T - 40 days

So I'm not a big blogger (this is my first one) but in roughly 40 days I will begin my Peace Corps adventure. I thought that this would be a good way to keep everyone updated. So here goes...

So here are some of the most common questions that I have been asked in the recent months since accepting my invitation. (Way better than just reading my random thoughts right??)

Why Peace Corps?
I strongly feel that if I have something that I can share, and the Peace Corps agrees and deems me suitable and competent, then why wouldn't I? Twenty seven months seems like a long commitment, but I will (only) be 25 when I return in May of 2010 and will still have plenty of time to go to grad school, move to Chicago or NYC, find a job that I am passionate about. You know, all that good stuff.

What are you going to eat? Bugs?
From what I've read, bugs are not in the typical diet, but you never know. I do know that I will be eating lots and lots of rice (like 3 times a day) and veggies. Good thing I'm (half) Asian!

Did you join the Peace Corps because you hate your job/current situation?
I think I deserve a little more credit than that. If I really despised my job, I would just find a new one, not move to Africa! What most people don't know is that I applied for the Peace Corps in January of 2007, when I was still happily in a relationship and before I became a peon at Ameriprise.

How do your parents feel about your decision?
My parents are actually quite supportive. I can't imagine how they felt when their eldest daughter expressed her interest in moving to Africa. My mom was initially against the idea, but as the months passed both she and my dad have come to realize that this will be an amazing, life-changing experience. We all agree that I just can't pass this opportunity up!

Do you get to come home at all?
You accumulate 2 vacation days a month as a PCV (Peace Corps Volunteer). So I will have roughly 48 vacation days to use. I could use the time to come home, but I would have to buy the plane ticket myself. If there is an important event (weddings is what comes to mind) I will definitely consider coming back. I do want to use my vacation time to travel around other parts of Madagascar/Africa as well. And visitors are always welcome!

Do you get paid?
Technically, yes. While you are a volunteer, you get enough money to "live like the locals," which comes out to about $130 a month in Madagascar.

Are you going to live in a mud hut"
I can't really answer this question. From what I know, it probably won't be mud, but it will be a hut, most likely without running water or electricity. After our 3 months of in-service training we will be placed at our site, which could be anywhere in Madagascar. The housing situation varies from site to site, and you really don't know until you get there.

What are you most scared of?
I usually tell people about these parasites that lay eggs in your feet and grow and the disgusting process that is required to remove them. Those are scary! But I also worry that I will want to come home early. The thought of quitting is more scary than parasites growing in my feet...

I love when people ask me about my upcoming adventure, especially if they have questions that I have no idea what the answer is. Which is more frequent than you may think. And reassuring. ha Although my mom did ask me today if I "am sure that I want to do this? Positive?" And my answer, without one second's hesitation, was yes. I'm ready to make my mark on the world, however big or small it may be...