Mid-August Update

To update everyone on what has been going on since the last post, I went in for my formal interview on August 7th with my recruiter. It took about 70 minutes and we discussed everything from basics like hesitations, to hypothetical cultural questions. They mainly wanted to see how I would adapt and fit in, cope with being away for two years, and that I wouldn't embaress the Peace Corps by getting wildly drunk or something.

Afterwards, my recruiter forwarded me several skills forms, targeting a few different project areas including agriculture and forestry, secondary English teaching, community development, NGO development, health, HIV/AIDS, and water and sanitation. I filled these out, basically expanding on what I had already told them on my original application. These were used to guide the phone interview, which happened today (August 22nd).

The phone interview went well, and was about 40 minutes. We talked about the different project areas (above), which ones I was interestd in, and which ones I wasn't. I also talked about my hesitations on some regarding skill level involved, but definitely not motivation. My least favourites were water and sanitiation, and agriculture and forestry. The others I'm pretty stoked about! But after the interview came the news of difficulty: due to the weak dollar and funding cuts, the Peace Corps will not be able to offer the same number of positions as in years past. Thus, the ones they do offer will be more competitive. My recruiter reassured me, however, that I am qualified and suitable for Peace Corps service, and that she doesn't have concerns for me finding a placement.

So, what happens next?
In the coming weeks the programs will open more positions on a rolling basis (several each week, and a big chunk in mid-September). Currently there are two HIV/AIDS programs that I am an "almost-match" for, both leaving for Africa in February. My recruiter will nominate me for these, sending my application to a placement officer in DC who know more of the specifics involved. If I'm qualified I get dibs on the placement. If I'm not, I'll either be denied, or told to get the necessary experience before I depart (in which case I get dibs, contingent on this experience). I should know by next Friday-ish on the results, and will get back with my recruiter to discuss the next steps if I am rejected from these spots.

So that's that. It has suddenly become very real - hearing her say departing for Africa in February -- That's six months away!! Holy crap! It is nice, though, to put my life here in Seattle on a timeframe. I'll be a lot more motivated to go do things, hang out with people, etc., and I am really confident that the next few months will be some of my best here with my friends.