...Finally...an INVITATION!

In September 2008 I called my mom to tell her that I had an interview with a Peace Corps recruiter. Her response: "WHAT? You were supposed to grow out of that!" Sorry Mom.

I had started my journey toward Peace Corps. Application...references...interview...phone interviews...NOMINATION...dental clearance...legal clearance...doctors appointments...more doctors appointments...medical clearance (which. took. forever.)

I was finally medically cleared in August of 2009. I had expected to leave by September 2009 but was not medically cleared in time which with family circumstances ended up being a blessing. More waiting...and LOTS of people asking: When are you leaving? Where are you going? What are you doing? To which all I could offer was a big: I don't know!

October 26, 2009...HOUSTON WE HAVE AN INVITATION!!!

I was in Indianapolis at my Aunt's house when my dad called saying I had received a package that said, Congratulations: Invitation, on the outside...should he open it?

No thanks Dad, I think this might be the real deal and I'd like to open it myself.

Approximately 2 minutes pass...anticipation grows...my fingers accidentally hit the digits to call Dad.

Uh...Dad? Yeah, go ahead and open that please!

Country: Senegal

Assignment: Preventative Health Educator

Date of Orientation: March 10th

Date of Departure: March 12th

I was filled with excitement and questions. This was no longer a concept...it was the real deal!