The Search Continues

Life started feeling routine in Panama, and then I came to the city again......

Many mornings, I wake up here in Panama frigid cold. No, it really is not that cold, but it is verano here, which is the dry season. In essence, for those accustomed to Panamanian weather, it is cold at night and dry, windy, sunny, and hot during the day. Then, I jump in an even more frigid shower because the water from the aqueduct system still has the air of the night in it. Next, I eat breakfast, which can be fried hot dogs, hojaldras, rice, boiled yucca, or chicken feet (which I went for seconds for the last time it was fixed). Then, I seem to have something going most days, whether attending business meetings, work days in the farm, or celebrating a holiday with the community. Some days, it starts off slow because I have nothing scheduled, but it usually picks up with me wondering around talking with people (pasear), which is a great past time no longer done in the U.S. Then, in the evening, some days I walk the road in the dark with other members of the community or go to a late night meeting, which has a set time of after mass, or spend time talking with my host family or I just go lie in bed and read until I get tired. During the night, I listen to the radio of my host brothers, as it is loud enough for the neighbors to listen as well, and try to listen to the newest or oldest U.S. top hit songs hidden behind the Spanish dubbed over them.

I have a few meetings lined up at the start of the new year, and I have been purchasing supplies and crafting letters for my first in January, where I plan to faciliate a BOCA (PC acronym for Business and Organizational Capacity Assessment). Also, I have made commitments to attend the holidays with the community. I have also made the decision on where to build my house, and I feel like it is a good decision. It has a little bit of a view, is further from the center of town than I would have liked, but will benefit more people after I leave than other options. Everything was calm until I came to town.....

An email from my boss that is for the APCD visit. Crap! I forgot! I still have a boss. I am supposed to organize a community meeting during the visit of my APCD. Everything felt normal, and now I have this meeting. I am not doing anything wrong, and I even think I am doing most things well. But, a community meeting with my boss present! Yes, even as a volunteer, I still have a boss. I have to decide who I am going to have as my community guide for my boss to meet (because in my community, there are many people who will be similar to a community guide for me), organize an event.....

Another challenge ahead, and another solution I will find.

Every day, I learn something new about my community. I learn of a different NGO that has been working in the community (today, World Brigade is in my community, and the community members are super excited to have them. Plus, I think that all the work they do only supports the work that I will do for the next 2 years), and I learn of past projects that are no longer functioning (a small hydro-electric plant used to be in my community?). Every day is an experience. Every day is a challenge. Every day is full of rewarding moments. Every day I want something that I do not have (usually in terms of food, family, or friends).

A few days, I get to come to town and update my blog. Very few days. I have been out of site only 3 days since the start of November, and I only spent the day out of site. Since I had so many other activities lined up, I was unable to update my blog, so I apologize for a delayed post. However, I have friends and family in the states that are helping keep friends and other family informed. Thank You!

As for next week, Merry Christmas to all!

Update from Panama!

Hi all, Mrs. Judy and I are writing an update for Kevin. By no means will we do as good of a job describing the adventures and experiences that Kevin has already had in Panama, but hopefully we can let everyone know how he's doing and what he's up to! - Judy & Nancy

As some of you may have seen on Facebook, Kevin had the opportunity to run (technically - hop on a chiva and then a bus) to Santiago, Panama last week to pick up a few necessities. He has been in his location, Buenos Aires, for a month now and has certainly had to make a few adjustments to his routine, but is finding his new home welcoming. Right now Kevin is learning more about the culture and people in the city as well as the way the community operates. After learning about his new home, he will decide how he is best suited to assist the people of Buenos Aires.

Kevin talks fondly about his community and his excitement in helping them. One of the most inspirational things for him is the unity of his community. Despite their differences, the people of Buenos Aires are all dedicated to their community.

He has already become active in the community using his knowledge gained from Future Farmers of America (FFA) in high school and his involvement in the Boy Scouts of America. He has been asked to work with a Boy Scout troop in the area. Using the skills he honed in FFA, he has helped evaluate the growth seedlings in a nearby greenhouse to determine if they were strong enough to be transplanted to another community for planting. Kevin has also found that he will be able to use his accounting and finance skills to help his community and has even bought a new accounting book!

Kevin has learned some new trades while in Buenos Aires, one of which is washing his clothes by hand! He said that on his first try it took him about four hours to wash his clothes in the river near his location. No worries though, his second round of laundry went a bit faster...there's only room for improvement!

New Address
There is a new address for Kevin posted on the Contact page of his blog. If you send any packages his way, let him know via email so that he can be prepared for a pick up! He's certainly looking forward to getting more pictures and letters.

Swear-In

So, I currently sit in an air conditioned room, on an ex-military base now filled with ex-pats, and I type on my laptop while using wireless internet. All of this after eating a wonderful Italian dinner with other great Peace Corps Volunteers. My first few hours of being a volunteer.....
Swear-In ceremony was a great experience, and it was again inspirational. The ceremony was held at the Ambassador of the United States' house, and the President of Panama Ricardo Martinelli was present. I come to realize the President Martinelli is a very personable guy, probably because he got a college degree from Arkansas. Overall, it was a wonderful ceremony.
In addition to swearing-in, I also received the official results of my language proficiency exam Wednesday, and I am proficient enough to swear in unconditionally. Also, I have spoke with family and friends the past few days, and I want to again thank everyone for the support from home. These words of encouragement help to push me through the challenges I face each day.
My first few hours of being a volunteer are not what I am expecting for the next two years. In fact, after a two day stint at the beach to celebrate, I will be in my site for the next three/four weeks without leaving for anything. All the way until Thanksgiving! One month without internet, TV, electricity, or English .... it's going to be an experience of a lifetime!
Anyways, I just wanted to update everyone and let them know I am alive. In addition, I am now a Peace Corps Volunteer officially! YAY!!!!!

First Impression of my Site!

Wow!!! Amazing! Inspirational! Opportunities! Difficult!
A continuous list of contradictory words could continue, but I think that most people can get the point.
My first visit to my site was amazing. I experienced so much in a short period of time. In additions, it gives me a whole mix of contradictory feelings all at the same time, but overall, it inspires me. I have so much to learn, and as most of you know, I enjoy learning. For two years, I will live in this amazing community, and my primary purpose is to help. It is odd how many times I said the following information in Spanish, "Hello. My name is Kevin White. I am a volunteer with the Peace Corps. I work in community economic development. Currently, Peace Corps has approximately four programs in Panama, health, agriculture, english, and business. I work in business. I am going to work with the businesses in this community, for example the cooperatives, associations, convenient stores (tiendas), organizations, and small businesses. I can help with accounting, marketing, finances, and business plans. I am a graduate of accounting, and I have a lot of experience working with businesses in the United States. I am going to live here for two years, but first I need to learn about the community, the culture, the people, and the businesses for three months. In addition, I need to learn a lot more Spanish. However, I want to help all the people of your community. Thank you for your time."
I actually had difficulty typing this because I said it so much in Spanish, and I feel like I am already talking Spanglish.
As far as my community, there are opportunities for me to work in so many different areas. However, I first have so much more I need to learn, including Spanish. Also, I was regularly asked about what projects I had. This question was always responded with me saying that I don´t have any projects. I am going to help with your projects. I want whatever I do to be sustainable, and you know better what you need then I do. So I need to learn about what you want and need, not what I think you need.
So exactly what I am going to be doing for the next two years, I do not know. How I am going to find out what I am going to do, I do not know. Where will I be living after my three months in with my host families, I do not know. The placement of a house in a community is very important decision. Many different things can be interpreted from where my house is placed. Why is he living next to that cooperative? Why is he living next to that family? Why is he close to the church? Why is he far away from the church? etc.
One major accomplishment of mine this past week was helping in the weekend adult education program. I instructed two short classes. One was about motivation for starting a business, and the other was about having an elevator pitch. Both occurred in Spanish, which is a term used lightly at this point.
I have however uploaded some additional photos, so be sure to check them out. http://picasaweb.google.com/kwwhite3/
As for me, I have a going away party for our house families tomorrow, an official language interview this coming Monday, leaving the training community Tuesday, having an interview with the Country Director this next week, Swearing-In on Thursday (and we have heard that the President of Panama Ricardo Martinelli will be in attendance as well, who is a University of Arkansas graduate by the way!), going on vacation to the beach with Group 66 Friday and Saturday, and moving to my community Sunday. Wow!!!

Community Entry Conference!

This coming Tuesday, I leave for a Community Entry Conference where I will meet a counterpart from my community. For a little over one day, there will be information covered ranging from community expectations of the volunteer, volunteer expectations of the community, planning the first three months of service, and planning for the week long adventure. This will be my first opportunity to meet someone from my community!!! Then, on Thursday morning, I will leave for my community with my counterpart, and I will spend about four days in the community learning about it and getting a feel for my next two years. In addition, I have the opportunity to take luggage/supplies (such as a water filter) and leave it there in the community until I return at the end of the month, which will help immensely since I packed way too much and have already acquired an amazing more amount of stuff like books.

What are my expectations from my community? That is a good question. At this point, I just hope for patience as I advance my language proficiency, but this question is also something I need to seriously consider this coming weekend and translate into Spanish. Otherwise, for the one week, I hope to meet as many of the different organizations as possible. Also, I will investigate where I will live for the next three months, whether with one host family or three, and where I will live afterwards. Finally, I will also be able to determine whether there is anything else I need to buy, for example more warm clothes since it is at a significantly higher elevation, but really, I am just hoping to have some questions answered. The closer I get to the end of training, the clearer my next two years begin to look. Soon enough, I will be in my community and can begin the integration and trust building process necessary for my next two years of service!

In addition, tomorrow the CED trainees of Group 66 will present a community analysis done together in the training community that we have been living in since our arrival in Panama. It will entail a seasonal calendar, gender roles analysis, priority needs assessment, and SWOT analysis. It is truly amazing how the Peace Corps can recruit such talented people, and it is even more amazing how these same people are willing to give two years of their life to simply helping other people, especially since the process feels like jumping off a bridge without knowing whether you have a bungee cord attached!

It has been an insanely busy past 7? weeks, and it has also flown by. In the process, I have already experienced so much. I can´t wait for this upcoming week! So many questions will finally be answered!!!!! ( and a few more!!!!!!)

Site Announcement!!!

So it happened today. I received my site announcement, and I couldn´t be happier. While I am not going to be in a Ngóbe indigineous tribe, I will be in a Bugle indigineous community of approximately 1,000 people. In addition, the community I am going to has a lot of interest in help from a volunteer in a lot of cooperatives, and there are about 5 agencies that are working in the area to stimulate the economy. While it does have a paved road that leads up to the community, the last 1 hour of travel is done in the back of a chiva!
In addition, there is no house identified for me to move into after my first three months, so I may have the opportunity to build one! Tambien (mix in a little Spanish, lol!), from the paperwork, it appears as if the community will be supporting me when I build the house. However, even if I don´t end up building my own house, it is still going to be an amazing experience.
I don´t have electricity, but I do have running water!
I´ll post more information as time progresses, but as for now, I am out to celebrate with fellow trainees! In addition, my weekend will be filled with learning Spanish!

Photos

So, today I am back in Panama City at an internet cafe, and I was able to upload a few photos. I finally have a fast internet connection (lol!). Be sure to check out the following link: http://picasaweb.google.com/kwwhite3/Panama
Anyways, I returned safe and sound from my journey to Hato Chami on tech week, which was a wonderful place. I had to ride in the back of a chiva (the real thing, which is a small pickup truck with a roll cage and tarp covering it) for an hour and a half with 15 other trainees, and many of us kept saying that they should sell tickets because it was an amazing ride, while others got soaked, banged around, and prayed for safety. (I wanted to be in the drivers seat because it was like an hour and a half mudding experience, included the driver stopping at one point to manually lock the hubs.) The end of the ride takes you to the top of a mountain that is above cloud level. While standing outside in the afternoons and early mornings, you can watch as a cloud approaches and then engulfs you and everything around you. You end up being in what feels like a heavy fog with a sprinkle, but you are really standing in a cloud. I now know what a cloud feels like!
At Hato Chami, which is another Ngobe indigineous community of approximately 2,000 people, there is no electricity, and my host family only had running water in the early morning hours, unless you count the stream that ran behind the house and was used for bathing by myself and others when we woke up too late. My host family was again amazing, and I am beginning to think that it may just be all Panamanians (or at least those that Peace Corp places volunteers with). While there and working with a very amazing group, my group helped a honey cooperative. We walked the president through a SWOT analysis and a significant part of Strategic and Operational Planning. In addition, we had done a mini-BOCA (which is business and organizational capacity assessment). I also worked with another volunteer, Jack, on teaching a group of fifth graders for two hours. I never thought I would enjoy teaching kids so much. With Jack, we used a poster competition to teach/reinforce budgeting, decision-making, and marketing/advertising concepts. We had them create a sign for their tienda (convenient store).
The biggest news I have right now is that I find out where I will be spending my next 2 years on Friday, and I am extremely excited. The diversity of cities here in Panama is incredibily broad, so my site could be from one extreme to another. However, I feel like either extreme will make for an amazing two year experience.
I will try to update this coming Friday with information on my site placement, but I can´t make any promises. As for now, everything is wonderful, and I have a lot of Spanish left to learn.

First Month!

So yesterday will be the anniversary of my first month in country, and it is truly amazing how quick one can adapt. While I still cannot communicate on a sophisticated level with Panamanians, I can communicate to a point (like I can tell Panamanians that I can´t communicate), and I seem to understand more of what is being said each day. But besides language, using a pit latrine with no toilet seat no longer bothers me. I take bucket baths when the water is out, and it doesn´t ruin my day. While Panama will never replace my home in the states, I still look forward to the end of the day and going home to sleep in my bed in Santa Clara (and not the one on the beach). In addition, I look forward to seeing my Panamanian mom, complimenting her on her cooking, enjoying her cooking, and playing bingo or watching TV with her and my host brother (I won a´peso´ last night, which is a half dollar, and I quit playing when I was down to just that). I also enjoy sharing the American culture, while learning about the Panamanian culture at the same time. For instance, where I live, no one really cares or keeps up with the weather, neither the temperature, 7 day forecast, nor even if there will be a rain shower later in the day (except if they see a cloud). I remember being constantly in tune with the weather on my cell phone while living in Arkansas. Granted, I may not always know the 7 day forecast, but I could ask someone close by and they would. Now the weather is always a surprise. In fact, at night, I no longer keep the fan on all night because it feels cold. After only a month, I enjoy the food of Panama. I even have a standard routine each day. I don´t sweat as much as I used to, and I consider it a luxury to have a dry towel after a shower (because I never do). Again, it is not that I am or ever will truly be a Panamanian, but I feel like I may someday not stand out. (Well actually, my pale skin and blue eyes will always make me stand out, but I won´t feel like an outsider.) One month, a lot learned, a lot missed, a lot more I now have a stronger appreciation for, and a lot I know I will miss when I leave in 26 months.
As for my plans, tomorrow I will work with a small group of fellow Peace Corps Trainees, and we will talk to a group of kids about gender roles in Panama. In addition, on Sunday, I will leave for another one week adventure in a Ngobe community. What I am supposed to pack, a sleeping bag because it is high in the mountains and gets cold at night. I still don´t believe it, but I will take my sleeping bag. How could it get cold in Panama?
(By the way, thank you to everyone who is commenting on my posts! It is good to hear from you even if it is through a brief post!)

Volunteer Site Visit!

So this prior weekend, I had a wonderful time visiting another volunteer´s site. It gave me perspective into a typical site of a volunteer in an Ngöbe community, and I enjoyed it. I have tried to upload two pictures to give perspective, but it is impossible to do so with the internet speed I am working with, plus to capture the culture, sound, smell, or overall feeling you have when you are staying in such a community is impossible. It is something truly amazing! I was even lucky enough to see a dolphin while riding in a dugout canoe! (I will upload photos when I am in a internet cafe or hotspot with a good speed. Otherwise, my blog posts will most likely remain imageless).

Also, I have been continuing to learn Spanish, but I still have a long way to go. I do feel as if I am making progress though because I can communicate on many different topics with my host family, including my American family, when I am not feeling well, how wonderful the cooking is, and ask questions about past events (yes, I have started dabbing with the past tense, which feels like an accomplishment.) I am staying healthy, but Panama still doesn´t feel quite like home.

As far as training, I had one of my most enjoyable sessions/days this week. We, Panama Group 66 - CED, had an introduction into Panamanian culture, including work culture and dealing with agencies. It was very interesting. To provide a few examples: Panamanians point with their lips and not their fingers (it is kind of like blowing a kiss in the direction you are intending), letters are still very customary (including a letter that introduces yourself to agencies/groups and thank you letters), it is okay to be late and walk around the group saying hello to every single person while the presentation continues, and they are still very particular about dressing professionally (which includes clean shoes and a collared shirt) when going to town (even if you have to hike for hours to get there). As far as Ngöbe specific, the word for "good" is "queen" (which is pheonetic spelling because I have no idea how to write it).

As far as what I have upcoming over the next week, I have a language assessment interview on Monday (which I am hoping goes well), and I will be leaving at the end of next week for a one week, in-site, technical training. However, I will not know where I am going to spend the next two years helping people until early October.

To all my blog readers (you don´t have to be a follower), what have you experienced in another culture that would seem weird/different in the United States? (Honestly, the telling everyone hello individually even when you are late for a meeting would be very rude in the U.S. But as they say, "when in Rome....")

From Panama City

Just to update some of you,
I currently sit in an internet cafe located in the largest mall I have ever seen, and it is located in Panama City (Albrook). How did I get here? Diablos Rojos!
I know the picture is a little blurred, so I would Google Diablo Rojos to get a more accurate picture. It is really interesting where American culture is present and where Panamanian culture is. It is definitely a different culture overall here, but it isn´t what I was expecting.
So far, I have experienced some pretty amazing things. I consider myself lucky to be doing what I am. I wish you could all enjoy the same experiences. As everyone had warned, there are up days and down days, but the overarching direction is purely up. I am starting to learn Spanish, and I hope that I only continue to do so more quickly.
As far as pictures go, it is lacking. I have been so busy with training that there is little time to do much else. In addition, I have been devoting a significant amount of time to studying Spanish. However, I promise to add more photos later in my journey.
As for my host family that I am staying with these first 10 weeks, I don´t feel as if I could have been luckier. Mi Madre Felicia is a wonderful cook and does everything she can to make me feel at home. She cooks everything from carne to rice to yucca to cornmeal mush (which reminds me of home). In addition, I have now bought a cell phone because it seems as if every Panamanian has at least two. Who would have guessed? (Feel free to call me if you like. Just send me an email, and I will respond with my phone number next time I am near a cafe. Remember though, if you call me, then it is on your dime) I am actually starting to hope for more isolation from technology, though, so be forewarned that I may not have cell phone signal. I can´t wait for this upcoming week!
On Wednesday, I am making a trip out to the Bocos del Toros region of Panama, which is located in the north western part of the country. The purpose is to get a better experience of a volunteer´s life and community, so I will be spending about four days there. As part of the trip, I have a 20 minute boat ride to my destination. Yes, the only access is via a 20 minute boat ride! Amazing, right?

Adiós Estados Unidos

First, I would like to apologize for the long delay from my prior post. However, it has been a whirlwind over the past month and a half. Currently, I sit in a hotel room in Arlington, VA awaiting morning's arrival and my departure to Panama. The bus leaves at 10:30.

Second, I would like to recap the past few days. I arrived yesterday evening in Arlington with 70 lbs of checked luggage, a carry-on backpack loaded with all my heavy items, and a man purse (or sometimes referred to as a murse or satchel). (FYI - I typically don't carry a murse, but the necessity for additional storage space outweighed my own personal taste.) In addition, yesterday evening, I was lucky enough to find my way to Arlington Cemetery where I observed JFK's grave-site, who also started the 'nontraditional federal agency' that I now volunteer my next 27 months to, and I honored our fallen soldiers in arms. Their service to our country is one that should always be remembered, for without them, our country would not be in a position to have the amazing opportunities we take for granted on a daily basis, including my ability to serve in the Peace Corps.

Today, I had my first opportunity to meet my fellow trainees (48 in this training class). Just to briefly describe the group, the volunteers range from just graduated to retired, are from all races, were born from California to Rhode Island (although, I do feel as if the southern states are under represented - unofficial count has two from Texas, two from Georgia, one from Florida, possibly one from South Carolina or North Carolina, a few from Virginia and West Virginia, and none from Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, or Alabama), and have a Spanish language proficiency ranging from fluent to non-existent (which is where I stand). In all, while we were required to do group activities, i.e. skits, drawings, etc., which I do not typically enjoy, the staging was beneficial, informative, and well organized. Congratulations to Leonard, Kevin, and Abby - the RPCVs who are now Peace Corp employees and worked the staging event!

Some very important information acquired during the staging includes the fact that I will be given anti-malaria medication and our departure to the airport has been bumped back three hours. Hooray for more time in a comfortable bed! I have been forewarned that I may not have as soft of a bed as I am accustomed to, but I am sure it will be softer than the Cosby campsites of the Smokey Mountains.

To those who may not have noticed, I have also added a contact page, and I will let you know of any additional methods of contact as I identify them. As of Thursday morning, my cell phone will no longer be active, and this will be the only reliable method of contact until I establish another source.

Finally, I want to say 'Thank You' to all of those who have been here and will be in the U.S. to support me. This includes, but not limited to, those who came to my farewell dinner at Nancy's, at my parent's, and those who came to the airport to see me off. These memories really mean a lot to keep me going! Thank You!

5 Years Without a Job!

Yesterday, I said 'Goodbye' to my home of the past 6 years. Well, it at least felt like home. It was my last day of employment with the ASBTDC, which provides small business assistance to Arkansans. 6 years I roamed the campus of UALR. 6 years I knew what I would do when I woke up in the morning, or at least where I would drink coffee. 6 years!

Now, I can only look forward. 5 years without a job! 5 years without the ability to accumulate personal wealth and instead deplete it! 27 months in the Peace Corps, and 3 years in law school. 5 years.........

However, I know that the ramifications of the next 5 years will continue for the rest of my life, and the next 27 months may be the most significant.

Today, I said 'Goodbye' to people who's face I have come to welcome and enjoy.

The day after tomorrow, I say 'Goodbye' to Arkansas for one week, and I travel to the cultural and political capitals of the United States, New York City and Washington D.C.

Somehow, I feel as if 'Goodbye' is something I will saying more and more often over the next 47 days. In fact, I know it will become more frequent. The only question is, 'Which will be hardest?' So I pose this question to all readers. If you were going away to serve in the Peace Corps for 27 months, what would be the hardest thing for you to say 'Goodbye' to? Pizza? Hamburgers? Electricity? Cell Phone? Google? Job? Best friend? Family? Mother? Father? Air Conditioning? Your church? Your vehicle? Ability to communicate in your native language? TV? Internet? Steady supply of Toilet Paper? What would you miss most?

Continued Preparation

So it's been a while since I have posted, but I haven't done a lot. However, I had some requests for an update, and I want to form a habit of posting regularly. So here goes....
Over the past few weeks, I have messaged a RPCV on Facebook that I found who went to Panama and was a CED consultant. I am hoping to gain some insight before I leave.
I have ordered a backpack for my travels, and I think it will serve me well. It is a Kelty Red Cloud 6650. I bought it from REI, and I am thinking that this may be a great source for additional supplies.
Yesterday, I attended a Peace Corp Volunteer potluck, and it was definitely worth it. All of the PCVs that showed up, and there were close to 50 it seems, were very friendly and supportive. Also, the food was good. While talking to the RPCVs, I realized that every Peace Corp volunteer's experience is completely different. It was very interesting listening to their stories though.
Also, I am attempting to get a listserv/Facebook group started. I heard from the RPCVs that they were able to gain insight and tips/tricks from other people departing, and they used it as a bouncing board for ideas. If you know of anyone that is going to Panama in August, please tell them to contact me.
Finally, I have began my countdown at work and countdown for departure. I have a calendar posted in my office, and I am marking each day. I have also began with cleaning my office, although this is quite a hurdle. I might just possibly leave the mess to the next occupant! Haha!

Oh.....I almost forgot the best part. I also went on a 'Photo Extravaganza' with my BFF! We traveled around taking photos, and it was a blast! I also completed my checklist from last time (officially accepted, mailed passport information, provided an updated resume and aspiration statement, etc.) Here are some photos from the trip (I'm using this to get used to uploading photos as well because I definitely will be uploading photos):

Panama

So the invitation came this past Saturday (Panama), and I don't know where to begin......not just with this post, but also with my preparations.

So much to do.....So little time. However, I will say that I have a lot of support from co-workers, friends, and family, even if all three will be sad to see me go.

Today, it is finally starting to settle in. For 27 months, I will take myself away from everyone and everything I know. However, it will all be worth it, and it will hopefully bring me closer to understanding what it's all about.

As for now, mail off my passport, provide another copy of my resume, write an aspiration statement, and take advantage of every moment I have with those I love and care so much about. Oh yeah, and learn Spanish! (Why did I ever take German in high school?!?!?!)

It's in the Mail!!!!

So...I have had contact with the Peace Corps over the past few days, and it has been extremely exciting. On Tuesday, I received a phone call from my Placement Officer. She asked me a series of questions, including how I would handle being a minority in the room, what I would do if I showed up for a event and was not feeling welcome, and why I had had interest to go to Central and South America in the beginning. She also asked whether I had followed my plans of taking Spanish this past semester. I explained to her that I hadn't since I was nominated for Africa. However, I asked whether it appeared as if my region would be changing, and she stated that there were no indication that it would. We ended the conversation with her placing me in the Qualified for Service for the Placement Process, whatever that means. She stated that she would be looking at programs leaving in August and September. Again, my excitement rose.
Then, the very next day (Wednesday this week), I receive an email stating that there was an invitation being put in the mail for me to leave August 17, 2010, and I would be departing for Central America to do Community Economic Development........
Wait.....Central America..........Is that a typo? If it said sub-Sahara America or Central Africa, then I would think so. But it said Central America! Hooray!!!!!
Community Economic Development? What does that entail? With answers only comes more questions!
I also called my Placement Officer and tried to get the exact country, but I was unsuccessful. I have to wait for the packet. Excitement still overruns me! I also had the opportunity to speak with my recruiter, who I cannot thank enough, and update him on my status. Even he sounded excited for me!
Finally, I went last night and got a headphone to start Rosetta Stone. Tonight, I begin learning Spanish, and I wait for my invitation in the mail. Hopefully, it will come Saturday, but I give it Monday at the latest. I can't wait!!!

And so it begins......

Welcome to a blog about my pursuit for the meaning of life. This blog begins with my almost invitation status to Peace Corps, where I am right now. I hope you enjoy the story....

Today, I received an email from a Placement and Assessment Assistant. She requested an updated resume, specifically looking for any volunteer or professional experiences I have had since the start of the process.

At that point, I felt a like an underachiever......

Since starting the Peace Corps Application process, I worked on passing all four sections of the CPA exam, but I have not applied to be a CPA. Therefore, I cannot say I am a CPA, but all I need to do is contact the state board, ask for a packet, complete the information, and pay money. I haven't done so to avoid getting behind on required continuous professional education that is required each year. I have three years from passing all four sections to apply without the board requiring me to start the process all over again, which I do not want to do, so I can't say that I am a CPA.

Since starting the Peace Corps Application process, I have been working to see parts of the U.S. I have never experienced. I took a road trip out west, and I encourage you to view my pictures. (http://picasaweb.google.com/kwwhite3) In addition, I have scheduled a trip to NYC and DC, but still no professional or volunteer experience.

Since starting the Peace Corps Application process, I have been busy making backup plans as to what I will do if the invitation does not come soon enough. I have been accepted to law school, so I will begin three busy years of scholarly activities if all else fails. Still no professional or volunteer experience.

Since starting the Peace Corps Application process, I have continued working at the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center assisting small businesses with marketing, expansion, financing, etc. I have continued increasing my experience and knowledge that I hope to utilize while working to helping small businesses in Africa, but how can you articulate this on a resume?

I have not done like I had intended, and that is to volunteer. Why? No good reason. Volunteer experience is one reason why I want to get my invitation. So I can spend 27 months helping others instead of myself.

What to do,.....

Send an email with an updated resume, and add an explanation in the email stating how close I am to being referred to as Kevin White, CPA.

While feeling like an underachiever, I still found excitement in the receipt of this email. While some may think "you still haven't made it to the Placement Officer," I think "I now have the name of my Placement Officer. Also, she stated that she needs my resume for it to move along to the final review." FINAL REVIEW? Yes. This is it. Almost there. I've adjusted my mental timeline to next week Wednesday, which is when I will call to check the status and provide the next post. Unless I hear something sooner, but that's highly unlikely.