An Emotional Beating

The last time I heard from the Peace Corps was back in March when I was medically cleared. I've been busy with school and moving back to Putnam so the wait hasn't really bothered me. However, now that I am back in Putnam where life moves a bit slower than in Hamden and I'm nearing the end of graduate school the delay is quite noticeable. Last week I received an e-mail requesting an updated resume and stated that my file wouldn't be reviewed for another 6-12 weeks. Twelve weeks puts me into September, which is when I'm done school. The increased competitiveness has gotten me quite nervous and thinking about what I'm going to do if I'm not invited to the Peace Corps. So I began to look at jobs.

There is a job opening as an assistant long term care administrator with a nice salary, benefits and with a reasonable commute from either Putnam or New Haven. The job is entry level and pretty much matches my qualifications perfectly. Imagine the temptation. I had a bit of a life-crisis that day, had lunch with Andrea, spoke with Danshults and Ma. They all said that the job was a good option and that I should at least apply. Of course Danshults was the biggest proponent of sticking with the Peace Corps and Ma said to just go for the job. I took their advice and thought about it pretty much all day and night. By the time I went to bed I decided that I am not ready to give up on the Peace Corps and I wasn't going to sell out for a high paying job. The Peace Corps is what I want to do, it's where I'll make the biggest impact on the world and, if I may be selfish, on my life. Any job I could apply for would never compare and I'd think about it for the rest of my life: what if I actually did join the Peace Corps? Also, if I don't get invited I need to leave CT... I don't think I could take the "I thought you were going to Africa" comments everyday.

And that was my test. The next day I got an e-mail from my PO saying that my file was being reviewed. I'm assuming that doesn't mean I will wait the estimated 6-12 weeks. Maybe I'll hear in July! But now I am nervous as Hell. Everytime I open my e-mail I hold my breath. But at least I'll know soon. I know that I am committed to it, and my decision to accept any invitation has been made. I've done all I can...now it is up to them!

Also, an October invite for Ethiopia has been mailed. I'm almost positive that this is the program they are considering me for. It's funny, even before my sleuthing and trying to find out possible programs leaving in October I had a feeling it would be Ethiopia. Not the most stable of geographic regions, but it's close to the Middle East...which was my first choice. It seems so perfect, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up too high.

In other news, I FINALLY found a new place to volunteer to get HIV/AIDS experience. I'm spending my Thursday mornings at the Agape Center in RI. So far, so good. The people are incredible and very honest and open. They are so supportive of my going to Africa and are eager to help me learn about the disease, how they live with it, and answer any questions.

That's it for now!
Cheers,
Nikki