So the reason I'm updating two days in a row is because I had to stay in Mzuzu to do my banking (note: 10,000 MK is only enough to live off of for 4 weeks), and transport is such a hassle that I ended up staying the night, because otherwise I wouldn't have been able to get home before dark after all of my chores were done. I had a really good time getting my bearings- a lot of PCVs were in the area and did a lot to help show me around, so thanks guys!
I went a little crazy buying fabric and other things for my house- when I gome home this afternoon I'm going to be sewing up a storm, sitting in my new chief's chair, admiring my bawo board, lookin' all swank. I don't plan on coming to Mzuzu all that often, because I don't like being away from site, but it is nice to know that I can come here, and know my way around. There is a great hostel that lets Peace Corps volunteers camp for free now that the transit house is gone (RIP transit houses)- the only trade is that they want you to eat and drink there, which isn't a problem, because they have delicious burgers.
Chris, if you are still planning on visiting this summer (which I hope you are), I have the coolest trip in mind, so make sure you get all of your shots, passport and travel visa stuff in order. I was walking through the market thinking about how cool it was, and how much I want to show you the stuff here- so get on it.
I love you guys, and happy 2010!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Post swear in, post move in, post christmas, Post.
Hey guys, I am writing to you using the magic of internet cafes. I'm disappointed, because I wrote a really long post that covered swearing in, my move to my house AND christmas- but unfortunately, the dang computer I'm using won't recognise my USB drive so... let me just see what I can do to condense it all:
Swearing in ceremony: Awesome. Dancers. Have video.
Move to site: Awesome. Have electricity. Am getting sick of the movies I brought.
Christmas: Awesome. Beach Bar. Nuff' said.
Alright, so, that's it... satisfied? Again, I'll try to get the long nice version of things up, but things are really unrealiable here, so I do what I can. I just wish I could say more- when I was preparing to go to Malawi, I scoured the internet for information, and would have been really frustrated to read a post like this, but what can you do?
I love and miss you all! Stay safe!
Swearing in ceremony: Awesome. Dancers. Have video.
Move to site: Awesome. Have electricity. Am getting sick of the movies I brought.
Christmas: Awesome. Beach Bar. Nuff' said.
Alright, so, that's it... satisfied? Again, I'll try to get the long nice version of things up, but things are really unrealiable here, so I do what I can. I just wish I could say more- when I was preparing to go to Malawi, I scoured the internet for information, and would have been really frustrated to read a post like this, but what can you do?
I love and miss you all! Stay safe!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Language Intensive
Hey guys! I'm really spoiling you with all of these updates, aren't I?
Thanksgiving was fun, I ate way too much and made myself sick, what can I say? It's the American way. I bought some really cool bags from a health volunteer who is working with a women's groups, I'm trying to think of a way to send some home, but I clearly don't make enough money for that kind of mailing to happen, so I'm stuck. The ambassador was really cool, we got to swim in his pool, which was amazing.
After Thanksgiving, we headed off to language intensive, which for me, meant I headed towards the lake where they speak Chitonga. It was beautiful, seriously, I'm probably the luckiest Peace Corps volunteer ever to be able to get to live so close to the lake here. I'll try to get some pictures up, but (suprise, suprise) the internet here isn't exactly faster than a speeding bullet. I really feel like my language skills are getting better though, at least, I hope they are, seeing as our big test is coming on Friday.
So that's the news with me here. Thank you to anyone who has sent me mail, I love to hear from you all, so write letters- big long ones*.
*Carrie, get your mind out of the gutter.
Thanksgiving was fun, I ate way too much and made myself sick, what can I say? It's the American way. I bought some really cool bags from a health volunteer who is working with a women's groups, I'm trying to think of a way to send some home, but I clearly don't make enough money for that kind of mailing to happen, so I'm stuck. The ambassador was really cool, we got to swim in his pool, which was amazing.
After Thanksgiving, we headed off to language intensive, which for me, meant I headed towards the lake where they speak Chitonga. It was beautiful, seriously, I'm probably the luckiest Peace Corps volunteer ever to be able to get to live so close to the lake here. I'll try to get some pictures up, but (suprise, suprise) the internet here isn't exactly faster than a speeding bullet. I really feel like my language skills are getting better though, at least, I hope they are, seeing as our big test is coming on Friday.
So that's the news with me here. Thank you to anyone who has sent me mail, I love to hear from you all, so write letters- big long ones*.
*Carrie, get your mind out of the gutter.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Fakesgiving
Hey guys! So, another quick update, because once more, I don't have much time. I promise that once I get to my site, I'll prepare a really good, long, juicy one for you.
Carrie, if you aren't saying 'that's what she said' in your brain right now, I'm disappointed.
Anyway, Thanksgiving was wonderful, some of us got back from our site visits a little early for various reasons, so we were in Dedza for the actual holiday, which was great, because we got to hang out, talk to our families and play cards- and by cards I mean kings, so I felt right at home. It was just like holidays back in Michigan.
Today, we are at headquarters for a little bit before we head to the Ambassador's house for a late Thanksgiving. We are hoping to have 'merican beer and chips.
So, because it is Thanksgiving, I am gong to share what I am thankful for:
-My friends in Peace Corps, who are awesome, and are a great support system. When else in my life will I have someone sit me down and tell me to change malaria medications?
-Carrie, who half a world away is still my best friend
-Zach, who sends me awesome care packages and spends way too much money to call. I can't wait until Tuesday :)
-Zach's mom, who is probably the person who *actually* puts the care packages together
-My parents, who send some of the best letters and who tell me they are proud of me, which makes it easier to stay here
-My giant family, I get the most mail of anyone because of you guys!
-Anyone who called on Thanksgiving- you made me feel like I wasn't so far away
-The Peace Corps staff, especially the language trainers, because they make things happen
-My site, because it is only 30 minutes from the beach, and that is awesome
And last but not least, I am thankful for the fact that I get to have this opportunity, but most of all, I am thankful that at the end of two years, I get to go home and see you all. I love you and miss you all
Carrie, if you aren't saying 'that's what she said' in your brain right now, I'm disappointed.
Anyway, Thanksgiving was wonderful, some of us got back from our site visits a little early for various reasons, so we were in Dedza for the actual holiday, which was great, because we got to hang out, talk to our families and play cards- and by cards I mean kings, so I felt right at home. It was just like holidays back in Michigan.
Today, we are at headquarters for a little bit before we head to the Ambassador's house for a late Thanksgiving. We are hoping to have 'merican beer and chips.
So, because it is Thanksgiving, I am gong to share what I am thankful for:
-My friends in Peace Corps, who are awesome, and are a great support system. When else in my life will I have someone sit me down and tell me to change malaria medications?
-Carrie, who half a world away is still my best friend
-Zach, who sends me awesome care packages and spends way too much money to call. I can't wait until Tuesday :)
-Zach's mom, who is probably the person who *actually* puts the care packages together
-My parents, who send some of the best letters and who tell me they are proud of me, which makes it easier to stay here
-My giant family, I get the most mail of anyone because of you guys!
-Anyone who called on Thanksgiving- you made me feel like I wasn't so far away
-The Peace Corps staff, especially the language trainers, because they make things happen
-My site, because it is only 30 minutes from the beach, and that is awesome
And last but not least, I am thankful for the fact that I get to have this opportunity, but most of all, I am thankful that at the end of two years, I get to go home and see you all. I love you and miss you all
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
UPDATE
ok, I don't have any time to write, but some quick notes about my site:
30 minutes on foot from the beach- awesome.
electricity- extra awesome.
running water- mind explodingly awesome.
Also, I have a lemon tree in my yard, and a mango tree across the street. The school is also across the street, and the staff seems awesome.
Ok, that's all I have time for- bas*
*done
30 minutes on foot from the beach- awesome.
electricity- extra awesome.
running water- mind explodingly awesome.
Also, I have a lemon tree in my yard, and a mango tree across the street. The school is also across the street, and the staff seems awesome.
Ok, that's all I have time for- bas*
*done
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Phones?! What!
Hey guys! I don't have much time to write, so I'll keep this quick!
We recently got our phones, so if you want to give me a call, you can either:
a) check facebook, where I have posted my number
or
b) call either my mom, my dad, or Chris who all have the number. Otherwise, I guess I'm not big on the whole giving my phone number out on the internet thing, so I figure, if we aren't friends on facebook, or if you don't know my parents or my brother, then why exactly do you want to call me long distance?
Otherwise, life here is good! I have met some of my fellow teachers, and saw the outside of the house I will be living in. Apparently I have a lemon tree in my backyard! and a mango tree across the street!!! I am getting very big on fresh fruit, as you can tell.
Sorry to be so brief, but I just wanted to say that I am happy and healthy, and hey, at least I haven't gotten dysentery... yet (it happened to one of us already)
We recently got our phones, so if you want to give me a call, you can either:
a) check facebook, where I have posted my number
or
b) call either my mom, my dad, or Chris who all have the number. Otherwise, I guess I'm not big on the whole giving my phone number out on the internet thing, so I figure, if we aren't friends on facebook, or if you don't know my parents or my brother, then why exactly do you want to call me long distance?
Otherwise, life here is good! I have met some of my fellow teachers, and saw the outside of the house I will be living in. Apparently I have a lemon tree in my backyard! and a mango tree across the street!!! I am getting very big on fresh fruit, as you can tell.
Sorry to be so brief, but I just wanted to say that I am happy and healthy, and hey, at least I haven't gotten dysentery... yet (it happened to one of us already)
Friday, September 25, 2009
Airport
Hey guys,
I am sitting in the Grand Rapids airport, lapping up all the free internet while I can. There are some pretty appealing snow globes here by the way, featuring the great state of Michigan- but instead of fake snow on the inside, they used glitter- and the snow globe I got from San Diego had snow instead of glitter. I was confused. I liked it though, since there are so few snow globes about Michigan.
Thank you to anyone who said goodbye, and who fed me before I left. I enjoyed my 'fuckit, I'm moving to Africa' diet.
oops, we're boarding now, I'll write more when I get to Philly.
I am sitting in the Grand Rapids airport, lapping up all the free internet while I can. There are some pretty appealing snow globes here by the way, featuring the great state of Michigan- but instead of fake snow on the inside, they used glitter- and the snow globe I got from San Diego had snow instead of glitter. I was confused. I liked it though, since there are so few snow globes about Michigan.
Thank you to anyone who said goodbye, and who fed me before I left. I enjoyed my 'fuckit, I'm moving to Africa' diet.
oops, we're boarding now, I'll write more when I get to Philly.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Show, meet road.
Alright, I'm packed. For those of you who don't know, the Peace Corps is pretty strict on the amount of things that you are allowed to bring. Specifically, according to the handbook, I am allowed to bring:
"Two checked pieces of baggage with combined dimensions of both pieces not to exceed 107 inches (length + width + height) and a carry on bag with dimensions of no more than 45 inches. Checked baggage should not exceed 80 pounds total with a maximum allowance of 50 pounds per bag"
Now I have my 80 pounds of luggage, my 45 inches of checked baggage, and a bit of a back ache. In case you were wondering, these are the things that I brought:
Bag one- a hiking style backpack courtesy of Megan:
-sleeping bag (bought on my trip to New Orleans, right Courtney?)
-pillow
-jumbo sized camping-type strap compressing bag thing (currently in use to compress the sleeping bag and pillow, courtesy of Piotr)
-3 person tent
-hat with cooling crystals (as seen in Utah)
-Bandanna
-Doc Martens (from 1998... I had a Daria phase)
-not one but TWO solar showers (thanks Auntie MA and Uncle John)
-TONS of batteries (thanks Aunt Kathy)
-Utility tool/ awesome knife (thanks Kimberly)
-Various locks (laptop, bike, padlock)
-Backpack (a backpack inside of a backpack. Meta)
That's just the first bag. 30 pounds of awesome.
The second bag was my birthday present from my mom, this is the fifty pounder:
-Scrabble
-Knitting book
-Knitting needles
-Yarn
-Embroidery book
-Embroidery floss
-Sewing Book (Imma learn to make my own clothes. For real this time.)
-Harmonica book
-Harmonicas (one from my trip to Memphis with Robert, one from Uncle Spike)
-Two flashlights
-Nalgene bottle (from my mentor teacher!)
-Travel French press
-Extra glasses (from Auntie MB and Uncle Tom)
-Calendar (handmade by my beautiful cousin Courtney)
-Various chargers
-Surge protector
-Toiletries bag (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
-Clothes (some shorts to wear under my skirts in Malawi, T-shirts & tank tops to wear underneath my dresses in Malawi, p.j.s)
-Flip Flops
Now for my carryon, which does not exceed 45 inches:
-Books (Spectrum Guide to Malawi, Lonely Planet Africa, Shame of the Nation, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Say You are One of Them)
-DVDs
-Tin full of photos (tin courtesy of Rica)
-Journal (from Carrie)
-Book lights
-Sun glasses
-Head phones
-Camera
-Lap top
-Peace Corps paperwork
-ipod
-Wallet
-2 changes of clothing for staging (business casual... whatever that means)
-Stuffed bear (to use as a pillow, and for moral support)
I probably missed some stuff, but as you can see, I did not bring nearly enough books. If you are scratching your head about anything to send me, the answer is books.
"Two checked pieces of baggage with combined dimensions of both pieces not to exceed 107 inches (length + width + height) and a carry on bag with dimensions of no more than 45 inches. Checked baggage should not exceed 80 pounds total with a maximum allowance of 50 pounds per bag"
Now I have my 80 pounds of luggage, my 45 inches of checked baggage, and a bit of a back ache. In case you were wondering, these are the things that I brought:
Bag one- a hiking style backpack courtesy of Megan:
-sleeping bag (bought on my trip to New Orleans, right Courtney?)
-pillow
-jumbo sized camping-type strap compressing bag thing (currently in use to compress the sleeping bag and pillow, courtesy of Piotr)
-3 person tent
-hat with cooling crystals (as seen in Utah)
-Bandanna
-Doc Martens (from 1998... I had a Daria phase)
-not one but TWO solar showers (thanks Auntie MA and Uncle John)
-TONS of batteries (thanks Aunt Kathy)
-Utility tool/ awesome knife (thanks Kimberly)
-Various locks (laptop, bike, padlock)
-Backpack (a backpack inside of a backpack. Meta)
That's just the first bag. 30 pounds of awesome.
The second bag was my birthday present from my mom, this is the fifty pounder:
-Scrabble
-Knitting book
-Knitting needles
-Yarn
-Embroidery book
-Embroidery floss
-Sewing Book (Imma learn to make my own clothes. For real this time.)
-Harmonica book
-Harmonicas (one from my trip to Memphis with Robert, one from Uncle Spike)
-Two flashlights
-Nalgene bottle (from my mentor teacher!)
-Travel French press
-Extra glasses (from Auntie MB and Uncle Tom)
-Calendar (handmade by my beautiful cousin Courtney)
-Various chargers
-Surge protector
-Toiletries bag (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
-Clothes (some shorts to wear under my skirts in Malawi, T-shirts & tank tops to wear underneath my dresses in Malawi, p.j.s)
-Flip Flops
Now for my carryon, which does not exceed 45 inches:
-Books (Spectrum Guide to Malawi, Lonely Planet Africa, Shame of the Nation, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Say You are One of Them)
-DVDs
-Tin full of photos (tin courtesy of Rica)
-Journal (from Carrie)
-Book lights
-Sun glasses
-Head phones
-Camera
-Lap top
-Peace Corps paperwork
-ipod
-Wallet
-2 changes of clothing for staging (business casual... whatever that means)
-Stuffed bear (to use as a pillow, and for moral support)
I probably missed some stuff, but as you can see, I did not bring nearly enough books. If you are scratching your head about anything to send me, the answer is books.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Packing?
I am bad at packing for this move. I have a basket in my room that I put things in from time to time in a very haphazard way. Right now it has a scrabble game, stationary, a Frisbee (jealous?), a journal and a Zach jacket.
In addition to this basket, I actually do have a piece of luggage packed. It is 45 pounds, and I am afraid that I forgot what is in it, but I have no idea how it can possibly weigh so much. Wait. No. I know. Remember the 90's? Let's just say that I am bringing my Doc Martens from the 6th grade to Africa with me. Those bitches are heavy.
In addition to this basket, I actually do have a piece of luggage packed. It is 45 pounds, and I am afraid that I forgot what is in it, but I have no idea how it can possibly weigh so much. Wait. No. I know. Remember the 90's? Let's just say that I am bringing my Doc Martens from the 6th grade to Africa with me. Those bitches are heavy.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Stalking
A few weeks ago, I went to New Orleans with my cousin to work for Habitat for Humanity, and to drink and dance and eat a lot. While we were there, I got to get back in touch with a friend from way back who is currently in Teach For America New Orleans. She told me that before she started her training, she felt like it was all a mistake- she would show up on the first day of training, and they would say 'oops, sorry, there was a mistake, you don't actually belong here.' I know the feeling. Maybe it's nerves, but I am having trouble coming to grips with the fact that I am moving away in 17 days, but here I am, throwing all of my clothes in a box to take to goodwill.
Actually, I didn't get to finish sorting my clothes for charity. Every time I start packing up, my mom comes up with something else to do. Today she decided the day was too pretty for chores, so we ate lunch on the deck at Rose's. It was sweet, but I need to get to business.
On another note, I discovered some other future Malawi volunteers on the Peace Corps Journals website. It is cool to know that I will get to meet these people soon, but it makes me feel like a bit of a stalker, sneaking around, reading about my future co-workers without first saying hi. So to any fellow future Malawi volunteer/ stalkers out there who will be at the staging event in Philly on the 25th, hello- I am excited to meet you. Warm heart of Africa, here we come!
Actually, I didn't get to finish sorting my clothes for charity. Every time I start packing up, my mom comes up with something else to do. Today she decided the day was too pretty for chores, so we ate lunch on the deck at Rose's. It was sweet, but I need to get to business.
On another note, I discovered some other future Malawi volunteers on the Peace Corps Journals website. It is cool to know that I will get to meet these people soon, but it makes me feel like a bit of a stalker, sneaking around, reading about my future co-workers without first saying hi. So to any fellow future Malawi volunteer/ stalkers out there who will be at the staging event in Philly on the 25th, hello- I am excited to meet you. Warm heart of Africa, here we come!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
why change is a good thing
As you can imagine, it has been a blast. Since I last posted (blogged?) I:
-Drove cross country to do Habitat for Humanity with my beautiful cousin Courtney this was actually planned before receiving my invitation, but was nonetheless friggin sweet
-Visited my Busha (for the first time in about two years) I fixed the aspect ratio on her TV and ironed her work shirts in exchange for DeLuca's Pizza- WORTH IT
-Visited Piotr in Detroit who says you need to join the Peace Corps to visit the third world?
-Went to Saugatuck one last time to pick up Carrie's birthday present Shh... it's a seceret
-Partied/drank at all my favorite East Lansing haunts more on this later
-Gone to Schuler's Bookstore an embarrassing amount of times what will I possibly do without Schulers?! This store practically raised me!
I almost feel like I'm dying and am somehow trying to cram everything I love about my life here in the United States into an eight-week span. I guess what I'm trying to say is that this is the most fun/slightly sad vacation ever.
If I don't see you before I leave, I'm sorry- I truly am, I'm trying to arrange to see everyone I am related to or love before I go, but sometimes things don't work out.
Now that I have been sufficiently sappy, let me explain why I am maybe not so sad after all that I am leaving. Because I am Melissa, I choose to relate my point in a long drawn out story that doesn't seem to relate to anything until the very end, when you find out that it maybe relates to what I was talking about, but not really, and then you are frustrated.
Ahem.
For the past few days, I have been sleeping on my little brother's couch in East Lansing. It is the first week of classes at Michigan State, so all of my not-yet-graduated friends and relations are in time and free to hang out in the evenings. In short, it is the perfect time to visit.
Anyway, after burgerama at the Riv last night, and the post-bar zombie shooting at Pinball Pete's, I went back to Chris' couch, and fell asleep after watching about an hour of Adult Swim. Basically, it was the perfect college night.
Later, my brother's roommate came home with a girl, and they stayed up until all hours of the night talking in the other room, and using the bathroom with the door open. This, though a little annoying, was fine, because after all, I was a guest on the couch, and, well, whatever. I pretended to be asleep.
After a few hours, I heard a knocking on the back door. It was somebody I'd never met before, but my brother's roommate seemed to know him, so I figure everything is kosher, and I, once again, pretend to be asleep.
Soon I am joined on the L shaped sectional couch by this newcomer, and, in the spirit of letting bygones be bygones, I (still) pretend to be asleep... until he tries to share my pillow, when I flip so that we are lying with my feet near his head. Now that I have revealed myself to be awake, the newcomer strikes up a conversation. How did you end up on the couch? Who are you? How do you pronounce this street name so that I can call a cab? All of these are questions that I happily half asleep answer until once more, I pretend to be asleep.
Then he starts tugging at the fitted sheet I am sleeping on top of, and I become annoyed. I look over at my couch companion, curled up under the corner of my sheet he has managed to free, and I feel bad for him, so I offer to get him a sheet of his own.
I return with the promised sheet, and once more, lay down and pretend to be asleep. Then he starts rubbing my feet. Yeah, my feet. Finally I address my new couch buddy.
"Dude?"
"Yeah?"
"I will kick your ass if you keep rubbing my feet"
"..."
"Seriously."
"Fine, I'll call a cab"
Dear college,
Our time together was wonderful, but I think we've been delaying the inevitable. The first four years of our relationship were a whirlwind- and I'd never trade them for anything, and the extra year we got to have together during my teaching internship was amazing, but I think it is time for me- you, the both of us- to move on.
It's not you college, really, it's me. I don't want to say I've outgrown you, because that would be cruel. The truth is, we both knew this day was coming.
Melissa
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Language Lessons
The Peace Corps updated my toolkit with some language lessons to get ready. I can't believe that I will ever get good at Chichewa, but I will definitely try. They say alcohol is good for lowering your affective filter when trying to speak a different language... Peanut Barrel anyone?
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Congratulations!
I began my application this time last year. Here is a brief overview of the application process, for those of you who may be interested in joining the Peace Corps.
Congratulations! You have decided to apply for the Peace Corps, now fill out a lot of paperwork.
and then you wait until...
Congratulations! You have been nominated, now fill out more paperwork.
and then you wait until...
Congratulations! You have accepted your invitation, now fill out some paperwork.
and then you wait until your staging, which seems to be a two day paperwork-a-thon
yay!
Anyway, I applied for my no-fee passport. Ah, the sweet success of mailing paperwork away from me.
Congratulations! You have decided to apply for the Peace Corps, now fill out a lot of paperwork.
and then you wait until...
Congratulations! You have been nominated, now fill out more paperwork.
and then you wait until...
Congratulations! You have accepted your invitation, now fill out some paperwork.
and then you wait until your staging, which seems to be a two day paperwork-a-thon
yay!
Anyway, I applied for my no-fee passport. Ah, the sweet success of mailing paperwork away from me.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Invitation Accepted!
I have been working a lot at the shop and simultaneously trying to prepare myself for Malawi. It's good to be busy though, if I have too much free time I won't get anything done, but being busy puts me into college mode.
I accepted my invitation the other day, and just this morning got my big bad peace corps packet in the mail. I had been reading about my assignment from the peace corps' website, but this makes it more tangible. Also, because this is the peace corps, ta da! More paperwork to deal with. It's like homework.
I accepted my invitation the other day, and just this morning got my big bad peace corps packet in the mail. I had been reading about my assignment from the peace corps' website, but this makes it more tangible. Also, because this is the peace corps, ta da! More paperwork to deal with. It's like homework.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Malawi.... No, not Maui... It is in Africa.
This past week I was in beautiful Saugatuck on lake Michigan for the MacDonell family reunion. It was awesome, one of my cousins bought a giant party island (shout out to Gracie) that we all nearly died on in the waves, I covered my left arm in temporary tattoos, ate a lot of food, drank a lot of micro brews (because if you're drinking a micro brew, you aren't drinking to get drunk, you're just a conniseaur... who gets drunk) hmm... what else? Oh yeah,
I GOT MY PEACE CORPS INVITATION!
Yesterday afternoon, I was lazing around on the front porch of our rental (which incidentally smelled like cat pee... just sayin') when I got a phone call from DC. I didn't know who it could be at first, but when the caller introduced herself as so-and-so from the Peace Corps, I missed a step and almost face planted on the deck, Mike was there, he saw.
After a few questions about my application (how do your parents feel... are you still available... etc) the woman from Peace Corps told me she would e-mail me later that night if I got my invitation. So what did I do in a town with next to no cell reception or wi-fi? I skittered around making everyone in my family nervous, that's what I did.
Finally, my aunt MB must have gotten sick of me running around like a caffeniated squirrell, sat me down with her phone, and told me to work it out. I found out I would be moving to Malawi on her cell phone, and we promptly went out to celebrate.
I spent about three hours on the phone talking to friends and family having different variations on this conversation:
"Malawi... no, Malawi... because we don't need Peace Corps in Maui... It is in Africa..."
'Aint family grand?
I should give credit where it is due though, Megan and Thom know where Malawi is, and have promised to be my first visitors, because Thom's mom actually grew up there- how cool is that?
You know what else is cool? The fact that Malawi and Michigan both have Great Lakes named after them.
I GOT MY PEACE CORPS INVITATION!
Yesterday afternoon, I was lazing around on the front porch of our rental (which incidentally smelled like cat pee... just sayin') when I got a phone call from DC. I didn't know who it could be at first, but when the caller introduced herself as so-and-so from the Peace Corps, I missed a step and almost face planted on the deck, Mike was there, he saw.
After a few questions about my application (how do your parents feel... are you still available... etc) the woman from Peace Corps told me she would e-mail me later that night if I got my invitation. So what did I do in a town with next to no cell reception or wi-fi? I skittered around making everyone in my family nervous, that's what I did.
Finally, my aunt MB must have gotten sick of me running around like a caffeniated squirrell, sat me down with her phone, and told me to work it out. I found out I would be moving to Malawi on her cell phone, and we promptly went out to celebrate.
I spent about three hours on the phone talking to friends and family having different variations on this conversation:
"Malawi... no, Malawi... because we don't need Peace Corps in Maui... It is in Africa..."
'Aint family grand?
I should give credit where it is due though, Megan and Thom know where Malawi is, and have promised to be my first visitors, because Thom's mom actually grew up there- how cool is that?
You know what else is cool? The fact that Malawi and Michigan both have Great Lakes named after them.
Lake Malawi & Lake Michigan
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Short Update... less emo
I got a call from the Peace Corps today asking for some additional information from my doctor's office. I learned my lesson from the last time, and asked for confirmation when they received my doctor's fax, I already wasted enough time assuming that everything was fine even when it wasn't. I am happy to say that the nurse who I talked to confirmed that they had received the fax, and claimed that I should be cleared soon! Let's all cross our fingers that I pass evaluation, and get my invitation soon, I am tired of not knowing.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Eat, Sleep, Check Status... repeat
I always thought that I would be sad when I moved out of my college apartment, but instead I'm just anxious. I guess I'm not the nostalgic type. Maybe I am a little, it just takes a while. Whenever I am getting ready for a big life change, I get very antsy, I just can't handle not doing anything. My mom keeps telling me to slow down, enjoy it, go to the beach, stop letting money make my decisions for me. Stuff like that. I think I could do that a lot easier if I knew where I was going to be next year.
I also have weird dreams whenever I'm about to move or do something new- the one thing that they have in common is that they are set in places that, how do I put this, don't exist anymore? They'll have the usual weird dream stuff, but they'll be in, say, the house I lived in when I was little, or my grandpa's house. They're always homes. I guess these places still technically exist but not in the same way. These dreams always feel nice, maybe relieved is the word for it. When I wake up, I'm sad.
I suppose that after I move out of my apartment for good, I'll eventually have dreams about it, but for now I'm just annoyed that things are so uncertain.
I talked to some people at Peace Corps today about my status to see if they received all of my medical forms. Apparently, they never got a fax that my doctor's office sent, which explains why I've been on hold for the past few weeks. Hopefully now that I fixed the problem, things will start moving again. Then I can start having weird dreams set in my mom's house, instead of sitting around in it.
I also have weird dreams whenever I'm about to move or do something new- the one thing that they have in common is that they are set in places that, how do I put this, don't exist anymore? They'll have the usual weird dream stuff, but they'll be in, say, the house I lived in when I was little, or my grandpa's house. They're always homes. I guess these places still technically exist but not in the same way. These dreams always feel nice, maybe relieved is the word for it. When I wake up, I'm sad.
I suppose that after I move out of my apartment for good, I'll eventually have dreams about it, but for now I'm just annoyed that things are so uncertain.
I talked to some people at Peace Corps today about my status to see if they received all of my medical forms. Apparently, they never got a fax that my doctor's office sent, which explains why I've been on hold for the past few weeks. Hopefully now that I fixed the problem, things will start moving again. Then I can start having weird dreams set in my mom's house, instead of sitting around in it.
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