Two months and counting!

So I got the last set of lab results I needed to complete my SECOND medical packet. I photocopied it all and it amounts to a small book. It's sealed in the FedEx envelope and ready to be sent to DC tomorrow. So now we just wait for re-clearance and the staging packet. 

In the meantime, I'm separating my life into 4 piles:

1. Haven't worn/used in a year. Won't need for PC or after. This is all getting donated/going in a yard sale

2. Need for PC, but also need before I leave. This goes on the packing list and then back where it was.

3. Need for PC, but don't need before June 4th. This goes in the spare room in the pile near my duffle bag for real packing later. 

4. Don't need for PC, maybe need/would like while I'm still home, and will want when I'm back. Maybe like some jeans and shirts, incase I destroy all my clothes in the next 2 years, and things like momentos, photos etc. These either stay where they are or get packed in a box in my closet so my room is more or less clean and useable while I'm not here.

PC is great for purging and figuring out what you really need and what is excess. I've found a lot of excess so far. 

Later, once I've done my final pack, I'll post on here my packing list so future PC/Peru volunteers will have a reference.. lord knows other people's packing lists, personal experiences and opinions have really helped me prepare for this journey!

Hasta Luego...

More paperwork...

If I could describe my Peace Corps experience thus far in 2 words they would be 'waiting' and 'paperwork'. That's what I've done so far. after months of waiting for the invite, it finally came in the mail and surprise surprise... theres a bunch of paperwork to be completed.. in 2 weeks time.

So first I got started updating my Resume and adding the things they wanted. Then I did the Aspiration Statement, which is pretty much restating everything you've already told 3 or 4 different PC staff during the process. This is because they don't forward you application to the country you will be serving in, so these two documents are the way that PC/Peru staff will know anything about me. I got that done in about a week. (yay for my student having computer shop and therefore I have about 2 hrs everyday with not much to do and a computer in front of me!)

Then I got started on the no-fee passport application. I almost filled out the wrong form thinking I didn't need my passport between now and June, completely forgetting that we're going to Mexico for spring break and I will indeed need my passport. I got my passport photos done (after debating if i should just do them myself or spend the $8 to get them done at CVS). I decided on CVS since it was easier and I was getting down to the wire. To my surprise, for $8 you get not just 2, but SIX photos. Perfect! since I was going to scan and copy them to get the 3rd I needed for my visa application. Today I'm going to the County Store to get my forms signed/authorized and then mailing that sucker.

I've filled out all the other paperwork they sent that I will need for staging, made copies, and filed it all. So now, its back to word one: wait. Wait for my staging packet to come in late April/early May so that I can complete more PAPERWORK! gahhh.

On another note, the Peace Corps never prepares you for all the questions you will be asked.. before you even report for staging. And its the same questions all the time. I know people are well intentioned when they ask me questions about Peru and about PC, but there are just some that are just ridiculous. I know that just as I will be an ambassador of the US while in Peru, that here I am more or less an ambassador of the PC and that most people aren't familiar with the organization. Part of my frustration is with the questions, and part is with myself-- that I should be more patient and that this is part of furthering the 3rd goal of the Peace Corps. I just try to smile, give a short and sweet answer and be happy that I am lucky to finally be in the position I am.