I got accepted!!!!

This is my first post on my path to being a Peace Corps Volunteer in Namibia, Africa! I accepted my invite on December 4, 2012, and the flurry of preparing has now begun! I really wanted to do a blog that will help future Volunteers in the time in between invitation and staging.  First, my reaction to getting into the Peace Corps. Woohooooooooo!!!!! Thank you, Lord! it's been 8 and half months of waiting and holding off on starting a career. I applied March 15; was nominated on May 2; medically and dentally cleared on October 20; and was invited on November 29. Ever since I applied it seemed getting a decision one way or another was the day that would always be off in the distance. But it finally came and is one of the most affirming moments of my life so far! I am definitely proud of getting invited. I  need to email my professors who helped me get to where I am now for sure! One note, I was originally supposed to go to Eastern Europe, but I am so much more excited to go to Africa!!!

As soon as I got the invite, I read EVERYTHING they said to read, such as the Welcome Book, Job Description, Volunteer Handbook, etc. I did that all within a day and a half! After letting it sit for a few days, I decided to accept. However, it was a whole different ball game from dreaming about getting accepted to Peace Corps, and actually getting invited. The info they gave me to read was awesome to read, but also very sobering in the descriptions of what Peace Corp life was like. I had to be sure that I was ready to give up 27 months of my life and overcome many challenges. I asked God to give me feelings of doubt if He didn't want me to go, and I have received none. Several times I thought how easy it would be to stay in the United States and just deal with the normal issues of being a recent graduate from grad school. At least they would be familiar, in a way. But I knew I would look back at my choice with regret for not taking the opportunity of a life time. I know that I desire to be pushed and challenged, and to grow by putting myself in situations where I have no choice but to adapt and mature. I have always lived within the box, but on the edge; meaning I have never wanted to become a stagnant person and have constantly pushed the edges out. Examples include going to Ohio for grad school, getting good grades no matter the class, going out of my way to meet new people all the time, and striving to work outside the United States.

Oh, it would probably be helpful to say what I am specifically doing in the Peace Corps. It's kind of funny, but I would like to know that too! I have a job description that is so broad that it encompasses, seemingly, everything. From what I have read, most Volunteers still aren't sure about this, even when they are in their job in the actual country! However, I know I will be working with the government, a faith-based organization,  or a community-based organization in the area of HIV/AIDS. Namibia has a 15% prevalence rate, which is one of the highest in the world. I was surprised they wanted me in this area because I have no knowledge about the subject. I think the reason they want me is for my knowledge on community and social development, which is more about learning the different processes than about specific issues. It's great because I can go into an area and work on whatever issues are present. I just need to acquire some foundations in HIV/AIDS.