From The Caribbean to Africa.

     On Friday, March 10th, 2011, I accepted my Peace Corps invitation to serve in Senegal, Africa, doing Small Enterprise Development.  I will be living in Senegal June 2011 - August 2013.  I'm not sure where exactly at this point, I'll find out when the Peace Corps van drops me off after preservice training this August...somewhere in Senegal...
     I am extremely excited and a bit terrified.  This is a major life change, alas, one I have been craving for a couple of years. 
     My decision to join the Peace Corps is one of divine intervention.  I was unable to grow anymore at my job and was ready for a new challenge, but not just any new job would do.  What I liked about my old job was working with the public and making a difference in peoples' lives. 
     I did some soul searching, meditating, seeking...finally one day I exclaimed to the world "I need a sign!  What am I going to do next?"  Two seconds later I looked up and saw my sign!  My eyes gazed upon a poster advertising the Peace Corps; literally a sign.  That very day in July 2010, I began the detailed application process.
     The application process is one of length...it took me about a week before I was ready to send it off.  I sent it through the ether to the Peace Corps.  I received a message letting me know it was received and that someone would be contacting me in 10 days.  Uh oh, I would be in Dominica, British West Indies in 10 days!
     I contacted the recruiting office in Oakland to explain my situation and they were so great to set up an interview with me before I left.  I met with the recruiter for just over 2 hours; it was really a nice experience even though I was nervous.
     About 2 weeks after I returned from Dominica, I received a call from my recruiter.  He nominated me for Peace Corps service!  My nomination was in the health care sector in The Caribbean - leaving in March 2011.  Wow!  That was just in a few months, as it was August when I was nominated
     My medical packet arrived shortly after that and I began making appointments with my md, my dentist and anyone else I needed to see for a check up or signature....to get this paperwork filled out properly and asap!  This was a lengthy process, too.  I sent it off about a month after I got it.
     At this point I just waited for medical clearance with dreams of my new life in The Caribbean.  Oh, did I mention...nothing is set in stone until one receives their "official invitation"?
     Time went on and March got closer and closer...but no invitation or word from the Peace Corps.  This made me a bit anxious.  I decided to see what was going on, it was mid January.  Well, I found out that I missed my program - but not to worry, this happens to about 40% of Peace Corps Nominees and they will place me as soon as they can - but no guarantees where and that I should practice patience and be prepared to go anywhere in the world.  I was crushed, I felt like I had been broken up with!  I dried my tears and tried to move on.  I was told I'd hear from someone in 4-6 weeks - it's January 2011 at this point and 4-6 weeks felt like an eternity!  At week five, I contacted the Peace Corps and was told that I'd hear from someone within a week.
     One hour later, my phone rang - Peace Corps calling!  After a nice conversation about all sorts of stuff - Are you comfortable living in a hardship situation - no electricity or plumbing?  Are you comfortable riding a bike?-the nearest place for supplies may be 20km from where you live, etc...I was told I passed my final interview and am now ready for placement.  Here we go!  I was then told I was being considered for Francophone Africa!  Wow, was I pleased!  Africa!  Awesome!
     After the longest week and a half, my "official invitation" arrived.  I couldn't get that packet open fast enough!  I saw my assignment, Senegal, Africa, Small Enterprise Development, leaving mid June 2011.
     OK!  This is it.  Senegal, I said the word in my mouth, rolled it around in my head.  I got no feelings, no charge.  I know nothing about this place, not even exactly where it is.  What I felt was excitement and relief!  I now know!  Senegal...Western Africa...French speaking...very warm climate...I can do this!  I am doing this!  My placement couldn't be better.
     I started going through the paperwork after notifying my parents about the news!  They are already planning to visit me.  Lots of paperwork to do, another essay to write and a reformatting of my resume.  This is all okay...I'm on my way!  
I am on my way to do and experience so many things...
ps:  there is scuba diving in Dakar!