best news i've had in a year!

[clovisc]

after filling out hundreds of pages of paperwork, getting fingerprinted for the FBI twice, having lots of background checks, attending interviews, going to 12 different doctor's appointments (paid for out of my own pockets -- a couple thousand dollars...), and waiting about nine months... the US peace corps gave me unrestricted medical clearance and mailed me my official invitation!

that means -- i made it, and i'm definitely in the peace corps!!!!! :D :cool: :D :)

probably tomorrow, i'll get my assignment description in the mail... telling me exactly when i'm leaving, exactly what i'll be doing, and which of the world's underdeveloped nations i'll be spending the next 2.5 years of my life in.

for those of you guys who aren't familiar with the organization, the peace corps is a volunteer / diplomatic outreach program sponsored by the US government. after receiving extensive language and technical training, volunteers live and work in an underdeveloped "third world" country for 2.5 years, living in some of the poorest communities on the planet in the same conditions the native population experiences while trying to do what they can to make life better, and to spread good will on behalf of America.

no -- it's certainly not for everyone... but it's just the adventure i need! :D

after i find out exactly where i'm going and what'll i'll be doing, i'll have to figure out... WHICH SPYDIES WILL BE JOINING ME!? :eek: :eek: :eek: i'll consult you guys, and you can have fun helping me figure out... :D :spyder:

[Vincent]

whats good about peace?


good luck

[greencobra]

whats good about peace?


good luck

Ahhh Vinny, you're a true poet.

But yes, congratulations and good luck.

[The Deacon]

Congratulations Clovisc! You have chosen a path that, while I would not care to walk down it myself, I have nothing but the deepest respect for those who can. Hope what you teach will be of lasting value to those where you serve, and what you learn will be of similar value to you.

[Dr. Snubnose]

Congrats Clovisc...Doc

[aquaboy420]

Way to go clovisc. Good luck wherever your path may lead you. My hat's off to you.

-greg

[UK KEN]

Well done!

I hope that you enjoy your chosen path. :D

Best wishes, Ken

[Gerard Breuker]

Congratulations and best wishes.

What made you want to do this and what happens afterwards?

[i.v]

congratulations clovisc!
i wish you luck & all the best, one tip though, when faced with povery you may see some pretty harsh things, stay sharp, help where you can & again, best of luck :cool:

[Vincent]

A for Knives,


I would Bring.

Military and Manix.


Its all you need.

[java]

Good on ya, Clovis!!

Joining the Peace Corps is something I've always wanted to do. (Maybe when I'm 65 and have my RN license) You should be running the show by then and have some pull to help a fellow Forumite help out.

I'll be passing through Amarillo and Clovis later tomorow. Won't make it down Portales way for the early man site but I'll wave at it for ya on the way!!

Congrats again for starting out on your humanitarian goals. Stay safe and peace be upon you.

j

[Irish Lager]

congrats,

as far as knives, that would not be a simple task for one such as myself. I would have to take everything i own, and then some.
Best of luck,
GS

[clovisc]

thanks a lot for the support, guys!

it means a lot... especially since my parents, family, and some of my friends have been less than supportive.

just found out today -- i'll be going to rural zambia, to work on a fisheries assignment. no phone, internet, or electricity... and i'll have to ride a bicycle up to 20km per day, to meet and talk and work with farmers. zambia has a very rate of AIDS and disease, but lots of diseases can be prevented through medicines, and being very cautious and sanitary. (of course -- lots of diseases CAN'T be, but...).

the principle language is english, but i'll also be trained in other, tribal languages that i'll have to use to communicate with the people i work with.

the assignment lasts 2.5 years.

gerard (hope you like that aluminum blackhawk i sent you, by the way!) -- my reasons for joining the peace corps were many. i'm 23 years old, just out of college, and interested in having a very different cultural experience -- and an adventure -- before i return to school in pursuit of a graduate degree. the peace corps is a good way to serve america without joining the military... and a good way to serve the world, on behalf of america. at this time in history, more than ever, the world needs more americans out trying to make positive changes and differences, and building positive relationships. the language and technical training i get, as well as the cultural and leadership experience, should have plenty of benefits after i finish my service. AND -- i'll be able to go to grad school for free, guaranteed.

anyway -- thanks again, guys.

-jason

[Vincent]

Just watch out for the Aids

[Senate]

I admire what you do Jason, good luck!

[DAYWALKER]

Aloha Clovisc!

May God be with and bless you on this venture of yours...
Stay safe and stay in touch

God bless :cool:

[Stevie Ray]

Sounds super Clovisc. Joining the Peace Corp is one way of making a contribution like almost no other. I have a close friend that was in the Peace Corp during the 60's and even though he's done much with his life "post Corp", he frequently talks at length regarding his Corp experiences.