Things I will and won't miss...

I have been thinking about things I will miss AND won't miss after I leave for Africa, so I made three lists. Of course I will miss family, friends, and kitties, but these lists include things that I tend to take for granted at times. The third list includes things that are more 'obvious' because most people are aware of my life's activities.

Things I will miss...

being called 'Mom'

a bottle of Riesling

the sound of Canada geese flying overhead

the smell of a wood stove burning while walking in the woods during cold seasons

Big Bang Theory

making a snowball and throwing it at
someone

a view of the sunset from my house

towels just out of the dryer

toasted raisin bread smothered with unsalted butter

sound of a toilet flush


Things I won't miss...


Being called 'Mom' (this can go either way)

walking into a supermarket and seeing all of the food that will eventually be thrown out

television (except Big Bang Theory)

bills

being cold in my house during winter

breathing in gas fumes when filling my car

eating when I'm not hungry, because I'm bored

stick-figure stickers on the back of SUVs


More things I will miss...


running with my friends

spending time with my father

talking with my kids whenever I want to

watching my kitties sleep at the foot of my bed

watching birds with Jerry

spending time with good friends

Saturday night card games

the silly late night Fb conversations with my brother Bill.

and

living life in this beautiful and free country



The next list entry will include the things I will miss while living in Zambia. I'm sure the list will be difficult to condense as these lists have been.

























 

I'm getting close to my departure date which is early February. I actually leave for Zambia February 5th, but I will depart for Staging February 3rd.

Staging is orientation. I will spend a couple of days in a major U.S. city, most likely Philadelphia, getting to know other volunteers I will serve with in Zambia.

I have been introduced to some of the volunteers I will serve with on Facebook. We have a page specifically for Invitees. I'm at the Invitee stage right now. I will become a Peace Corps Volunteer after I complete the three month training period in Zambia.

These Invitees represent two groups: LIFEers (Linking Income Food and the Environment program) and RAPpers (Rural Aquaculture Promotion program). I am a LIFEer. The Facebook page also includes Peace Corps Volunteers who are currently serving and they answer our questions, such as what we should expect to eat, and what we should pack. Roasted grubs are included in the food items to eat, and for some reason I'm kind of excited about trying them! The current Volunteers are a great resource. I will meet many of them in Zambia while they enter their second year of service. 

I have a little over one month to complete my medical and dental tasks. I'm cutting it real close, but I had to put this off due to financial reasons. And yes, I admit it, this is also partly due to my being a procrastinator, but it is justified since I work much better under pressure. (Yeah, right.)

I've come this far and I am certain I will get everything done in time. All medical/dental has to be done two months prior to departure which means my due date is December 5th. It is a race against the clock now. My physical is scheduled, but I need my blood drawn first. I will then need my vaccinations. I had my dental exam, xrays, and five cavities filled. Once all of these things are finished I wait to be medically cleared.

I compare applying to the Peace Corps to a marathon: it is a race and the goal is to finish. Right now I am at the home stretch when the last few miles are most difficult. It is true, I've come a long way and even though I am tired of red tape, getting my teeth drilled, and scheduling appointments, soon I will be able to sit down, relax, take a deep breath and reflect what I just went through and envision what my future holds for me, just like envisioning my next race.

 

What is this Peace Corps thing anyway?

 Here is a rundown of what the Peace Corps is and what the Peace Corps does:

Ø  The Peace Corp is an independent United States agency which sends qualified volunteers to other countries around the world to promote peace and build positive foreign relations.

 

Ø  The Peace Corps was established March 1^st 1961.

 

Ø  Over 210,000 Peace Corps Volunteers(PCVs) have served.

 

Ø  Over 60% of PCVs are women.

 

Ø  Volunteers do not carry arms and they do not get paid during their service.

 

Ø  Volunteers are assigned to specific countries (countries that request volunteers) to utilize their skills to help improve the lives of the people and environment.

 

Ø  The term of service for a PCV is 24 months, and an additional three months of training. PCVs can extend their service beyond the 24 months.

 

Ø  The Peace Corps application process is grueling; most who attempt to apply do not complete it.

 

Ø  Time it takes to complete the Peace Corps application is 6-12 months and not all applicants are accepted for various reasons, including health issues.

 

Ø  Qualifications to serve are:

·         U.S. citizenship,

·         Four year degree, or possess technical skills,

·         Over 18 years of age.

 

Ø  PCVs are not allowed to drive during their service.

 

Ø  Job areas held by PCVs:

·         Education

·         Health

·         Community Economic Development

·         Environment

·         Youth in Development

·         Agriculture

 

Ø  Parts of the world PCVs serve:

·         Africa

·         Central and South America

·         Eastern Europe and Central Asia

·         Asia

·         The Caribbean

·         North Africa/Middle East

·         Pacific Islands

 

Ø  PCVs do not serve in the United States. Volunteers for the AmeriCorps do.

 

Ø  Current number of countries served: 76.

 

Ø  The average age of a PCV is 28.

 

Ø  7% of PCVs are over the age of 50. There is no upper age limit.

 

Ø  Married couples can serve together.

 

Ø  A foreign language is not a requirement to join the Peace Corps, though a certain degree of fluency of a foreign language may determine where a PCV will serve.

 

Ø  Many PCVs will learn a foreign language while in training.

 

Ø  PCVs are not placed in areas active in war.

 

Ø  Peace Corps applicants do not choose where they serve, though are asked for preferences.

 

 

Ø  List of some well-known Returned Peace Corps Volunteers:

·         Bob Vila…former host of This Old House…Panama, ‘71-‘73

·         Chris Matthews…host of Hardball with Chris Matthews…Swaziland, ’68-‘70

·         Chris Dodd…former U.S. Senator…Dominican Republic, ’66-‘68

·         Reed Hastings…founder and CEO of Netflix…Swaziland, ‘83-‘85

·         Joanie Laurer, aka Chyna...former pro wrestler...Costa Rica, ‘93-‘95

·         Paul Theroux…author of several non-fiction/fiction books including Mosquito Coast…Malawi, ‘63-‘65

 

*there are several women who have served and have achieved great success, but I am only mentioning those people most of you are familiar with.

 

(works cited: www.peacecorps.gov)

 

Other things I know, but aren't found on the Peace Corps site...

The Peace Corps is a great way to see the world and learn about different cultures, but it is not a vacation. I’m sure you may have heard the motto: “this is the toughest job you’ll ever love”. And it is a job.

I will have to poop in a hole, fetch my water from a well, and I will live as the locals do.

I may have cooked grubs offered to me; we’ll see if I accept in my future posts.

Many PCV women in Zambia keep their hair short, or even shave their heads! Stay tuned to whether I do that or not.

I will ‘live simply and in community’.

I will be trained by the Peace Corps how to live in the country, what to say and not say, what to do and not do, and how to dress.

I will learn my place in my new society as a woman.

My recruiter gave me advice during my interview (she was a PCV): “If you are ever in a situation and you don’t know how to act or respond; do what the women do. If they’re washing clothes, start washing something, if they are cooking, cook something.”  

The wild animals that live in Zambia do not frequent the villages. I will have to go to the Parks to see the lions and Zebras. So, I most likely won’t be eaten by a lion. (phew!)

I have been looking forward to this experience for a very long time. It runs in the family. My father lived in different countries around the world for eight years teaching English as a second language. I am about to follow in his footsteps.

I have plans now when I return, but coming back from living in a place so different from my country, I can only guess what my plans will actually become.

 

I'm in transition mode...

I’m trying to absorb this…I have 118 days left,

I have less than four months left,

I have a little over 17 weeks left ‘til I leave for the Peace Corps. And I have a lot to do!

I am still living my ‘normal’ life: I’m parenting, keeping my apartment clean, grocery shopping, volunteering, running, seeing my friends, and working and paying bills.

But I will be leaving for two years. Two years. That’s a long time. There are many things I’m doing to prepare: adding to the pile in my room of things I’m bringing with me, adding to the list of things I will have to buy to bring with me, going to doctor and dental visits, figuring out how I will get rid of most of my stuff.

I’m getting rid of most everything I own. I've had tag sales and am now slowly giving things away to friends and family, in fact my youngest son gets my car. There are some things I'm keeping, such as my Dion snowshoes, bike, photo albums, a dozen books, and my futon. I’m bringing my camping equipment with me and will put it to good use while I'm in Zambia.

It's been difficult getting rid of my things at first, but I'm getting used to it. It's liberating. And it's interesting to see which of my possessions mean most to me. If someone asked me what I would bring with me if my house was on fire, I'd be able to answer that without hesitating.

So, as you can see, there is a lot to do to prepare for this life change. But it’s not just lists to check off and all of the red tape that’s involved (I've finished round one of the red tape stuff and in December will be round two.)

There is the emotional part; the getting-ready-to-let-go part. I have to prepare for this.

I will be moving out of my apartment the end of November to move in with my friend and I will live with her until I leave for Africa. She will also take care of my two cats while I’m gone. I’ll miss my kitties. I’ve had Google since he was four weeks old. And Amy, Google’s mother, is almost always by my side. I will be with them during their integration into a new household. I am fortunate to be able to leave them together in wonderful hands. Thank you, Pat.

My son, Josh will move in with his father when I move in with my friend. This will be the first time we live apart since he was born 19 years ago. We’ve been preparing for this together. Josh understands I have a strong desire to do this. He is supportive of me and I am thankful for that.

My other son, Ryan moved out over a month ago to begin his teaching career in the southern part of the state. We've made that transition smoothly. Still, it will be hard saying goodbye when I leave.

I am spending as much time with my friends before I leave.  I plan on holding onto my friendships while I'm overseas. I will be able to write letters (hand-write, not used to doing that!), send and receive email, check Facebook, and keep up with my blog. And I'll have a cell phone. Texting is the main source  of communication between Peace Corps Volunteers and their families and friends back home. I'll miss my running club, Shenipsit Striders and the Northern Connecticut Land Trust. There is nothing like being a part of two fabulous organizations that do so many positive things.

I will leave my sons, my kitties, and my friends. I will leave the town I grew up and raised my family in. I will leave the forests I’ve grown so familiar with and love. I will miss so many things here.

This emotional 'place' I'm entering will be balanced out with the excitement of what lies ahead of me. I'll make new friends with other volunteers and the people I will live with in Zambia. I will keep busy with my Peace Corps work (still not sure exactly what I'll be doing), and I will spend a lot of my time becoming familiar with the plants and animals. And I'm looking forward to the beauty of the sun setting and rising and the stars and moon at night that will remind me of the connections I have back home.  

It's hard to think about this transition when I'm so busy with life in general. As long as I keep things in balance and take one step at a time, I should be OK with moving ahead in my life.

 

My Peace Corps Application Timeline

 

       This timeline gives a general idea what is involved when applying to the Peace Corps. From what I understand, the Peace Corps application process varies from individual to individual.

       It is one year and eight months from the Peace Corps receiving my initial application to my scheduled departure date. The initial application includes submitting three essays, answers to medical questions, college transcripts, and personal background information.

       There had been times during the application process where I felt I was forgotten about, but that is a part of the waiting. I believe the waiting throughout this process ensures the applicant is serious about serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer.

June 11, 2012…Sent in Peace Corps application via email.

June 12, 2012… Email sent to me confirming application was received.  Need to complete Health Status Review (medical history) and submit three references

June 17, 2012…I received fingerprint charts and National Agency Check form via postal mail. Instructions how to check online application status were included.

June 21, 2013…Sent in fingerprints. Fingerprinted at local police department.

I contacted Peace Corps due to not hearing from them. Apparently I missed an email sent from the Peace Corps containing two extra forms to be filled out and submitted. They ‘resent’ the forms.

September 4, 2012…I'm requested to resubmit ‘friend’ recommendation; previous one not accepted.

September 6, 2012…I submitted recommendation.

September 7, 2012…I was contacted via email to schedule interview

September 14, 2012…Interview in Brattleboro, VT.

September 19, 2012…I received email with instructions how to access Medical Applicant Portal

Faxed/emailed recent medical exam, blood work, and surgery records right away.

I had not heard from medical that they received my information. I contacted my recruiter September 24, 2012 and she suggested I resubmit everything. Come to find out I did not hit the ‘submit’ button. (ughh!)

October 1, 2012…I received nomination letter from recruiter via email. Tentative date of departure was July 2012 and the plan was for me to work in environmental education. Nomination letter did not include country of service.

Soon after my nomination I received this following email from the medical portal concerning my premedical clearance:

Dear Virginia,

Thank you for sending in all of your required medical documents. They have been received and are under review by the Office of Medical Services. If, after review of the medical information you submitted, we require anything further, we will send you an email notification.

The Peace Corps Medical Applicant Portal may be found here:

Regards,

Peace Corps Office of Medical Services

So, I waited, and waited, and waited, and waited…

November 11, 2012…I emailed my recruiter about my concern about not hearing from Medical about pre-clearance. Her response was it usually takes longer to be medically pre-cleared. I did not get a frame of time when I should hear back from Medical.

So I continued to wait…

I contacted Medical through the portal in early April. I quickly received a response letting me know they have many applicants to review and will get to my file soon.

I continued to wait…

In May I received and email from Placement informing me my tentative departure date will be pushed back if my medical pre-clearance is not satisfied soon.

After several emails back and forth to Medical and Placement I was asked to resend my medical history. In addition, one more bit of information was requested and I submitted that as soon as I was able.

June 6, 2013…I received an email from Medical that I am medically pre-cleared. I was also informed I was legally cleared around this time.

July 11, 2013…My interview with Placement via phone.

July12, 2013…I received via email my INVITATION to the PEACE CORPS!!!!!!! My father, my friends, Jerry and Mark and my two sons, Josh and Ryan were with me when I received my invitation. It couldn’t have worked out better than that.  

Along with my invitation, I received a list of medical tasks to complete, instructions to apply for my passport and visa, information about my country of service and job description, and some more forms to fill out.

I did not accept my invitation right away. I took a few days to think hard about what I was about to commit to.

July 15^th, 2013…I accepted my invitation to serve in the Peace Corps via email.

Departure date is February 3^rd, 2014 for Zambia, Africa.

 

 

Proof!

I remember the prophecy from my high school yearbook had something to do with the Peace Corps. I guess I talked about it a lot. Well, things didn't work out with Rob, but I'm sure I'll get lost. Probably more than once.

 

Thanks, Shawn Akey, for sending me the photos!

Preparing to leave...

I never officially announced my plans for the upcoming year to everyone yet, partly due to excitement and uncertainty. I am following my life’s dream of becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer and I am scheduled to leave for Zambia, Africa early February of next year for a two year assignment.

 

The excitement stems from the fact I will be living my dream. My father had given me literature about the Peace Corps when I was fifteen. When I read it I realized that is what I want to do. The Peace Corps did not give me the idea to travel to third world countries, I had wanted to do that since I was very young. It’s just that the Peace Corps is a vehicle to allow me to do this. To make a long story short, I chose to raise a family instead, and put my dream on hold. With my children grown it is time for me to fulfill my dream. 

The uncertainty: The majority of Peace Corps volunteers are in their 20’s, fresh out of college. I’m forty-five, but the Peace Corps encourages people my age and older to join. I am in excellent health which gives me no doubt that I can do this physically. I have worked several years with environmental organizations, including the Northern Connecticut Land Trust, teaching about conservation so I am sure I have the skills to improve the lives of the people who are kind enough to let me serve them. There is some trepidation that I hold deep inside; I’m entering other people’s world. How long before they accept me? How long before I make friends? I’m shy by nature, but I have always held steadfast and move beyond my fears. With a lot of thought and soul searching and speaking to others who have done this; this is the right decision for me at this time.

I will leave behind a life of comfort, including toilets, electricity, and other things many of us take for granted. I am an avid camper so living without these amenities shouldn’t be too difficult for me to adjust to. I’m a ‘tough gal’ and I love to ‘rough it’. Hey, I'm a trail runner; I can handle a lot that's thrown my way!

What I will be doing in the Peace Corps: I will take part in the Linking Income, Food, and the Environment (LIFE) project which is in conjunction with the Zambian Forestry Department. My official title will be Forestry Extension Agent. I will work together with the people I live with and visit (I will travel from village to village by bicycle) and help figure out how we can improve farming techniques and conserve the natural environment.

Zambia is a peaceful country and it is known for its friendly people. Zambia is south of the equator and is surrounded by eight countries. Zambia is a former British colony, so English is spoken widely in this country, though I will still learn a tribal language. I am looking forward to getting to know the flora and fauna of Zambia. Many animals can be found there, such as elephants, hyenas, lions, zebras, and hippos. The second largest wildebeast migration goes through Zambia.

I have less than five months to get ready. I have a long list of medical and dental tasks to satsify before I take off so that means I have many expenses awaiting me. I also have a very long packing list of the things I will need to bring with me. I will include a list of supplies that I will need. If you are looking to get rid of anything on the list, I would be more than happy to take it off of your hands. I plan to organize a fundraiser, possibly a spaghetti dinner social, where I will entertain my friends and family and help everyone learn what I’m getting myself into.

This short movie will give you an idea what I'm up for...

ZaMovie: Peace Corps Zambia Part 1 of 2 (6 minutes)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPoGVcpQkUY

From now until I leave I will update my blog regularly. When I am at my country of service, my entries may be spotty due to limited access to electricity. I plan on posting many, many photos along with detailed descriptions.

I will miss all of you when I leave. Stay well, and live your lives to the fullest.

-Ginny