Placement Contact

Progress, hope, and comfort all in one week about the Peace Corps.

I have a specific contact in placement =) She sent me an email last Friday requesting an updated resume, transcript, and proof that I've been actively learning Spanish. She also informed me that they are unsure whether or not the program I had been nominated to would be cut or not; they are still evaluating programs for final cuts. She asked if I would still want to be considered for placement after january 2012 if in fact my program is cut. So at least I know where I stand right now.... progress...

So I responded (and of course sent her the wrong resume, it wouldn't be me if that didn't happen) and told her that it really didn't matter when, I am still completely committed to this process...but I did mention that I would want to leave between June and August 2012 since any job I would get....or if I continued teaching, I would want to service students for the entire year and not just half of it. I haven't heard back from her about that so perhaps I will just leave in August as originally planned =) hope....

The other amazing Peace Corps event that happened this week was the Black RPCV/PCV/prospective PCV happy hour in D.C. I am sooooo thankful I went. I met a lot of people who enjoyed their experiences, stayed through COS and even one who extended their service. Many of them served in the Caribbean, Latin or South America, so it was great to hear their perspective. It was a wonderful opportunity to network....in my time there, I was promised letters and soap when I leave, offered Rosetta Stone, convinced someone to consider becoming a special education teacher (because we rock!) and connected with someone who is going to come to my school and do an HIV/AIDS presentation..... awesome!

But more than that, I received some comfort.... I am not alone. It is definitely important to create a circle to share what I may or may not experience as a volunteer and to have someone else who has been throughout understand my unique perspective. I also realized how important it was for me to be an ambassador, more people who look like me and come from where I'm from should venture to explore the world through traveling and serving internationally. I am hoping that this blog can be a vessel that provides insight into my experiences and encourages my friends and family to consider serving as well.

Well back to enjoying a wonderful weekend (in the middle of nowhere) with my lovely sisters in Christ as we grow closer to God, rest, and strengthen our connection. Enjoy your Memorial day weekend everyone!!