As the format of my life is changing, so too will the content of the postings on this lovely webpage you have stumbled upon on your computer or other internet capable device. Before today, I have been mostly speaking to PC applicants who look to the blogs on peacecorpsjournals.com for support and inspiration (like I did for many months). I will now turn to a more personal and descriptive prose chronicling my journey through Guyana as a Volunteer in the United States Peace Corps. Thank you for paying your taxes so that I may serve in South America for 26 months! I will update you with stories of my travels, things I learn, reflections and other fun stuff (like pictures). I just wanted to make a bit of a statement regarding the change in direction. So, if you are interested in going on a fun adventure vicariously through me while learning all about Guyana and the rich culture of the people, the internet will allow you to do just that.
I know I haven’t even left yet, but I will start today with a reminder that all PCVs love mail. I know typing is way easier than writing something down on paper, putting it in an envelope (or a package with goodies) and taking in to the post office, but for some PCVs a trip to get mail is an all day affair, so… it is kind of a big deal. Mail is awesome! And internet access may not be readily available. :)
I am currently reading The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas Carr. It is fascinating. If you are at all curious as to what the internet is doing to our brains and what that means for the future of neuroscience or human evolution, pick it up and read it. Reading has become a problem in America- people don’t do it the way they used to. Just a warning to those of you who are interesting in reading the things I have to say, there will be many words that you will be required to read in succession. For some of us, that simple task has become difficult (thank you Internet). I will write a synopsis of it soon.
My current status: I am in the beginning stages of overcoming a mild case of R.A.S. Some PC applicants suffer more than others; it is the first syndrome that almost every hopeful future PCV gets in the first 6 months after applying. What is this crazy illness I speak of? Restless Applicant Syndrome –I have a unique tale to tell about my journey with this strange affliction. Just to reiterate, my case was very mild. I believe I was able to use the natural self healing properties that all humans have to decrease the severity of my symptoms. I was hopeful, patient, and drum roll please…..flexible. I know I have said it before, but get used to it because it is the PC mantra: “Patience and Flexibility”. My Buddhist practice has awarded me with an abundance of those fabulous qualities, so I was able to handle my R.A.S. very well. It all started in December 2009, I asked myself: “Self, after you graduate what you like to do?” I answered myself: “Peace Corps!” Isn’t it funny how we can think of ourselves? I am so fascinated by the brain -it is the only organ that can learn about itself. As many of you know, I really like being single; I especially love the mobility and ease of decision making. For PC, not only did I have to be mobile, I also had to be willing and able to put my personal and professional life on hold for 26 months. So, after I decided I could do that, I dove head first into the application process. MMMMuuuaaahhh hhhaaaaa hhhhhhaaaa. I though the waters were warm, oh what I didn’t know. The Peace Corps application process is a marathon job interview. Your competitors are all over the US and some are in the same position you are- just graduating and wanting to give back by volunteering for two years. Ok, so I decided to join PC great, now what? Now you make yourself as competitive as possible and then wait. I completed about 200 volunteer hours just to qualify for service...They wanted 30 over 3 months HA! Oh, I also graduated with honors and I worked at a 4H camp all summer as a Senior Counselor. So while I was working my way through the maze of the application process, I did stuff that I should have been doing anyway. I am currently spending time with family, reconnecting with friends, reflecting on things I have learned and generally enjoying my life. I know that the healing method I chose for dealing with my R.A.S. is not appropriate for everyone. Side effects have included but are not limited to: learning to live a more fulfilling life with less, increased appreciation for people and things, increased enjoyment of life, increased awareness and perception, and excitement which may result in a scream out loud. I actually screamed out loud just after hanging up the phone following the interview with my Placement Officer. (Hang up the phone, good one. We don’t actually “hang up” phones anymore. I am waiting for our vocabulary to change. “Rewind” is another term I discussed recently. We don’t actually rewind anything anymore, but we still use the term….) Google, tweet, bookface- all new terms that will be obsolete in a decade or two. So, remember on the office when Jim wrote the word book on his face for Halloween? Well, I didn’t get it and kept saying “book face” because I saw book on his face which is on top so I though should have been said first…anyway when I refer to facebook, I will use the term bookface. Thanks to bookface I have been able to connect with long lost friends and future colleagues (PC GUY23!)
So I received my invitation, know where and when I am going and am now left with more waiting. February 15th, where for art thou so far away? Packing should be on my mind, but I am still decompressing from my crazy fun vacation including a cruise to Mexico, Belize and Honduras! You can see some pictures on bookface for now. I will post the underwater photos at a later date.
Thanks for reading; I hope I sustained your attention. :)
