Timeline:
Fall 2005-Toured the World Food Programme in Roma, Italy and thought about ways I could contribute to society
Spring 2006-Had an epiphany--Peace Corps is a way I could help; 27 months of the hardest job you'll ever love? What's not to love? Why not try?!
September 2006-Submitted my application
October 10, 2006-Interview in Atlanta (1 & 1/2 hours!)
October 13, 2006-Nominated for the Peace Corps
November 29, 2006-PC recieved my physical exam results
May 26, 2007-Invited to the PC program in Mali working in business development (I'm sure my parents would have never imagined that their daughter would be invited to the PC on their 28th wedding anniversay!)
July 17, 2007-Date of departure!
I recieved a phone call this morning from my Daddy. He told me I needed to call Jolie from the PC office immediately! So I did. On my application, I wrote that I didn't want to go to Africa because of the alarming HIV rates. After learning more about AIDS and HIV, I became less afraid and actually calm. HIV/AIDS is everywhere. It's just important take preventive measures. Anyway, I assured her that I was comfortable in going to Africa. Then, she asked how I would handle being away from family and friends for 27 months. I explained to her that I probably would go home in between the 2 years because my brother is getting married. He doesn't want me to come home, even for his wedding, but after my graduation and not having my little brother there, our family didn't feel complete. But, I guess we'll figure that one out later. So, she extended an invitation to Mali!! I am relieved because people are always asking me what I am doing ("you just graduated...now what?") and I told people I'm just hanging around. I wanted the PC to become official before I told everybody and now it is! It's truly crazy because I was planning on working at Dillard's and being a slug all summer, and hopefully leaving in September. But, I think it's better this way.
It's really expensive to call home when I am in Mali, and the mail can take 6 months to 1 year to get a letter, so this blog will be another form of communication.
"Every beginning comes from some other beginning's end."
~Seneca
I received my packet from the PC today. After reading through it, I called the headquarters and officially accepted my invitation to serve in Mali this July. I didn't realize that I had even more paper work to fill out!! Forms, pictures, resume, etc. need to be dealt with ASAP. It was a relieve to speak to a PC person in DC. I asked about my left handedness and writing. I am very happy that I can continue to write with my left hand. Can you imagine writing with your opposite hand in a language that you are just learning? The reason this is even an issue is that Mali is a predominantly Muslim country and the left hand is considered "unclean". Thus, eating and shaking hands are only done with the right hand.
