 18th, while I was trying to kill time until my friend Chris' delayed flight landed at Chicago O'Hare, I went over to the local friendly Target, in order to by new socks, undies, and toiletries items. After connecting with a few current and former South Africa PCV, I was told that bringing lots of quality undies is best. I'll be making a trip out to a jockey outlet soon! Here's what I've bought thus far (remember this is only a preliminary list. I will be providing a link to the complete list later):
Palmer's Cocoa butter (2 bottles)
Tooth brush (2)
Tooth paste (2)
Dental floss (2)
Suave roll-on (2)
Women's once-a-day vitamins (1)
Q-tips and cotton balls (1 box each)
Pumice stone (1)
Packing/Camping Gear
On Sunday, May 21st, my dad and I went down to our local Erehwon (No Where spelled backwards) and bought a few other items. I already have a small tent (for the occasional camping trip and visiting other volunteers), and sleeping bag:
Compass (to guide me to the nearest Nando's)
Osprey Arial 65
Water proof backpack cover
Nalgene water bottle (2- one wide mouth and one small mouth)
Solio solar charger for phones and iPod
Clothes
Contrary to what many of you may believe, South Africa can be a very trendy and fashionably conscious place. Yes, I need to bring sturdy clothes because I'll probably be doing a lot of hand washing, but the cuteness factor is very important. As much as I love Urban Outfitters, Paper Denim& Cloth jeans, etc., I'll need to get cute clothes that can stand a beating. Any suggestions on where to go? Also, I won't be packing clothes for two whole years, I'm going to be able to buy plenty of things there.
During staging and while working at my new job, I'll need to dress professionally (more so at my job), so I need to find a few pieces that can serve as multiple outfits.
From experience, I know that it can get pretty chilly (30's F and 40's F in some places), so I will need to bring a jacket or two. I already have a black North Face fleece, but I guess I've grown a little bit since 10th grade (or it shrunk a little), so the sleeves ride up 1/3 of my arms when I lift them. To fix that little problem, I bought a new North Face Denali (polkadot pink) fleece. I have a water resistant North Face shell that will go over the fleece when I need it. I also need to get a good pair of walking/running shoes (although I can't jog to save my life, I figure I have plenty of time and opportunity to start), flip flops, and hiking boots.
Well, that's all I have for now. Like I said, I'll be posting a more complete list later that can be found on the side toolbar. Check ya later!
Saturday, May 20, 2006
I told you, Langston Hughes is my favorite!
A Dream Deferred
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
P.S. A pause for the cause...do you have any dreams deferred? Today is a new day, what are you gonna do with it? Me, I'm going to the Peace Corps...a dream no longer deferred!
Friday, May 19, 2006
One of many moments of clarity...
Yesterday, I just happened to wake up at the un-godly hour of 5:00 am. The television was on the Oxygen channel, because I fell asleep watching an episode of Living Single, that comes on between 11:00 pm and 12:00 am. I woke up to several strangers wearing earth-tone colored clothes, while the creepy instructor walked around and pressed participants' already contorted bodies into positions that not even Barbie can do (my tortured African American-like Barbie doll's claim to fame was that she could hold her legs in a V-position without even breaking her toothy smile)! Well, anyway, back to the subject of my post. As I was in the act of visualizing that I was one of those earth-toned-clothes-wearing-people, I became lost in the strange, hypnotic, and somewhat distant-feeling yoga background music. For the first time, I felt somewhat like a stranger in anther time and place, maybe the way I'll occasionally feel while serving in the Peace Corps...a new and different language (hopefully), a new set of cultural rules, new people, etc. Ok, this feeling may be attributed to the fact that I was not yet fully awake...yet feeling unfamiliar and my images of Peace Corps collided that morning. I said to myself, "Oh my gosh, I'm going to the Peace Corps...in South Africa...in 61 days!!!" (But I've said that phrase about 3 quadrillion times since I received medical clearance...that's why the title of my post is "ONE OF MANY moments") I guess that the comforting aspect of that in-between feeling, is that I'm looking forward to the range of feelings that will undoubtedly present themselves during Peace Corps. I hope those feelings encourage positive growth over the next few days, months, and years!
Activity 1: Close your eyes (well, not if you're operating an electrical item or mechanical vehicle) and recall one of your "moments of clarity." What were the circumstances surrounding the moment? How did that it make you feel (my favorite question)? Explain.
Activity 2: Watch the Oxygen channel during the weekdays at 5:00 am, and tell me if I didn't hit the nail on the head, in terms of describing the yoga instructor, his behavior, and the clothes everyone is wearing.
Activity 3: Make sure to visit the links on my blog, particularly the one about buying a book (or DVD) for your favorite Peace Corps soon-to-be Trainee. Pass my blog link to your friends, family, co-workers, and next door neighbors. Make suggestions, if you please, on ways to improve my blog. At the bottom of each posting, feel free to make comments!
Activity 1: Close your eyes (well, not if you're operating an electrical item or mechanical vehicle) and recall one of your "moments of clarity." What were the circumstances surrounding the moment? How did that it make you feel (my favorite question)? Explain.
Activity 2: Watch the Oxygen channel during the weekdays at 5:00 am, and tell me if I didn't hit the nail on the head, in terms of describing the yoga instructor, his behavior, and the clothes everyone is wearing.
Activity 3: Make sure to visit the links on my blog, particularly the one about buying a book (or DVD) for your favorite Peace Corps soon-to-be Trainee. Pass my blog link to your friends, family, co-workers, and next door neighbors. Make suggestions, if you please, on ways to improve my blog. At the bottom of each posting, feel free to make comments!
Thursday, May 18, 2006
A moment in the lives of best friends Loopy Gurdlekisser and Zippy Burgurbuns
Here's a typical conversation...well not typical...just weird...ok...typical!:
Loopy: they said, "your buddy is typing" but you're more than my buddy. you're my soulmate
Zippy BB: awwwwwwwwwe
Zippy BB: you are my soulmate too!!!!!!!!!!
Loopy: OH! did i tell you there was a stevie wonder party the other night? they played stevie all night...it's supposedly one of the hottest parties every year. this was the eighth one...i didn't go, though. i wanted to. iknow. it's the only way you can be mine
Zippy BB: that's why i love you like i do and i miss you and all of the things we did together. life isn't the same!
Loopy: it's not at all
Zippy BB: no!!!!! awe...I miss you!!!!
Zippy BB: did you go to the site? did you see the links?
Loopy: yeah
Loopy: but now the dissertation you wrote is gone
Loopy signed off at 4:33:46 PM.
Loopy signed on at 4:34:01 PM.
Zippy: your aim has issues
Loopy: it does
Zippy BB: click on the map and you can get lots of detail on south africa
Loopy: right...i see
Loopy: oooh, maybe when im teaching next year we can do a video chat with you
Zippy BB: oh...if you're teaching...i can do penpals...
Zippy: let me know...and that could be an activity...i write a letter...you can teach a lesson on peace corps and south africa...or whatever else
Zippy: and get them to write letters to me
Zippy BB: or discussion on the topic, etc.
Loopy: or...they can correspond with students at a school near you
Zippy: yes...that would be even better
Zippy: how great would that be!?
Loopy: it would be a really good thing for them
Loopy: and it opens them up to the idea of peace corps
Loopy: tell your mom i smoke cigarrettes
Zippy: sure will! hey...i'll call you later
Zippy: i gotta run
Loopy: okay
Zippy: bye loveliest
Loopy: bye grooviest
Loopy signed off at 4:41:23 PM.
P.S. Yes, I will openly admit that I'm an America's Next Top Model fan (although I've missed several episodes this season)! I just wanted to express my sincere gratitude to the Lovely Miss Twiggy, Miss Jay, the other Miss Jay, the noted fashion photographer Nigel Barker, Tyra Banks, and the guest designer (and his translator-I don't think she was really translating what he said, for her, I think it was personal) for: 1) Kicking off Jade (what a pain), and 2) Making the right choice to deside that Danielle from Little Rock, is not a mere "runner up to becoming America's Next Top Model," but THE NEXT AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL. Oh...P.S.S. I don't want you to think I'm partial to her because we share the same name!
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Hamburgers, hot dogs, hustle your buns, mustard, mayonnaise, CATCH-Up (on my PC application process that is)
Well, as many of you know, I've wanted to join the Peace Corps for a loooong time. For those of you asking yourself, "What's the process like?", I can give you a very fuzzy recount of my experience. I actually started the whole application process around November 2004, which included a lengthy online application, two essays, and a lovely interview with a recruiter in the Atlanta office. A few days (or weeks) after my interview, I received a password and ID, in order to check my application status. On November 30, 2004, I received an email, notifying me that my application toolkit was updated: Yeah, I was nominated for the Peace Corps! You ask: "When and where are you going?" I respond: "Hold on Little Miss Missy! Patience, Patience!" (Which is a word you will grow to love and hate during the application process and beyond!)
The next step in the process was going through financial, medical, dental, and legal clearances. Essentially, you'll have to divulge all of your financial obligations (ie. those dreaded student loans you're trying to avoid paying, that huge credit card bill you racked up buying your iPod with all of the accessories, three outfits you bought that made you look like a not-so-perfect replica of a Victoria's Secret model, and the cell phone call last month to your new friends in China at peak airtime, etc. ), complete and painfully detailed medical and dental clearance (from the rare pre-Jesus and the saints hop-scotch disease you had last summer, to the chemical make up of the dirt under your finger nails!), and your legal history (ie. the conviction on your driving record for going 2 miles over the speed limit, because you were rushing home to see who got booted off of this week's episode of America's Next Top Model [ANTM for you hardcore fans]) Boy, I tell you...after going through a Peace Corps application process, you'll know if you've been naughty or nice!
Ok, so it usually takes 9 months to a year to complete the process, but as you can see...I had a doozy of a time in the wanna-be-Peace Corps-applicant waiting room, but alas...here I am! Now I can give you exact dates...because the rest of my application process is in recent history. On February 21st, I sent the lovely Peace Corps Medical Office the information they requested...and after what seemed like months of waiting (ok, I'm exaggerating), I received a phone call from the nurse saying that I AM MEDICALLY CLEARED [March 3rd, 2006]!!!!! YEAH!!! From that point on, everything has moved so quickly.
After the phone call saying that I was cleared, I was forwarded to my extremely friendly Placement Officer [PO]. He reviewed my chart and said that he thought I would be a great candidate for a particular program, and that he would send me to the Africa country desk, and they would send my resume off to whom ever...and I should hear from him soon. Well, a couple of days later [March 6,2006], my PO said that he wanted to send me to some place in Africa (because that's what I requested in my online application)...noting that it's going to be in a country I've already visited and I would be working with a non-governmental organization [NGO] that focuses its efforts on HIV/AIDS prevention. That could only mean one of two places: Tanzania and South Africa. All bets were on South Africa. After comparing the health positions in both places..I'll let you be the judge!
Being as excited as I was (and still am), I called my PO at the beginning of every week, wanting to know if he'd heard any news about my placement. I also harassed my best friends, family members, friends of friends who didn't even know I was applying for Peace Corps, my dog, and random strangers...asking them to place nickel bets on what day I'd receive my invitation. Just when I thought I couldn't wait any longer, I came in to work and checked my email...The Peace Corps has updated my application toolkit on March 27th, 2006...I've been INVITED and my invitation packet is in the mail! I received my invitation packet via FEDex on March 29, 2006...SOUTH AFRICA!!!!!!!!!!! In the packet, I was told that I had ten business days to review my packet and assignment, and accept my invitation. Of course you know I was gonna accept the invitation...even if they were planning to send me to East Hell! I called the Peace Corps "Africa office" on March 31st, and accepted a placement of South Africa. In the packet, we had information about personal property insurance, a general description of my assignment as a "HIV/AIDS Capacity Builder," and a CD rom and Volunteer booklet, which provided information about serving as a PCV in South Africa.
As many of you know...I have been involved in a long distance love affair with South Africa, ever since I participated in a program called International Human Rights Exchange, that took me to Cape Town...and later Durban. Since then, I've become extremely close with my roommie in the program and her entire family, and have visited just about every six months to a year. I've watched her relationship with her then boyfriend blossom into a loving marriage, I was one of the first to receive news of her pregnancy (the same day I arrived in Durban, while chowing on my favorite chicken wrap with peri peri sauce and a side order of chips [french fries for all of you American folk] from Nando's...mmm...are you hungry yet?), I've counted all of her son's glorious fat rolls, and have shared many of the joys and sorrows that life brings! SOUTH AFRICA...HERE I COME!
Again, you say: "Umm...You know that South Africa is a really BIG country, right? WHERE in South Africa are you going...exactly!?" I say: "Little Miss Missy, didn't we review the concept of patience a few paragraphs before?!" Here are the next few steps to getting started on my Peace Corps journey:
Staging: I'm slated to leave for staging (meet with all of the people going to your particular country, for a few days of getting-to-know-you exercises, shots, rules, regulations, etc.) on July 17th, and will fly out to South Africa on July 20th! I've been in contact with a few of the people leaving with my group, and thus far we've come up with: Philidelphia, New York, Miami, D.C. , and Atlanta. Do you think we've covered the whole east coast yet? I'll keep you posted on the whens and wheres of staging.
Pre-Service Training: Once we get in South Africa, we'll complete in-country training, which includes: language courses [and language competency exams], more rules and regulations, cultural training, home stay, safety training, etc. At this point, I'd be a Peace Corps Trainee [PCT]. If I "pass" this portion of the process, I would swear in as an official Peace Corps Volunteer [PCV] on September 20th. This point moving forward gets us back to the "fuzzy" mode...so my goal is to keep you up-to-date on my Peace Corps journey! Y'all come back now, ya here!
The next step in the process was going through financial, medical, dental, and legal clearances. Essentially, you'll have to divulge all of your financial obligations (ie. those dreaded student loans you're trying to avoid paying, that huge credit card bill you racked up buying your iPod with all of the accessories, three outfits you bought that made you look like a not-so-perfect replica of a Victoria's Secret model, and the cell phone call last month to your new friends in China at peak airtime, etc. ), complete and painfully detailed medical and dental clearance (from the rare pre-Jesus and the saints hop-scotch disease you had last summer, to the chemical make up of the dirt under your finger nails!), and your legal history (ie. the conviction on your driving record for going 2 miles over the speed limit, because you were rushing home to see who got booted off of this week's episode of America's Next Top Model [ANTM for you hardcore fans]) Boy, I tell you...after going through a Peace Corps application process, you'll know if you've been naughty or nice!
Ok, so it usually takes 9 months to a year to complete the process, but as you can see...I had a doozy of a time in the wanna-be-Peace Corps-applicant waiting room, but alas...here I am! Now I can give you exact dates...because the rest of my application process is in recent history. On February 21st, I sent the lovely Peace Corps Medical Office the information they requested...and after what seemed like months of waiting (ok, I'm exaggerating), I received a phone call from the nurse saying that I AM MEDICALLY CLEARED [March 3rd, 2006]!!!!! YEAH!!! From that point on, everything has moved so quickly.
After the phone call saying that I was cleared, I was forwarded to my extremely friendly Placement Officer [PO]. He reviewed my chart and said that he thought I would be a great candidate for a particular program, and that he would send me to the Africa country desk, and they would send my resume off to whom ever...and I should hear from him soon. Well, a couple of days later [March 6,2006], my PO said that he wanted to send me to some place in Africa (because that's what I requested in my online application)...noting that it's going to be in a country I've already visited and I would be working with a non-governmental organization [NGO] that focuses its efforts on HIV/AIDS prevention. That could only mean one of two places: Tanzania and South Africa. All bets were on South Africa. After comparing the health positions in both places..I'll let you be the judge!
Being as excited as I was (and still am), I called my PO at the beginning of every week, wanting to know if he'd heard any news about my placement. I also harassed my best friends, family members, friends of friends who didn't even know I was applying for Peace Corps, my dog, and random strangers...asking them to place nickel bets on what day I'd receive my invitation. Just when I thought I couldn't wait any longer, I came in to work and checked my email...The Peace Corps has updated my application toolkit on March 27th, 2006...I've been INVITED and my invitation packet is in the mail! I received my invitation packet via FEDex on March 29, 2006...SOUTH AFRICA!!!!!!!!!!! In the packet, I was told that I had ten business days to review my packet and assignment, and accept my invitation. Of course you know I was gonna accept the invitation...even if they were planning to send me to East Hell! I called the Peace Corps "Africa office" on March 31st, and accepted a placement of South Africa. In the packet, we had information about personal property insurance, a general description of my assignment as a "HIV/AIDS Capacity Builder," and a CD rom and Volunteer booklet, which provided information about serving as a PCV in South Africa.
As many of you know...I have been involved in a long distance love affair with South Africa, ever since I participated in a program called International Human Rights Exchange, that took me to Cape Town...and later Durban. Since then, I've become extremely close with my roommie in the program and her entire family, and have visited just about every six months to a year. I've watched her relationship with her then boyfriend blossom into a loving marriage, I was one of the first to receive news of her pregnancy (the same day I arrived in Durban, while chowing on my favorite chicken wrap with peri peri sauce and a side order of chips [french fries for all of you American folk] from Nando's...mmm...are you hungry yet?), I've counted all of her son's glorious fat rolls, and have shared many of the joys and sorrows that life brings! SOUTH AFRICA...HERE I COME!
Again, you say: "Umm...You know that South Africa is a really BIG country, right? WHERE in South Africa are you going...exactly!?" I say: "Little Miss Missy, didn't we review the concept of patience a few paragraphs before?!" Here are the next few steps to getting started on my Peace Corps journey:
Staging: I'm slated to leave for staging (meet with all of the people going to your particular country, for a few days of getting-to-know-you exercises, shots, rules, regulations, etc.) on July 17th, and will fly out to South Africa on July 20th! I've been in contact with a few of the people leaving with my group, and thus far we've come up with: Philidelphia, New York, Miami, D.C. , and Atlanta. Do you think we've covered the whole east coast yet? I'll keep you posted on the whens and wheres of staging.
Pre-Service Training: Once we get in South Africa, we'll complete in-country training, which includes: language courses [and language competency exams], more rules and regulations, cultural training, home stay, safety training, etc. At this point, I'd be a Peace Corps Trainee [PCT]. If I "pass" this portion of the process, I would swear in as an official Peace Corps Volunteer [PCV] on September 20th. This point moving forward gets us back to the "fuzzy" mode...so my goal is to keep you up-to-date on my Peace Corps journey! Y'all come back now, ya here!
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Baby steps! Baby steps!
Well, after many months of Peace Corps Volunteer blog-stalking, I've decided to join the revolution and create one of my own! Here I am world...look at me now!
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