Back track

"A man never knows how to say good-bye, a woman never knows when to say it."
-Helen Rowland

Lately I feel the need to carry around my camera and take pictures of most everything and everyone. I had lunch with a friend and realized I wasn't sure if I would see her again before I leave. I sure do hope so, but am not certain. I've never been very good with good-byes, so these next couple months might be harder than I was expecting. I've cried a few times just thinking about my upcoming lasts. Even washing my car made me a little sad. I know it's just a car, but when I sell it, reality will set in even deeper. I've enjoyed going through my things and throwing out what I won't need to take with me, won't use before August, and won't want when I come back. I've gone through most of it once already and plan to do it a couple more times before I go. It's also been exciting looking at computers. I don't have a laptop to take with me so I hope to find a good one soon. Other things I need to buy are sandals and nice weather clothes. Looking through my closet, most of my clothes are too heavy for Belize's climate. I've been wondering how much I should buy though, thinking I could wait, especially since the teachers wear the school uniform. Luckily, I'll have some help. I'm sure Brigitte will take me shopping. It's so nice having a friend who had been through this. And my mom is excited to take me to Cabela's for sandals and whatever else. I need to look at my suggested packing list again. One reason I haven't been shopping yet-I was waiting until I had all my dental work paid for. And oh my! I'll be so happy when I'm done with that. One more appointment! So while I'm patiently waiting, I'll keep reading blogs of current volunteers. I can't believe how many I have found. I absolutely love reading them. I've even found a few of my soon-to-be team memebers on Blogger. It's surprising how much I've learned about Belize and the Peace Corps without forming expections. I know each person's experience can be very different. And here's the beginnings of mine...

April 2008- While walking through the East Campus Union, the Peace Corps packet with the hot pink "Apply Now" sticker jumped out of the holder and into my hands. I looked through the packet, found the website, and started filling out the application on-line. Soon after, I scheduled a time to talk with UNL's recruiter, Ariella. She was surprised to find out I had already begun the application and knew I was serious when I let her know I had already told my family.

May 2008- Application completed. Phone interview with Kenny in Colorado. After the interview I was asked what program I would like to be nominated for. I wasn't ready for thea question so I asked Kenny if I could call back in a few days. I was a little confused how I could be a Health Extension volunteer without experience but knew I could learn. My dream of teaching in a Spaninsh speaking country was crushed because I didn't have a teaching degree nor did I already speak Spanish. (Funny how things work out. I'll be teaching and possibly learning Spanish in Belize) After the weekend I decided on the Heath Extension program leaving in May 2009 for the Pacific Islands. I was officially nominated by the end of the month.

September 2008- Medical exam

October 2008- Medical clearance

November 2008- I was able to talk to a recruiter from the Denver office. UNL no longer has a recruiter on campus, so this lady came to a volunteer fair. I wasn't able to make it to the fair, but she offered to answer any questions at a coffee house one evening. I really enjoyed hearing stories of her own service, don't remember asking many questions, but I'm glad I got to talk with her.

January 2009- I got ahold of my Placement Officer's assistant and asked to make sure I was still good to go. She had me update my resume and send a final transcript.

February 2009- Still wondering why I hadn't heard from my Placement Officer, thinking I should know if I was leaving in May. One night I pleaded for any type of contact and the next afternoon there was an email from Brennan wanting to know my education experience. I was able to email the information back the same day and kept on waiting.

March 2009- I started checking my on-line toolkit almost everyday. Once there was an update saying a decision had been made. A few days later, my invitaion was in the mail, and on the 17th, St. Patrick's Day, I recieved my lovely blue folder. I've always liked St. Patrick's Day and now have another reason. I'm sure whatever day the invitation packet came on would have been memorable, but it being on a day I already liked made it even more special. I officially accpeted my placement on the 23rd. I tried calling to accept right away, but they wouldn't let me until after I had read through the Welcome Book. I wanted to tell them all reading about the assignment would do was make me more excited to go, which it did. On the 29th I emailed my resume and aspiration statement. While working on these I realized how much of a risk the Peace Corps is making, flying me to Miami for orientation, then to Belize for training-offering to take care of someone they have never met. And the country of Belize, the school I'll be working in, they don't know me. All they see is a sheet of paper with some past experience and promises I've made. I'm very grateful to be trusted. I also sent in my new passport application.

April 2009- Sent in the press release information.

I just now realized it's been two months since I've really heard from the Peace Corps. Maybe I'm better at this waiting than I thought.