EL SALVADOR

Today at CMOE camp, we went to Angel Mounds, an old Indian.....well....an area of land preserved by the state because Indians used to live there and so there are artifacts there. Whatever the official name would be. My sister texts me "Its here! Peace Corps stuff is here! Can I open it!? Please!? Does it say where you are going!?" I text her back yelling no no no don't open it! That's my thing! That's like opening my Christmas presents! Back at CMOE, we get a 30 minute lunch, so I rushed home.

I open the package, and tadaaaaaa!!!! 

EL SALVADOR, Youth Development
Staging: Sept 14th-16th
Training: Sept 16th-Nov 15th
Service: November 16th, 2008-November 16th, 2010

So that's my invitation! And really, its sorta perfect because of the 100% Spanish speaking society and food. Haha. Training is for 2 months in San Vicente, near the capitol San Salvador. As the text they gave me say, it is "HOT" there.

ToolKit Update!

My toolkit updated today, I'm officially invited and my invite was sent out in the mail!

Update: people on "future peace corps volunteers" are taking bets on which day my invite arrives!

6-wk's

With the 6-wk rule and today's date being July 24th the remaining possibilities are: Panama, Guatemala, Philippines, Belize, Dominican Republic, Eastern Caribbean, Nicaragua, Peru, El Salvador, Macedonia, Ukraine
(most likely in bold)

yeaaaaaah, and other than those listed--its only Africa & Pacific leaving that I've found invites and nominations for....I haven't seen any other regions after September....uhhhhh its REALLY not looking good right now....

Nomination #4

Not even sure if this and the last have been "real" nominations. I guess they are though. Oh well. I finally broke down and e-mailed my PO, Amanda. To my surprise, she got back to me literally within seconds. My first thought was "oh no, she's out of office, and its an automatic reply"--that's how quick it was. But nope! She was really just THAT QUICK pulling up my info, processing it, writing a reply, and sending. She earns the medal of the day!! Anyway, this is what she sent me (minus any private info):

Hi Jenna,

Thanks so much for your flexibility on this.

Your email is very timely!

I actually just found out that the Eastern European country is unable to accommodate you medically so I submitted a new request for a Central-America Youth Development program. This particular program is scheduled to depart in mid/late September and there will be a spot held for you until we hear back from the Office of Medical Services.

I submitted the request on July 15th, and I will contact you as soon as I hear back from the Office of Medical Services.

In the meantime, I will keep my fingers crossed! J

Please feel free to contact me with many questions since I know what it feels like to play the waiting game!


Have a great day,

Amanda ********, RPCV Honduras

Volunteer Placement Specialist / IAP

Peace Corps Headquarters

So, now I'm back to being very close to my original nomination! 

Youth/Central America/mid-late September

I feel like the PC poster child for "be flexible in the PC!"

New Week!

12:09am

Its officially Monday.

That means 5 days, 5 new days for me to possibly hear from my PO!

I AM EXCITED!!!

Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday to me! July 20th, I'm 24!

Last night, Justin and I celebrated, he took me to The Jungle. I got Chicken Kiev that came with veggies and amazing mashed potatoes. Mmmmm. He got....Garlic Shrimp Pasta? I believe that's what it was. We also had an appetizer order of potato skins. Why? Because I heart potato skins. Everything was pretty good I thought. 

Then we went to his house and Justin had bought me a cake from the best cake place in town. Thick double layer, white cake. Mmm. And th

ey had birthday hats and a birthday sign for me. Cody, his brother, sang his own songs for me, they also all sang happy birthday to me. Justin got me a cute little card and a Flip! Woohoo! I love my flip. I need to find a case for it I bet. 

Update: I just got on peacecorps2 to find a member had posted a message just for me!!!! I immediately went "awwwwwww how nice! how sweet!!!!! I feel special, awwww!!!"

Like The Previous Post

Now, last time I posted, it was Monday, the w/e after the talk with my PO, just 1 business day. I don't know WHAT I was thinking, thinking that I was anxious/worried then. Its now Friday night, a full week after speaking to my PO. I know that everything is in the works, but every second I don't hear something, the more anxious I get. I think its that it is so close to the end and its almost a "make or break" since the nurse has to approve me, and that this is now 100% out of my hands is what gets me the most! 

Really, I know people say to try not to think about it, but I can't help it, and it seems like the majority of my day is spent thinking about it. I mean, how can I not? I'm so close! Every time I think about it, I can just feel myself getting anxious....my heart speeds up, I feel the nerves, I start worrying. I'll think the worst, then reassure myself, only to second guess myself. Yikes, I need a break from thinking. Hopefully, this weekend will provide that since Sunday is my 24th birthday. Hopefully, I will have a few days of it being off my mind.

Top 2 Worries:

(1) The spot isn't really saved--that is, that it may be "saved" but someone can still take it before the nurse approves me

(2) The nurse won't approve me for the country...

I know she said 3 days to 2 weeks, so I'm smack in the middle of waiting, and I'm pretty sure she said my spot is saved for certain, but at the same time, I'm also not sure, and desperately wish I could e-mail her to double-check about that....but naturally, rule of thumb, don't e-mail the PO any earlier than you have to. And that's insanely hard to do--not email her. So far I haven't. Not sure if I can hold off til next Friday. 

Someone, ease my nerves, please!!!

Oh So Worried

Naturally, each business day that I have to wait, I am going to get more and more worried. I'm also terrified I'm going to jinx it. I'm a huge believer in jinxing--that you'll say or do something to jinx it and then it won't happen. :-X I just can't wait to hear, I hope I do by Friday since Sunday is my 24th birthday. It would be a great birthday present! Its all in the medical office's hands now, and for me to sit back and wait...patiently but definitely nervously! Keep your fingers crossed for me, please!

Talked to my PO! WooHoo!

Yay! My PO, Amanda, called me today. I was in the middle of a conversation, saw the 202 area code, and sprinted out of the room to a quite place while saying "sorry! this is very important! brb!" Hehe :) She had said today, so I knew knew knew it was her. And it so was her.

First, she had some questions for me. Some of those questions that we hear people get asked just before being invited. You know, the ones that you are answering for the third time...first your recruiter, then your assistant PO, and now your PO. At least, I have the hang of it by this point, right? She asked about my relationship, my grandmother's death last year, my relationship with my youngest sister who I have helped out a lot, my family's thoughts on the PC, and my thoughts on some of the things people sometimes tend to not have in the PC (ie. not having running water or electricity).

Then she said she had a placement in mind that she thinks is absolutely perfect for me. Don't worry, she took plenty of time getting to telling me the actual placement (which is hilarious...simply because I do that, save the most important "needed" piece of news until last).

She said she had found this placement, and spoken to the woman in charge of that specific program in that country about me (yay!), and the woman specifically wanted me. She wanted ME! Since my TEFL certificate is about to come through, and I have experience working with Youth, she said that I am absolutely perfect for this position and she really wants me. My recruiter then said that this country has a history of accepting people with medical conditions (excellent bc of my epilepsy...I like how she thinks!) 

She said if this all sounded good to me she would put my name in to reserve this placement spot for me. Of course, it sounds great! I believe that I originally had TEFL in my top 3 choices. Asked if I had any questions about that part, no not that I can think of...still can't think of any hours later. SO. She said this placement spot was reserved for me. She was sending it to medical for them to tell her if I can go there or not (but she seemed to expect it to be okay) and said it could be a few days to a couple weeks, but if they said all was a go, then she would officially be inviting me! 

Its still a lot of work, but it is a HUGE step and I'm so excited. It sounds like she really worked hard for me, and even mentioned me specifically to someone, who now in turn WANTS me! Wow!

So yes, are you sitting there yelling at the computer, asking where I'm going? I hope so, because the best part is finding out.

First it was Community Development in Africa. Then it was Youth Development in Latin America.

NOW:

TEFL in Eastern Europe departing in late September 2008!

wheeeeeeeeeee! :-D

Spit

you are moving through the cogs of the application process, actually more quickley then normal, Peace Corps appears to have been very accomadating for you and it really is too bad as you appear to think you are above them and spit on them while they are helping you. --unknown--

I was letting the situation with the very annoying poster on Facebook drop, but I do have to respond to this line. 

Yes, I have moved through the application process very quickly, and the PC has been incredibly accommodating and helpful.  My recruiter was amazing, my medical assistant got in contact with me several times, my nurse even called me several times--once to even tell me herself that I'd been cleared!, my assistant PO was great in getting back to my questions about the info he shared with me, and my PO has been the most wonderful person in the world even if she was the one who had to tell me my program was full--she's done nothing but work to find a new one, is really rooting for me, and even spoke of me specifically to someone in charge of a program.

I have had nothing but good. Sure I may have been told a thing or two or had to do a thing or two that made me grumble--ie. that my placement was full or I needed to redo my CBCs. But you know, about placement, that was fine because she was already doing so much work for me before she was off the phone and really gave me a lot of information. And CBCs, yeah, that sucked, but the nurse couldn't help it, it was just required, she just had to be the bearer of news. But she was more than helpful with everything.

Overall, while I'm not sure, it seems like I have talked to all my PC contacts more than normal people do. Mostly, on their own accord of getting in contact with me. Especially my Nurse & PO. It seems like those are the two that are the hardest to get ahold of, yet I've spoken with each several times in length and both are amazing.

In no way have I even implied I was above them. Hell, in my opinion, someone who is the key to my future is far above me and I'll do anything they ask. These people have often gone through this. Also, they work for the PC, so clearly they know stuff that I don't know and are correct in what they tell me. At most, sometimes I have questioned something because I THOUGHT I read it differently on their papers, only to find out otherwise.

In no way have been "spit[ting] on them while they are helping [me]"...each time I speak with them, I am more than polite and do nothing but thank them. I even thanked the nurse when she gave me the news that I had to redo the CBC & send in old results. Why? Because I'm thanking her for taking the time to help me get past that step, even if it is her job.  I think I have been lucky enough to have some of the best employees at the PC work with me. I am highly considering sending them thank you cards for everything they've done, because I truly appreciate it more than anything. They've done so much and made this process a lot easier for me than I thought is would be.

So. Am I above them and spitting on them? Absolutely not, and I find it insulting someone would imply that.

My Nurse?

I got a 202-area code call this morning and jumped up thinking it was my PO. To my (GREAT) surprise, it was my PC nurse. She said she needed me to write two more personal statements.

1. SE Asian Food Aversion: I had mentioned this to my recruiter, in terms of placement. Silly me. She wanted me to write something about when it happens, if I know what ingredient it is, what happens to me when it does happen, if I've ever had to take medicine or visit a doctor when it happens. I explained to her that it was more of a food taste that I didn't like, but it wasn't anything physical or medical at all. She said that was good, but needed me to write it anyway.
2. Medical Concern: Somewhere, I have no idea where, I had written that I left IU for a semester for medical reasons. I had NO clue what she was talking about for a minute. Finally, I remembered, and said it was due to my epilepsy which they already had documentation of. She said that was good too, but she just needed me to write a quite something about it.

My nurse also told me if she didn't have it by the end of the day she'd have to put my file on hold again UGH. I told her I'd fax it to her within the hour, which she seemed extremely happy about and said she would be circling the fax machine. That's good right!? Good that she seemed so happy it'd be there asap. And isn't it good that she seemed to imply that both of these things were not big deals, but more formalities instead of "life or death?" That's good too I think.

Here comes my question: why was I contacted by my nurse? Was she bored and randomly reviewing my file/clearance? I doubt it since they are super busy. Had she realized that she missed something with my file that needed to be done? Doubt that she for some reason was thinking particularly of me out of the hundreds of people she deals with (though I have now talked to her 4 times on the phone which seems to me to be typically unusual concerning PC nurses) 

To me, the only possible reason that she would have to open my file and look at it and decide she wanted that small bit of information was if my PO contacted her about a possible placement. (Since I have a restriction, my PO has to clear my placement with her before inviting me.) That is the only reason I can come up with. In that case, it seems like she'll have gotten back to my PO today, and I could reasonably get invited tomorrow?

Anyone? Thoughts? Any other ideas on why I was contacted by my nurse after being cleared and having spoken to the PO about new placement options?

Scoobie Doo

So, did everyone read the post about the missing dog I found? If not see below. I found the owners, and talked to them, but wasn't able to get back to them immediately. By the time I did call them back, only 1 day later, they had called my cell, my sister's cell, my home number, and my dads office 30+ times. The ONLY way they could've gotten the numbers besides my cell would have been to use the system at the prosecutors office, where the mother works, to illegally look up and use those numbers to harass me and my family. They left messages over and over saying we had to call them back, they didn't appreciate this, they would do anything to get the dog back. Finally they started leaving message after message that they had contacted a lawyer. There were going to call the police. They would be filing charges against me for theft.

I called them back when I got off work, and I told them nicely, but made it obvious that I was not happy with them, that I did not appreciate them calling me and my family 30+ times between 8am and 3pm, harassing us, and threatening to charge us with theft. I said that it had been 24 hours since I had talked with them, and while I understand they are eager to get their dog back, they don't know what is going on in my life, and that in fact, I had an emergency last night that prevented me from calling them, and then had to work all day. I said this was the first chance I could contact them. I reminded them that I found their dog, took their dog to a vet, fed and watered their dog, and even carried the dog to the yard to go to the bathroom since she couldn't walk at first. Finally, I said that this was in NO WAY considered theft, they should be thankful I took care of their dog, and it had only been 24-hours since I'd spoken with them and they had no clue what was going on in my life. I said I didn't appreciate the harassment or the illegal finding/using of my numbers. Then I took the dog to a public place to give back to them.

In PC news, I still haven't heard. I should be hearing literally any second! Hopefully tomorrow. If not, I'll call back Friday afternoon. So I'm pretty much nomination-less, stuck in priority limbo with a restriction, and going crazy waiting to hear about an invite! :) Its great. I actually sorta secretly like the fact that I have absolutely NO CLUE where I'll end up now. Of course, Latin America is most likely since its my region, but now it could literally change to any other region! Excitement!!!

Talked To My PO

I called IAP today and got in contact with my PO, Amanda, right away. Despite the news, she was absolutely great with everything. 

She said that unfortunately, my program filled up right when I was medically cleared, so she would have to start looking at other placements. She asked if I was open to different regions, and I said I was absolutely open to all the other regions, even different work areas if that would help at all.  I also told her that I wasn't sure if she knew, but I am expecting a TEFL certificate and First Aid/CPR certificate in a couple weeks in case that helped my placement at all. She thanked me for being so open to everything.  Amanda said that my file was in her priority stack, and since I have a medical restriction, its even more prioritized than the others.

WOOHOO PRIORITY FOR ME.

I also asked about the 6-week rule rumor, and said that if possible, I was willing to leave slightly under 6-weeks. She said that the 6-week rule is indeed true, and they try to stick to it strictly and never invite people after 6-weeks.  Of course, we've all seen people get invited under 6, but usually its the people in the most need and stuff--ie. program got canceled, they are a couple, medical botched up and they actually can't go there...you know, stuff like that. I'm sure that's not something a PO will tell you, that there are exceptions, they don't want that officially out there and everyone flooding them to leave tomorrow.

Anyway, I'm on my POs super priority list. She said to call back Friday if I haven't heard by then, and she gave me her direct line. WOOHOO!  Back to semi-square one on the nomination front though.

Nomination: Unknown.

Oh Invite, Where are You?

Okay, really getting nervous, PO...PO...where are you and where is my invite? Nerves are kicking in!

Lost Dog :(

The poor puppy, I was driving to lunch today and found this dog. I wish we could keep her, she's such a sweet dog. She seems to be a Pit Bull, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Very sweet. 

She was laying in some soccer fields off the road, and something struck me as odd, so I went to check it out. I approached slow, since I didn't know the dog, and as soon as I got up to her, she rolled on her side. I patted my legs for her to stand up, and when she did, she immediately started shaking and had to collapse back to the ground. She had some sore-marks around her neck, and her paw pads were completely ripped up. When she stood up you could see just how thin and boney she was. 

I called my sister (since we live basically down the street) and she brought water (which was instantly completely gone) and a tiny bit of dog food (not too much since she hadn't been eating, that was also instantly gone). We called around to the Humane Society, Animal Control, and PAWS but couldn't get anyone. Finally, we called my cousin, animal person and used to work at a vets, and she suggested taking her to Parkdale Animal Hospital since they were open and take walk-ins. We had to carry the poor dog to the car.

When we got there, I went into the office while Caitlin waited in the car with the dog, and told them I had a walk in, no leash or collar bc we found her on the side of the road. I swear to you, their entire office ran out. The vet, an older man, carried her inside through a side door that enters into a check-up room. All the front desk girls, vet techs, and other vets were in the room. People would walk by, stick their heads in. So many times we and others would explain where we found her, how, and what was wrong. Mostly what was wrong was her feet--from running around so long and especially on concrete a lot, her pads were just shredded up. The vet had to clip a lot of skin off and bandage them. Also, they gave her a shot--she didn't even flinch! Finally, they gave us a bag of food, pain killers, and antibiotics for the next 5 days...as well as the vet visit--all free of charge, just because they were so happy we had helped her.

Right now, she's at my mom's house in the garage. Let me tell you, my mother is not happy. Her first words were "ITS A PIT BULL!!!!!!!!" ....but really, we looked it up, and these dogs, despite the bad stigma they have, are actually great companion dogs with good temperaments. Which is good. My mom is giving us 48 hours to find her home :( Then we have to take her some place else...who knows where...*sigh* But at least we've helped her for now. She's feeling better, slept all day, has started to try to walk, but is clearly wobbly and in pain and can't stand for long. She's eating and drinking, which is good. We are making sure she doesn't eat too much since she hasn't had food. 

So this is one of 2 flyers we made. This one we are going to put in places like the grocery or coffee shops in the area--places where you'll actually see the flyer close up and can stop and look. I like it because I think the flyer is eye-catching. The other flyer is just big bold black letters, saying the same things, but spaced out line by line. That one will be for putting on like poles and stop signs. We also put an ad in the news paper (online, and maybe print? we aren't sure) and craigslist. But I'm going to make SURE if I get a call, that it is actually their dog...something identifying...like give me her name and see if she responds...or tell me about her markings. Something.

What a sweetie.

 

Wish me luck on finding her owners! So sad. Hopefully we find them soon. Hrm...I should put flyers at firework stores/stands...

Assistant E-mail

The assistant to the PO e-mailed me today. He said he needed me to do 2 things before he could pass my file off to my PO for placement. He needed me to fill out another Romantic Involvement worksheet--different from the first one and asks mostly about if there are any changes in your relationship and stresses questions on "what if" scenarios about your relationship & the PC.

Next, he wanted an updated resume. I added my CMOE summer camp experience on there, that will end August 1st. I also added 2 certificates on there. I don't yet have them, but expect both this month and told him I would fax copies with I receive them. The first is for Adult/Infant/Child CPR & First Aid, the 2nd is for an online TEFL course I've been taking.

So I sent all of that off with the promise of faxing those certificates as soon as I receive them. Luckily, neither of those really effect them being able to place me, they are just extra things I've done.  Hopefully, I hear something in the next 2 days!!!!!!