So this whole time period while I'm waiting for medical clearance is supposed to be a time for me to practice skills I'll need in the Peace Corps; mainly patience. I'm doing ok I guess but I am getting very impatient!!! I always am checking my toolkit online to see if anything new has happened and nothing so far.
I keep reading everyone's posts on all the Facebook groups and people are really starting to get their invites for February through April. So far I've heard about invites for Ukraine for at risk children development leaving in March and a community development program in Botswana. I know that nothing is for certain until I get my invite so I'm keeping an open mind and keeping my fingers crossed that I'll know soon. There was this really interesting discussion about nicknames that volunteers receive in their countries of service and I keep thinking about what will mine be? Will I even have a nickname? How will I get my nickname? Every country has a very unique way of picking them. Then I read another discussion about the worst thing people had to eat in their county of service. Some of the things are seriously disgusting. My stomach got a little upset reading it. I am willing to try anything once though and my positive attitude will help me have fun and enjoy my time no matter what!
So 4 more months or so until I'm hopefully on my way! 2 more weeks at least until I'll probably hear anything about my medical clearance. Come January I will hopefully know that my invite is in the mail and I can anxiously await that!! Well here's hoping! Keep your fingers crossed!
-Leslie
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Finally Getting Somewhere
I am finally getting somewhere with this whole process!!! I sent in my medical packet (finally!) on October 31st. The other day I found out that I received dental clearance. This means that they have received the whole packet and now hopefully it won't be long until I receive full medical clearance! I am so excited that this is finally starting to go somewhere. It seems like so long ago that I had the interview and was nominated......
This whole process has been quite an adventure. I had to go over everything with a fine tooth comb to make sure that they don't have any reason to make this process any longer. I've been to the doctor's office so many times within the last month I can't believe what it would be like if I actually had any medical issues. I really hope that I'm cleared within the next month so then I just have to wait for my invitation.
I can't wait to finally get that invitation and open up. I'm so excited to finally know where I'm going, when I'm going, and what I'll be doing!! I probably will not be able to sleep the day I get my invite! I want to start learning whatever language I'll need to know and researching the country I'll be serving in.
Well that's about as much as an update as I can give at the moment. I hope that I'll have more news soon!!
-Leslie :)
This whole process has been quite an adventure. I had to go over everything with a fine tooth comb to make sure that they don't have any reason to make this process any longer. I've been to the doctor's office so many times within the last month I can't believe what it would be like if I actually had any medical issues. I really hope that I'm cleared within the next month so then I just have to wait for my invitation.
I can't wait to finally get that invitation and open up. I'm so excited to finally know where I'm going, when I'm going, and what I'll be doing!! I probably will not be able to sleep the day I get my invite! I want to start learning whatever language I'll need to know and researching the country I'll be serving in.
Well that's about as much as an update as I can give at the moment. I hope that I'll have more news soon!!
-Leslie :)
Thursday, October 4, 2007
A Little Bump in the Road
Well, to anyone who is keeping up with me here is an update..
-still finishing the medical packet. Every time I think I finished something else pops up that needs to be taken care of. It will not be sent in now till the end of October after a cavity is taken care of and I can have my x-rays.
-I'm working as a swim instructor for the Tosa Rec Department and the YMCA. It's not much, but its enjoyable and I'm still earning some cash. I'm also baby-sitting which is just a time filler. Also I am doing things with the Girl Scouts and the Tosa East Girls Swim Team. Good times :)
So I have no idea if I will be cleared before March with all these little bumps I've had in this long and irritating process. I'm still hoping for Albania which I am almost positive is where I will be sent if I'm cleared in time. There's just so much that has to be done before I may be boarding that plane and leaving behind everything I know and love. Everyone keeps asking me if I know anything new and I don't. This whole process is so FRUSTRATING! I know it will be worth it in the end it's just this waiting. I'm so impatient and not taking it well.
Keep your fingers crossed for me that I will be able to send in the medical packet at the end of this month and will be cleared quickly. I know some people who sent in their packets and were cleared in a month. Please let me be one of those people! Others wait almost 4 months before they're cleared. Dear God, don't let that be me!
With all that said, that's all for now. A few little bumps but hopefully it will be better soon. Keep reading for updates!
-Leslie :)
-still finishing the medical packet. Every time I think I finished something else pops up that needs to be taken care of. It will not be sent in now till the end of October after a cavity is taken care of and I can have my x-rays.
-I'm working as a swim instructor for the Tosa Rec Department and the YMCA. It's not much, but its enjoyable and I'm still earning some cash. I'm also baby-sitting which is just a time filler. Also I am doing things with the Girl Scouts and the Tosa East Girls Swim Team. Good times :)
So I have no idea if I will be cleared before March with all these little bumps I've had in this long and irritating process. I'm still hoping for Albania which I am almost positive is where I will be sent if I'm cleared in time. There's just so much that has to be done before I may be boarding that plane and leaving behind everything I know and love. Everyone keeps asking me if I know anything new and I don't. This whole process is so FRUSTRATING! I know it will be worth it in the end it's just this waiting. I'm so impatient and not taking it well.
Keep your fingers crossed for me that I will be able to send in the medical packet at the end of this month and will be cleared quickly. I know some people who sent in their packets and were cleared in a month. Please let me be one of those people! Others wait almost 4 months before they're cleared. Dear God, don't let that be me!
With all that said, that's all for now. A few little bumps but hopefully it will be better soon. Keep reading for updates!
-Leslie :)
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
A Tribute
On this anniversary of September 11th I figured I would write a little tribute to those who died, searched, and are still fighting because of that day.
I remember exactly where I was when the first building fell and I remember exactly where I was as I watched the 2nd one. I was a freshman sitting in Mr. Farren's US History class. It was second period and we turned on the tv to watch the events as the unfolded. The class next to us came over and watched with us. My best friend Katie came and sat on top of my desk and we held each others hands. I remember watching as they showed footage of the airplane crashing over and over into the 2nd building. I remember the whole school being silent that day.
Since that day many people I know have gone overseas to fight for freedom from terrorists. My aunt Shelley spent two years over there missing the first two years of her 2nd sons life. Her two boys missed her terribly and they have some developmental problems now. They barely speak and they are behind in learning. It is truly sad to see. My uncle Ron spent a year and a half over there also missing the first part of his sons life and important years of his daughters. I have seen and heard of many families losses and my heart goes out to all of them.
It is because of events like this that I feel it is my calling to help people. I am not fit to be a soldier nor do I want to be one. I want to help in the only way I know how; making people smile. There are so many people out there who have known nothing in life but loss and sadness. I want to reach out to those people and make life a little bit brighter for them. This is one reason why I joined the Peace Corps. I can help, I want to help, I will help. This is my way of doing that.
So on this anniversary of 9/11, let us remember those who are no longer with us, those who are away from us and those that are helping to make this world a little bit better. Never forget as those who have died will live in memory and those who are away will be comforted by knowing we think of them.
-Leslie :)
I remember exactly where I was when the first building fell and I remember exactly where I was as I watched the 2nd one. I was a freshman sitting in Mr. Farren's US History class. It was second period and we turned on the tv to watch the events as the unfolded. The class next to us came over and watched with us. My best friend Katie came and sat on top of my desk and we held each others hands. I remember watching as they showed footage of the airplane crashing over and over into the 2nd building. I remember the whole school being silent that day.
Since that day many people I know have gone overseas to fight for freedom from terrorists. My aunt Shelley spent two years over there missing the first two years of her 2nd sons life. Her two boys missed her terribly and they have some developmental problems now. They barely speak and they are behind in learning. It is truly sad to see. My uncle Ron spent a year and a half over there also missing the first part of his sons life and important years of his daughters. I have seen and heard of many families losses and my heart goes out to all of them.
It is because of events like this that I feel it is my calling to help people. I am not fit to be a soldier nor do I want to be one. I want to help in the only way I know how; making people smile. There are so many people out there who have known nothing in life but loss and sadness. I want to reach out to those people and make life a little bit brighter for them. This is one reason why I joined the Peace Corps. I can help, I want to help, I will help. This is my way of doing that.
So on this anniversary of 9/11, let us remember those who are no longer with us, those who are away from us and those that are helping to make this world a little bit better. Never forget as those who have died will live in memory and those who are away will be comforted by knowing we think of them.
-Leslie :)
Thursday, September 6, 2007
So it begins....
Hey everyone!
Ok so here's the deal. I'm 2 weeks away from graduating Robert Morris College in Chicago. I will be moving back home to Milwaukee. Over the next 6 months I will be volunteering with the Girl Scouts of Milwaukee County, Wauwatosa East High School, Habitat for Humanity and coming back down to Chicago every once in a while to help out The Hard Rock Hotel Chicago. Then the big news........
In March I will be leaving (Hopefully, cross your fingers for me!) for a 27 month commitment with the Peace Corps. I will not know exactly where, when or what I will be doing until I am medically cleared. This will not happen for probably a good 2 months or so. Anyways, I'm super psyched about this. Some people are like "Why do you want to leave the US for a country with no electricity, running water or air conditioning?" and you know what my answer is? "Why wouldn't I want to!!" Those of you who know me know that I do not do things like everyone else. I couldn't be more excited for this opportunity to experience another culture first hand, learn a new language and realize just how lucky I've been so far in life.
So this is the beginning of my "adult" life. For those of you interested in keeping touch let me know and I'll keep you posted on addresses, telephone numbers etc. I know there are going to be some tough times ahead but there will be many more good ones than bad I'm sure. I'm sure there will be some interesting posts in the future so even though I may not post a lot on here, check it out when you can. Just remember to keep smiling because you know that's what I'll be doing!
Spread the Love!
Leslie :)
Ok so here's the deal. I'm 2 weeks away from graduating Robert Morris College in Chicago. I will be moving back home to Milwaukee. Over the next 6 months I will be volunteering with the Girl Scouts of Milwaukee County, Wauwatosa East High School, Habitat for Humanity and coming back down to Chicago every once in a while to help out The Hard Rock Hotel Chicago. Then the big news........
In March I will be leaving (Hopefully, cross your fingers for me!) for a 27 month commitment with the Peace Corps. I will not know exactly where, when or what I will be doing until I am medically cleared. This will not happen for probably a good 2 months or so. Anyways, I'm super psyched about this. Some people are like "Why do you want to leave the US for a country with no electricity, running water or air conditioning?" and you know what my answer is? "Why wouldn't I want to!!" Those of you who know me know that I do not do things like everyone else. I couldn't be more excited for this opportunity to experience another culture first hand, learn a new language and realize just how lucky I've been so far in life.
So this is the beginning of my "adult" life. For those of you interested in keeping touch let me know and I'll keep you posted on addresses, telephone numbers etc. I know there are going to be some tough times ahead but there will be many more good ones than bad I'm sure. I'm sure there will be some interesting posts in the future so even though I may not post a lot on here, check it out when you can. Just remember to keep smiling because you know that's what I'll be doing!
Spread the Love!
Leslie :)
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