Going to Malawi!!!

So, a FedEx driver just dropped off my invitation packet.......and I'M GOING TO MALAWI!! I'm so excited to start doing research, and getting to know a little more about where I'll be spending the next two years of my life! I had it narrowed down to four countries that were possibilities for me (using peacecorpswiki.org), but was secretly hoping that I might get Malawi. So glad I did, and I'm really excited to meet the other volunteers that will be in my group. I'll be headed out on Feb. 24th, so until then, I will be packing, reading as much as possible, and saying goodbyes.

YEEAAHHHH!!

Peace,

Phillip

Changed my blog title!

Well, I decided to change the title of my blog from, "Application Anxiety" to, "Rich When Poor" since I'm finally in!! I thought it would be more fitting since I am currently broke, and will be for the next couple of years. Still no word on what country I'm headed to, but I'll update as soon as I find out!

Peace,

Phillip

I'M IN!!!

So, after yesterday's disappointment, Peace Corps called me back and
told me they had an open Business position (my degree is business)
leaving in late February, going to Africa. They gave me 24 hrs to
think it over, and after talking to friends, family, and a couple of
former PC volunteers, I decided to accept! I called them back,
accepted, and was informed that I will definitely get the position!
Long story short,...going to Africa!! I'll update when I find out
what country!
Peace,
Phillip Rich

Hope for the best, but expect the worst

Today is six weeks before the leave date of the position I was nominated for, and Peace Corps called me to tell me that I did not get the spot. Would have been nice to know sooner, but it holds true to the phrase I coined while in the Army...Hope for the best, but expect the worst.  PC is going to call me soon to get me nominated for another position, but I probably won't leave until June now. So disappointed...

Phillip Rich

Almost In?

So, I talked to a Peace Corps rep last Tuesday, and she told me that I should be hearing something next week. I also checked the status of my application on the PC website, and found that it had been changed from, "we received you medical file on..." to, "a decision has been made concerning your file. Look for a letter in the mail". So, that is VERY encouraging. I'm hoping that means that I got in, and will still leave in late January. I will post an update as soon as I find out anything else.

Medical cleared!

Well, I got a call today from the Peace Corps informing me that I am
finally medically cleared with no restrictions!! It felt great to know
I finally provided all the info needed to move on to the placement
stage of the process. From what I understand, over the next few weeks,
the placement office will review my (& other applicants) files to
determine who will be selected for placement and receive an
invitation. So at this point, I have done all I can, and am waiting to
either receive an invitation packet (stating my country and departure
date), or a phone call telling me I did not get this invitation, and
then probably get pushed back another 6 months or so. Obviously, I
hope to receive a packet within the next month so I can start
preparing for wherever I may go! Time will tell!

Phillip Rich

Fit As A Fiddle