Join the Peace Corps

“The office of medical services is please to inform you that you have been medically qualified for service…” with a little nod to previous issues that are no longer relevant but PC is still worried about, ”... in countries where you will have access to [mental health] medications as needed.” So a bit of a caveat, but.. but… I’M MEDICALLY CLEARED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now it’s just me and the placement office :)

I am excited to join the Peace Corps.
I can’t do it for another 4 years though.
Which sucks, but the anticipation will only increase my excitement.

I was sent a letter last week – it probably arrived on Monday, but I didn’t get back from TN until Friday evening. It said the doctors want a personal statement from me about my functional abilities and pain management techniques for my carpal tunnel syndrome and a knee issue which was more relevant the first time I applied, virtually non-existent now. I’ve written up a two page statement and will fax it in tomorrow. Maybe this will be my last medical hoop?

I have the feeling this goal will be on my list for quite a while. I want to join the peace corps, but I have 3 pets that I don’t think I would be able to leave with anyone….That, and I just found a job, and I have not finished a college degree….so i suppose that we will see what happens, but I believe that this goal will be stagnant. I think I have surpassed my chance to do this goal, and I feel like I could do other things in my neighborhood to help others.

I am working at Richmond Vale Acdemy now.

If you’ve thought about the Peace Corps but,
1. You have no degree
2. 27 months is too long
3. You are not a citizen of the United States
4. You get denied
5. Its just not the right program for you….

You train in the Caribbean then go to projects in Malawi, South Africa, Mozambique, or Ecuador.

Take a look at richmondvale.org
or email me at jessica@richmondvaleacademy.org

Everyone is welcome to participate regardless of citizenship, religion, age (must be at least 18), belief system, preference…

So after a little more prodding, a very nice lady in the Peace Corps medical department gave me a call and told me that they sent me a letter to Colorado in August – which got lost in the mail. And no one I called since mentioned it. Turns out, all they want from me right now is proof of three vaccinations. That’s it. She gave me her contact info so she can get it to my file and hurry it through – I’m getting the vaccinations tomorrow morning. Medical clearance soon? I don’t want to jinx myself, but I certainly hope so!

One day…

Do I really want to do this, or is it a way to run away from everyday life for two years? I could do this kind of work right here at home. I don’t have to be some kind of martyr to prove myself to myself, do I?

I haven’t updated on this goal in a while because I got busy with other things, but I received my invitation about 3 weeks ago and I’m leaving for Niger, West Africa on October 21st. I’m very excited and nervous!

I am putting this dream to the side. Not throwing it away but I don’t know what I’m doing with my life and this is so BIG.