Thought I'd put together a Q&A.
Did you get to pick your country?
No. The Peace Corps picks for you based on a ton of variables. My background, my health, their needs, my good looks despite the short hair, how well I can sing, etc.
What is the mission of the Peace Corps?
1. To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
2. To help promote a better understanding of American's on the part of the peoples served.
3. To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of all Americans.
4. To share your favorite Americana item with your country. I've chosen SPAM musubi. (um, the first part is a joke, the SPAM is not.) Thanks to Linda, Bill, Kathi, and Jeff for this idea.
This next question is from me to you, in "Survivor" style: which of the following is the one luxury you HAVE to have? And you only get one.
- Electricity - includes computer, ipod, internet access, and your basic light at night.
- Running water - as opposed to getting your water from the local well or cistern (collected rain water) and carrying it in a big bucket on your head to your bathroom / kitchen.
- Drinkable water right out of the faucet or from a purchased water bottle - as opposed to preparing your drinking water 100% of the time to rid it of all parasites, amoebas, etc. so you won't get violently ill.
- Flush toilet - as opposed to a hole in the ground or a latrine (insects optional) or a bucket flush.
- Shower - as opposed to a bucket bath.
- Washer / Dryer - as opposed to doing it yourself and hanging them out to dry, knowing that it takes two days because of the humidity.
- Stove - as opposed to a) buying a small gas stove - think camping - and only used when you're lucky enough to find gas or b) learning how to start a fire using a charcoal substitute.
- Things you will have: the support from your peers, a roof over your head, a cellphone, malaria-carrying mosquitoes, spiders, ants, cockroaches, lizards, snakes, and other creepy crawly creatures.
- Things you will definitely NOT have: refrigerator, A/C, or hot water.
Best response so far: "a hot flush toilet". (what is that Kathi?)
Now, what would you do if I told you can't have that one item?
How will you get around?
On a horse with no name.
No, no, no. I will definitely have a bicycle or I will ride a moto (motorcycle privileges - not sure how you get that and only as a passenger) or I will ride the bush taxi (hairy scary).
What will you eat?
Not entirely clear on this yet, but I think I'll be losing weight, which is a good thing.
Can you tell me a little more about Togo? (source: Wikipedia)
Nope. Determined after I'm done with training. Depends on community needs, my interests in programs, language skills, and how well I do in the swimsuit competition.
Will you be in a post with another volunteer?
Nope. All by myself.
How close will you be to another volunteer?
Not sure, but from what I gather, maybe an hour away? Stay tuned.
What's the average age of a volunteer?
80% are straight out of college. 7% are over 50. I'm an old lady.
What are your work hours?
24/7, seven days a week. Really. Think about it.
I earn two days of vacation per month (not including during training) and I will be saving them for my mid-service trip back to the U.S.
What kind of work will you do?
I will do exceptional work. (I'm silly, I know.) Will know more about my work when I'm there.
Are you crazy?
Let me check. Wait one second.
Nope. The test came back negative.
I'm thrilled and honored to say that I've been selected to be in the Peace Corps (it's pretty darn competitive). Only a small percentage of applicants (<25%) make it all the way to the invite.
And to do what I love to do? Puh-lease. Those of you who really know me (and I mean really "get" me), know that it doesn't get better than this. I will be surrounded by peers who I will be in awe of, inspired by, and proud of. I can't believe I'll be in their company.
How many people make it through the entire 27 months?
There's a 30% to 40% drop-out rate. Most drop out at the six to nine month mark. Hint: send lots of prayers, love, hugs, email with the silliest stuff you can find, care packages, and letters during that timeframe.
"I did a volunteer thing just like this! I went to Mexico for two weeks and helped build a house. It was amazing. You're going to have so much fun!"
Congratulations and good for you! But I will hack you with my Togo machete into 1000 little pieces and feed you to hungry toads because, really? Really! Where's Seth Meyers when I need him? "... just like this"? Really?!
Now, what would you do if I told you can't have that one item?
How will you get around?
On a horse with no name.
No, no, no. I will definitely have a bicycle or I will ride a moto (motorcycle privileges - not sure how you get that and only as a passenger) or I will ride the bush taxi (hairy scary).
What will you eat?
Not entirely clear on this yet, but I think I'll be losing weight, which is a good thing.
Can you tell me a little more about Togo? (source: Wikipedia)
- It covers an area of 22,000 square miles (the size of West Virgina. True, that's what Wikipedia says. So there's my shout-out to all my 8th, 9th, and 10th grade pals.)
- Population 6.7 million
- Tropical, sub-Saharan. Northern region: dry and a "tropical savanna". Southern region: Rain - April - July and Sept. - Nov.
- Highly dependent on agriculture - 65% of the labor force. Cotton, coffee, and cocoa generate 40% of export earnings.
- Official language: French with many other languages (at least eight that I can find.)
- 20% Christian, 10% Muslim, and 70% African Religion (e.g. Voodoo, animistic - not sure the official names).
- 50% live below the international poverty line of US $1.25 a day.
- Education is compulsory for six years.
- Togo's transition to democracy has stalled. It remains nascent and fragile.
Nope. Determined after I'm done with training. Depends on community needs, my interests in programs, language skills, and how well I do in the swimsuit competition.
Will you be in a post with another volunteer?
Nope. All by myself.
How close will you be to another volunteer?
Not sure, but from what I gather, maybe an hour away? Stay tuned.
What's the average age of a volunteer?
80% are straight out of college. 7% are over 50. I'm an old lady.
What are your work hours?
24/7, seven days a week. Really. Think about it.
I earn two days of vacation per month (not including during training) and I will be saving them for my mid-service trip back to the U.S.
What kind of work will you do?
I will do exceptional work. (I'm silly, I know.) Will know more about my work when I'm there.
Are you crazy?
Let me check. Wait one second.
Nope. The test came back negative.
I'm thrilled and honored to say that I've been selected to be in the Peace Corps (it's pretty darn competitive). Only a small percentage of applicants (<25%) make it all the way to the invite.
And to do what I love to do? Puh-lease. Those of you who really know me (and I mean really "get" me), know that it doesn't get better than this. I will be surrounded by peers who I will be in awe of, inspired by, and proud of. I can't believe I'll be in their company.
How many people make it through the entire 27 months?
There's a 30% to 40% drop-out rate. Most drop out at the six to nine month mark. Hint: send lots of prayers, love, hugs, email with the silliest stuff you can find, care packages, and letters during that timeframe.
"I did a volunteer thing just like this! I went to Mexico for two weeks and helped build a house. It was amazing. You're going to have so much fun!"
Congratulations and good for you! But I will hack you with my Togo machete into 1000 little pieces and feed you to hungry toads because, really? Really! Where's Seth Meyers when I need him? "... just like this"? Really?!
