And the wait goes on

Good news first: I faxed in the last of my medical paperwork to Peace Corps today! I know, I know, you don't actually believe me. I'm like the girl who cried medical clearance. But this time, I think I mean it. Even though my nurse told me she technically cleared me, I hope this means I can get that coveted letter soon. You know, the one that says you've been medically cleared and will be contacted by a placement officer soon? Nevermind that I've technically already been contacted by a placement officer, but whatever, I crazily anticipate any non-junk real mail, particularly when it's stamped with that lovely peace corps logo.

Speaking of placement officers, this brings me to my bad news: It's been two weeks since I talked to the placement officer. And nada. Nothing. Silence. Sigh. At this point not knowing is worse than knowing that maybe I just wasn't right for the post leaving in February. I realize I have no right to complain considering I put peace corps on hold for the better part of a year, but now that things were moving quickly I was getting super excited. And nervous. And anxious. But now I'm just sitting here. Waiting...

An impending invitation?

I got quite an interesting/exciting phone call yesterday..from a peace corps placement officer! It was like a mini interview, and he followed up on a lot of the same information that I'd given in my original one. Considering my last one was in March 2008, I had a lot to add. He asked a lot about my experiences in HIV/AIDS and it became apparent he wanted to know my work in advocacy/education/community work. Unfortunately, other than ESA and some other short experiences since college, my HIV/AIDS work has been predominantly in higher level, program work. Then he came out with it: he was considering me for a position in sub-Saharan Africa, in NGO/community development focusing in HIV/AIDS, departing mid to late February! Only catch was that the job description wasn't too clear on whether they wanted more program based experience or education/advocacy experience. He's emailing the post to see if I'd be a good candidate and told me he'd call either way; so I could get a call saying "I'm going to invite you" or it could go more like "just kidding, we'll find you something else". I know February is earlier than I was hoping to leave, but I'm more excited than ever! Oh, and I did a little internet searching and it looks like the three programs leaving around that time for Africa are: Namibia, Zambia and Rwanda!! (All three definitely in my top 10 countries) So fingers crossed, hopefully I'll get more info really soon. AH!