¿Y Entonces...?

Oh man, everything is becoming so real now!

I got an email from Staging last Friday giving me my final instructions.

I booked my flight this morning and will be arriving to Arlington, VA on January 9th. Even though that is the day before Staging starts, they said that it's better to do that than fly on a red-eye, because they want us to be well rested before. They're also paying for my hotel room, so that's nice, too.

Wow. I just can't believe that my journey is about to begin. It's so crazy to think about!

Now, I need to start thinking of packing. 80 pound limit for the next 2 years of my life. Eh...that can wait! :)

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 13, 2011 – Peace Corps volunteer Jamie Nations of Lorton, Va., helped build the first two pedestrian bridges in her rural community in Nicaragua. Nations organized the planning and construction of bridges that provide access to the local school, health center, children’s food bank, and the main highway. One bridge was completed in September 2011 and the other in June 2011.



“The two rivers in my community are constantly flooded during the rainy season, making it too dangerous for my students to come to school. Class attendance dropped by almost 50 percent from May to October,” said Nations, a Peace Corps Education volunteer who has been in service since 2009. “I quickly realized this was a huge problem in my community, not only for the education of my students, but also for mothers taking their children to the food bank for their only meal of the day and seniors seeking medical care at the health center.”

Construction began on the first bridge on April 11 and was completed on June 14. Nations worked with the community, volunteers from the University of Iowa, and another organization to construct the 37-meter (121.3-feet) bridge out of steel cable, concrete, wood, metal fencing, and rocks. Construction began on the second bridge on July 11 and was completed on September 14. Nations secured funding from the Peace Corps and U.S. Agency for International Development Small Project Assistance (SPA) program to construct the bridge using materials such as gabion, rocks, railroad tracks and wood.



“My community had been looking for means to build these bridges for 15 years and now it’s a reality. It is a gift to be able to see how these amazing people will progress and prosper because of the construction of these two bridges,” continued Nations.

The bridges are located approximately one kilometer (0.6 mile) apart and connect the community to the central highway.

About Peace Corps/Nicaragua: More than 2,020 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Nicaragua since the program was established in 1968. Volunteers in this Central American nation work in the areas of Small business development, community-based environmental education, sustainable food security, HIV/AIDS and maternal child health, and teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) education. Many volunteers work through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program to address HIV/AIDS issues. Currently, 218 volunteers are serving in Nicaragua. Volunteers are trained and work in Spanish.

-Peace Corps

Fame and HIV: 10 of History's Biggest HIV-Positive Celebrities

:D

YAY!!!!!

C/S America departing in mid-January to work in programs involving HIV/AIDS, malaria and nutrition*!

I have looked at the Peace Corps Wiki site and it could be Nicaragua (Jan 10), Panama (Jan 10), or Ecuador (Jan 18)!

We we so excited!!!!!

All Evaluations To Become An Invitee: Complete.

Yay! :D

Here’s to the crazy ones. The rebels. The troublemakers. The ones who see things differently. While some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.
Steve Jobs (via servedc)

Who’s qualified for Peace Corps service as of today? Who should be getting an INVITATION within the next two weeks?

THIS GIRL!

It was a short interview, maybe 10 minutes, and boy was I sweating “um” bullets!

Questions I was asked:

• You have been actively applying since March. Are you still interested in the Peace Corps? What motivates you to seek a service position as a Peace Corps Volunteer?


• What experience have you gained since applying for the Peace Corps? Have you been in touch with fellow applicants/volunteers?
  


• Often, Volunteers are placed a fair distance from each other when based in rural areas. How would you handle possibly feeling isolated in this situation?


• When is the earliest you available for departure?


• Are you flexible to travel anywhere, even if that doesn’t include your original nomination?


•  Has your email or mailing address changed – or will it in the near future?


• Have you had any legal incidents or changes to your medical status since you submitted their application?


• What has been the response of your family and friends to your decision? How do you feel you will cope with the separation from family/friends for 27 months?


• Can you ride a bike? Can you walk long distances in heat?


• Are you worried about safety concerns?

YAY!!!!!

Booyah.

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 7, 2011 – President Barack Obama announced the re-opening of a Peace Corps program in Tunisia. This announcement was made during President Obama’s meeting today with Tunisian Prime Minister Beji Caid el Sebsi, attended by Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams.

“We are honored that the government of Tunisia has asked Peace Corps to re-open our program in Tunisia,” said Director Williams. “The return of the Peace Corps to Tunisia offers our countries the opportunity to resume a partnership with a long and productive history. This Peace Corps program will contribute to the Obama Administration’s efforts to support the Tunisian people by working side by side on important education and economic initiatives.”

The first group of Peace Corps volunteers is scheduled to arrive in Tunisia in 2012. Volunteer assignments will focus on English language training and youth skills development. These two programs will build local capacity and help prepare Tunisian students and professionals for future employment.

Between 1961 and 1996, nearly 2,500 Americans served as Peace Corps volunteers in Tunisia, working in the fields of agriculture, architecture, education, health, and rural and urban community development.

About the Peace Corps: President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961, by executive order. Throughout 2011, Peace Corps is commemorating 50 years of promoting peace and friendship around the world. Historically, more than 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries. Today, 8,655 volunteers are working with local communities in 76 host countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. Visit www.peacecorps.govfor more information.

Peace Corps' annual budget for 8,700 volunteers around the world, is less than the US spends in 5 hours in Iraq.

katiehiebert:

I can’t believe people actually talk about getting rid of the Peace Corps, like it is such a burden on the American taxpayer. 

The entire annual budget of the Peace Corps is less than the budget of the army marching band. 

ourpresidents:

Happy birthday, Peace Corps.  The toughest job you’ll ever love turns 50 this year; today marks the day that President Kennedy signed the Peace Corps Bill into law. 

Here’s to all the volunteers who have promoted peace and friendship around the world.  This photo from the 1960s features a Peace Corps Volunteer in Instanbul.

If you aren’t already following the Peace Corps on Tumblr, you can see many more pictures of volunteers at work here.

They’re moving my file quick! Just got an email wanting an updated resume/volunteer experience and my transcript. All she said was to be flexible as to what region and be ready to leave early 2012!

Got the letter in the mail today. Now, off to the Office of Placement!

Please excuse me while I do my happy dance :D

inothernews:

A cat which has been genetically altered to make cells that resist a version of the AIDS virus that affects cats, along with a jellyfish protein that makes it glow green, is seen in this photo. US scientists have developed a strain of green-glowing cats with cells that resist infection from a virus that causes feline AIDS, a finding that may help prevent the disease in cats and advance AIDS research in people.  (Photo: Mayo Clinic via the Telegraph)

Yay!

Now I’ll be stalking the mailman until I get word.

I received a letter from the OMS today stating that because I was on “menses” (fancy word for every female’s favorite part of the month), my first urinalysis was abnormal and they wanted me to get another test.

Ran down to the clinic I got my first UA at and they recognized me. I told them the situation and without filling out any paperwork/paying a co-pay, they just gave me a cup and sent me to the restroom. I was in and out of the clinic in 20 minutes and got a “normal” UA testing.

Ran over to the FedEx Office, scanned the results and sent them to my OMS RN. Done and done. She’s not in the office until next Wednesday (thank you Out-of-Office Auto Reply), but at least I have it taken care of and can relax on this Labor Day weekend without stressing about it!

Fingers crossed for fast feedback/progress on the application!

Woke up this morning to an email from Peace Corps regarding a new “Application Toolkit Update”:

ANOTHER Medical Hold was placed on my account.

Lest to say I’m very frustrated at this, especially since the hold was lifted last week.

Edit: I talked to someone from the OMS. I have to REDO my urinalysis AGAIN. They’re sending a letter explaining what needs to be done. I’m going to try and get this all done for good before I go out of town for the Labor Day weekend.

Medical hold was taken off of my account, so that’s awesome!

However, there isn’t a check mark next to the Medical Evaluation part of the checklist…so now what?

So my “Medical Hold” was put on because I had to redo some of the original information:

• Polio Booster Immunization


• Urinalysis


• Hepatitis B Surface Antibody results


• Questionaire about TB test results

I got that all taken care of last week and sent it to my RN at the OMS. She said they were moving offices on Monday, so I’m crossing my fingers that I should hear from her that everything is right the second time around and I can continue on with the process.

Send good thoughts my way!

peacecorps:

Instead of typing your status update, what if you were updating the status of someone else?

Good things always happen after Peace Corps does their website maintenance!

First, I got the Dental Clearance and after the most recent maintenance, I received a “Medical Hold”, meaning my paperwork is in the hands of a nurse now and I continue to patiently wait to hear something good!

Fingers crossed the only call I get is saying, “Everything seems to be in order and we’re handing your file off to a Placement Officer who will conduct your final interview.”

…or something like that :)

Injectable HIV vaccine shows promise

I love waking up to an email from Peace Corps saying that my Application Toolkit has been updated :)

Medical Packet has been received and Dental and Legal Evaluations are complete (“There are no holds on your account at this time.”)

Just waiting for the rest of my Medical Packet to be cleared and then it’s on to the next step! Crossing my fingers!

shortformblog:

Headway in the fight against HIV: A drug called Truvada is effective in preventing AIDS contraction up to 73% of the time, according to two new studies carried out in Africa. The drug has been tested before with less stellar results, but researchers now suspect the earlier study may have been flawed. The catch with preventative drugs, of course, is that you have to remember to take them before the risk presents itself, but still, this is great news. source

Read ShortFormBlog • Follow

[youtube=[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOQ85OEZhWg&w=425&h=349]]

I had my mom look over the whole packet just to make sure that I got everything I needed.

HOPEFULLY I did everything right the first time and I’ll be getting my Medical, shortly followed by my Legal, clearance ASAP!

June 27: Peace Corps Tumblr

hardcorpscarli:

The Peace Corps officially has a tumblr! They are sharing PCVs’ stories, posts and photos as well as some upcoming events that they will be hosting. Join in :)

June 27: National HIV Testing Day

hardcorpscarli:

Go to the link to see how you can get involved:

• Find a testing center near you


• Learn about awareness campaigns


• Become involved in fighting against HIV/AIDS

June 5: 30 years of AIDS moments to remember

Today marks the 30th anniversary of the CDC’s announcement of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This is a slideshow of the disease throughout the years. Also, feel free to browse the website to see organizations that you can donate to.

As always, I’m a supporter of the Colorado AIDS Project, a non-profit that helps those living with HIV/AIDS, and those at risk, to make healthy choices for a self sufficient, enhanced quality of life. CAP provides innovative, individualized services to those most in need, educates high risk populations, and advocates for social and health care equity.

CAP empowers those living with or at risk of HIV to live healthier, enhanced lives by providing two different sets of services.

It’s GREAT so far! Everyone here at CAP is super nice and very helpful. At the time being, I’m working front desk.

This is going to be the start of a great experience for me! :)

After some research on the Peace Corps Wiki website, it looks like I am probably going to be going to Guatemala or Nicaragua for my service. In years past, the missions leaving in January go to those two Spanish speaking countries.

Cool! 

(I’d have preferred South America, but I’ll take what I can get!)

Now…let’s keep our fingers crossed for Nicaragua!!!

As I was leaving my second to last final today (my LAST is on Thursday), I looked and saw I had a missed call from a number I did not recognize, as well as a new voicemail. 

“Hello, this is Linda calling from the Peace Corps. We just want to congratulate on your nomination to a health extension program leaving in January 2012 in South and Central America!”

YAY!!!

I’m so excited :D

Now the anticipation: What will I be doing? Where will I go? 

Let’s play the waiting game…

hardcorpscarli:

!!!!!!!!!!!

Such a nice thing to wake up to on a Friday morning :D

April 19: AIDS Walk Colorado

As you may recall, I have participated in this event before, but only as a community event for the dorms as a Resident Assistant. This time, however, I’m participating not only as a volunteer, but as a runner, and I’m trying to raise $500 for this organization.

I am volunteering with the Colorado AIDS Project for the Peace Corps, but this cause has grown into something I will and continue to fight for. Not only do I strive to help people raise money, but I personally want to raise money myself to make a difference in the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS. 

This event is August 13, 2011 (116 days)

If you would like to donate and help sponsor me for AIDS Walk Colorado and join me in the fight just click HERE to visit my personal fundraising web page.

ANY AMOUNT WOULD BE APPRECIATED! 

Can’t make an online donation? Download the Donation Form HERE and send it to:

Colorado AIDS Project
Attn: Chris Parrish
2490 W. 26th Avenue
Suite A300
Denver, CO 80211 

Thanks everyone :D

hardcorpscarli:

Bring on those volunteer hours!

March 18: My First “Peace Corps Journal” Blog Post

I have previously posted about my thoughts about the Peace Corps on my main blog (in which I mostly discuss health/fitness/randomness related posts) and what my future may hold.

Here’s the first and last (aka my only two) posts about my interest in the Peace Corps.

Upon looking at the Peace Corps Journal website, I figure I should start my own blog about my process and experience of hopefully becoming a PCV. 

My process up till now:

✔ Application Form Complete
✔ Health Status Review (HSR) Form Complete
✔ Fingerprint Forms
✔ Agency Check Form
✔ References Forms
✔ Volunteer Interview 

Based on my interview, according to my recruiter, I may be best suited for health or youth/community development based projects. Honestly, those were the two programs I was most interested in! I have to do a few more community service hours with the Colorado AIDS Project to be a competitive applicant for the health program, which I’m hoping to complete sooner rather than later. My recruiter said that he’s ready to nominate me NOW but I want to finish my hours with CAP so I can be a more, all-around competitive applicant. 

Other than that? I know Spanish, but I’m really flexible and can go anywhere. It’d be cool to be placed in a country that spoke a language that is completely new to me, I feel like that’s part of the experience! Whether that is in Latin America or Eastern Europe, it’d be exciting!

Here’s to anticipating and taking the next step!