Sunday, October 25, 2009

It's Official!

I'm off to ZAMBIA! I'm reading through all of my information and paperwork, getting ready to hit high gear, and will call to accept as soon as I can think straight again.

I've been invited to be part of the LIFE (Linking Income Food and Environment) project as an agroforestry extension agent and will probably spend most of my time in the dirt farming. I really couldn't be happier.

Now, does anyone know how to change the little flag thingy on my PCJ banner?

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Fast Forward

In the past 24 hours, a flurry of activity has suddenly left my head whirling uncontrollably.

Number one: My letter finally came.

The e-mail that I had sent my recruiter was responded to with the most uncomforting announcement that "the system shows that the letter hasn't been mailed yet." Bonus points for my sanity and the USPS, minus points for PC. I was a little irritated. Called DC (again), and pestered the lovely lady who had the misfortune to be listed on my medical paperwork (again) and recieved an e-mail from her that my letter was in the mail (again?). It arrived yesterday in a wonderfully anti-climatic pile of post next to my auto insurance bill. My hard-earned letter was almost not opened I was feeling that much apathy toward it...

Number two: A mysterious message.

The major downside to moving back home is that my cell phone gets virtually NO reception at all. Consequently, it will buzz at random times of the day, like 10:25 pm, with missed calls and messages, etc. Such was the case last night..."Who on earth has a 202 area code?" On a not-so-mysterious note, for all who are wondering as I was, 202 is the area code for DC. An equally hard-fought-and-won message retrival informed me that my PLACEMENT OFFICER called and wanted to talk to me. Incidently, this was much more satisfying, and I had a very difficult time getting to sleep. Suddenly, my love and excitement for PC was rekindled almost instantly.

Number three: The e-mail.


And, yes, when I bold and italicize that dimuntive little article, I mean exactly that. The one. I was on the phone with my mother, preparing to call my PO back, checking my e-mail (that had gone un-checked much longer than normal, a side-effect of not sleeping well and waking up late), finishing my coffee, and making toast. I saw that I had a new e-mail saying that my Application had been updated. How exciting. Oh don't worry, Mom, I'm sure it just says that they want some more information like Julie said in herOHMYFREAKINGGAWSHICANTBELIEVE IT!!!! I've been INVITED!!!!

That was totally not what I was expecting.

So long story short, I have an invitation in the mail. And this time I know for sure because it actually says that it was mailed yesterday. I have yet to actually touch bases with Julie after leaving her a dizzy message that I don't really even recall making. It all happened so fast, I still haven't had time to completely process it yet. The only thing that would make my head explode with disbelief at this point would be if the FedEx man knocked on my door right now (*waits with head cocked hopefully for a few seconds*.... nope). Peace Corps, you continue to delight and surprise me in unxpected ways.

Cheers to all fellow waitees. Now that I have proof and evidence that people are reading this (!!!) I don't feel rediculous speaking to an anonomyous crowd. I am sending out hugs to all who want their invite as much as I do. Er, did. Right. :D

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Donkeys indeed!

One of my fellow applicants, Karin, suggested that perhaps the government has started using beasts of burden again for communication purposes. At this point, I'd have to agree.

It has been over three weeks since I got word that I was medically cleared, and still no letter has arrived. I called PC last week, and my lovely medical screening assistant did tell me that yes, I had been cleared and my file went "upstairs" (secretspeak for Placement, I'm assuming). Whew! What a relief. And yet.... I just really want my letter!!!! I know it's not a big deal seeing as how I already know what it says, and yet there is a small part of me that needs solid evidence that I am now being placed. No communication since that cryptic little message on my Toolkit. Another part of me is worried that somewhere, my file got lost in the cracks on the way 'upstairs' and that I won't hear anything for months. I mean, people usually get contacted by their PO a few weeks after medical clearance, right? Even if it's only a 'Hi, how are ya? I'm so and so and will be deciding your fate for the next three years of your life, please stand-by for another few months.' I imagine they'll be wanting updated transcripts ("Did you actually graduate since we last talked to you?") and want to know what I've been doing with my life since I moved back home ("Another post-collegiate bum, I see.") All of this I feel has not happened because I have yet to recieve my letter. Stupid, I know, and yet it's this nagging thing in the back of my mind.

The simplest answer would be that it got lost in the mail. NBD, except I've never, NEVER, had anything get lost in the vast machine of USPS before. Ever. I suppose it could happen, but all the same, I know I'd feel a lot better with that letter in my hands. I mean, when they say 'look for a letter in the mail,' I look. And wait. And look some more. And when it doesn't arrive for THREE WEEKS, I begin to feel a little let down, like PC doesn't really love me after all.

But, on the postive action front, I went ahead and sent an e-mail to my recruiter to ask him for advice. I know he as access to a powerful and all-knowing computer network system that holds the answers I seek. Nevermind that he's out of office until next week. A few more days won't kill me. I am patient.

(although my sanity was vaugely in question this morning when I awoke from a dream involving my unknown PO, lavender linen spray, and the Jonas Brothers... wtf, right?)