Khotso! Pula! Nala!

I finally made it to a computer! I cannot begin to describe the joy that I have had since I have been in Africa and Lesotho. Things are great here, today marks our 1 month in country. Things have been excellent. The first 2 weeks were training in Maseru, the capitol city. We have since moved to different host villages for more training and practice teaching. The village I live in in called Barea, which is subsiquently in the district of Barea. We taught for 2 weeks in Barea. The final days we spent testing the students and last friday we gave an assembly for the top 3 students in each class. One of my students got first place for his entire grade so i was extremely happy and proud, his name is Abuti Jon and he is really a great kid. I teach forms that would roughly equate to 12th grade science and 10th grade maths. Today I am back in Maseru to do some grocery shopping to get supplies to bring back to barea. I am sorry i cannot post pictures at this time. The internet cafe will not allow photos to be downloaded onto their computers which is really lame. I have some really good pictures and videos I will post once I am able to use the PC computer or get a wirelesss modem, whichever comes first.

Barea has been great. My host family has been taking extremely good care of me. I have a mom, 2 sisters, and 3 brothers. My mom is called 'M'e Manthihli. So far she has taught me how to wash clothes by hand, make bohobe (bread), and moroho (Basotho vegetables). We live about 30 minutes outside of Maseru in a village that is nestled into the side of a mountain. At the bottom there is a valley where another mountain starts to rise. My host mother gave me my Sesotho name which is Reitumetse (Ray-Two-Metsey). This means "the one we believe in". My host mother has said that I am a gift from god who has come to teach their children. These are pretty big shoes to fill, no? lol.

Today was an extremely exciting day for a number of reasons. 1 we get to go to Maseru which is always a welcome to break up village life. 2 we had Chinese food in Maseru which was AMAZING! 3 we found out our permanent site visits. This is where we will be for the next 2 years of our lives. I will be moving to the district of Thaba-Tseka in the mountains! By the grace of god I was placed in the nicest house of any volunteer currently serving in Lesotho. I am 5 minuters away from the Khotse Dam and many lakes and rivers... so excited about this. Are you ready mom...? I also have running water and electricity! The other volunteers cant believe it. They placed me in the village of Khotse. The school is brand new and was built in 2006. One of the faculty told me they wanted to place me in a school that had new teaching materials and an adequate facitility that would be conducive to my teaching styles. This was great news to hear as I have really enjoyed teaching the learners. The past two weeks in Barea have been great. I have learned so much and have had some really good constructive criticism to help my teaching methods. I did not realise how hard teaching is but thankfully it comes pretty natural to me. I would like to that all of the teachers I have had the pleasure of working with during my tenures in High School and the University of Florida. These teachers have shaped who I am and I cannot begin to express my deepest gratitudes towards them.

I want to thank all of my friends and family for their continued support. This has been a life changing experience and I have only been here for a month and I would not be able to do it without all of your thoughts and prayers. I want to especially thank my parents who have been the biggest blessing in my life and my girlfriend Maya! Goodluck baby climbing Kiliminjaro this week, Im so proud of you! If you guys have any questions please send them to my email: tmaresco@gmail.com and I will respond to them as soon as I can. If you would like to send me a package or a letter you can send them to:

Tom Maresco/PCV
Peace Corps/ Lesotho
PO Box 554
Maseru 100
Lesotho
Southern Africa

I would love to recieve a letter from you and I will definitly write you back. When I get the address for my permanent site in Khotse I will be sure to post it on here. I love all of you!
I wish you all the best and God Bless,
Reitumetse Tsenolti

PS: There is lots more to say but that is for another email... I am running out of internet time and I have to be back at the training center soon... eek!

Lisztomania

So the final countdown has finally started. My last day of work is September 30th, so that leaves 12 nights of work left and 58 days until departure for staging (Nov 11th). After almost a year on Tokyo time I will be thrilled to be on a day schedule again. Sleeping in a bedroom with covered windows until 5pm is hardly healthy, even for a vampire. Everything seems to be slowly falling into place. Bills are getting paid and equipment for the trip is being acquired. Every week I have been trying to find deals on the web and purchase more gear for the trip. So far I got a pretty sweet NF duffel, Jacket, hiking shoes (thanks work), pants (thanks mom), Ipod Classic (thanks Maya!)and a camera (thanks dad). Next on the wishlist is a Backpack, lightweight pullover, Flip MinoHD cam, ASUS netbook, head lamp, sleeping bag, solar charger and some more clothes. I have also been meeting other volunteers from my group through the Lesotho November 2009 facebook group. Everyone seems really qualified and excited. I have also been trying to map out the remainder of my time here in the states which is kind of a surreal feeling. This includes seeing Blink 182, The Decemberists, Pinback, and Thursday. I am also going to a tattoo expo in Miami with Pops which I am really excited about. A trip to NYC is also in the works for a international non-profit banquet which I really hope works out. Would also be cool to see good ole H-less Jon in Rhode Island one last time while i'm up there. I must also tell you guys about a band Phoenix if you haven't heard of them. I just picked up their newest album "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix" and it seriously is one the best and most refreshing albums I have listened to all year, so check them out. I also think they are on tour atm so you might be able to catch them if your interested. What else?... The Peace Corps Globe Talks at UF have started again which is cool because I get to see Amy my recruiter who I haven't hung out with in a while.... and no Amy I will not get in trouble before departure ( no FL/GA) and yes we should have an imported beer tasting, or any kind of social gathering for that matter. I'm sure Miss Meffert and her fancy shoes would love to be in attendance as well. Sorry for the scattered post, it has been a while since I have been on here and my blogging organizational skills are substandard.

Baxter Bark 3 times if your in Milwaukee!

The verdict: Lesotho! I recieved my formal invitation in the mail on August 5th to serve as a secondary ed science teacher. Staging date set for November 11th. I checked the mail on the way to band practice and there it was, I couldnt contain myself I yelled in my car for a few seconds. After a year in the application process the reward finally came. A thick blue packet contained in a FedEx envelope. I do find it very amusing that a government agency such as the Peace Corps uses FedEx instead of USPS, that must tell you something about the state of US mail. I spent some time reading over the large number of packets and called the next day to accept my invitation. The PO started asking me questions about what my job will entail and secondary projects I will be doing which kind of caught me off guard, but she seemed to be happy when I mentioned something about creating "income generating projects" score. Today I sent off the material for the Peace Corps passport which I will recieve at staging. Tomorrow I will write my aspiration statement and forward it along with "another" updated resume to the Lesotho PC office. This is quickly becoming a reality and day by day I realize more things I need to take care of. Someone created a Peace Corps Lesotho November 09 group so I have slowly been able to meet people I will be serving with which is pretty cool.

So I have been trying to decide when I'm going to leave my job. I'm pretty much set on leaving the last week of september. That will give me almost six weeks to get the last of everything in place and more importantly visit friends and family, without having to worry about working. Sorry if this post has been scatterbrained, way to much to process!

If You've Got an Impulse Let it Out!

So Peace Corps Headquarters must have read my blog I published last night. No sooner than five hours after I posted it I recieved an email saying that my Peace Corps status has been updated. When I checked it said I had been invited to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer!!!!!!!!! I honestly have not felt so happy/excited/accomplished since I got my acceptance letter from the University of Florida five years ago. Now the waiting game and mail man stalking begins, waiting for the coveted FedEx envelope which will tell me the exact country and leave date. I have a strong feeling it will be either Kenya (Nov 2nd) or Lesotho (Nov 10th). Either way it leaves about 3 months left in the States. So much work to do... money to save, one last bill to pay off, friends and family to see, job to quit, and supplies to buy.

Thanks everyone for your support and if you have any questions about the process let me know. I'll post a blog in a few days when I get the information in the mail. From what I hear there is still a bunch of paperwork to fill out and visas/passport to acquire!

Where is my mind?

It seems completely surreal to me that its already August. It's hard to believe that I have been nominated for almost nine months, when I look back that seems so long ago. I have been fortunate enough to keep my most idle mind busy for the most part, which makes the weeks go by pretty fast, especially when you dont hear anything from PC HQ for months at a time. I hope to hear from Placement soon so I can start making arrangements or so I can atleast start making other career options for the future and get back in school. As I have heard from the beginning the entire process is truely a test of patience. If I get invited for one of the two November dates (Kenya or Lesotho) it will mean my entire application will have taken just over a year. In two weeks is the tattoo convention and i'm going to see the Counting Crows with the parents so atleast I have somethings coming up to keep me busy. 3 more nights at work and then 4 day weekend, let the festivities begin!

Line of Best Fit

I'm starting to get stir crazy, it would be great if a PO called me or emailed me or invited me, k thanks. Sorry for the rant, but im coming up one my one year anniversary from when I started my PC application and the waiting is starting to take its toll. To make things even better I've had bronchitis for the past week. Anyway I made the last payment on my guitar center card last week which felt really good, one less bill. Hope all you guys are making progress on your applications. -Tom

La Cienega Just Smiled

Just got off work, four day weekend check! This couldn't have come any sooner. For the past three days I have slept the entire day away in between work to shake this nasty head/chest cold I have had. I think my body is still warn out from the week long trip to the BVIs.
Anyway back to the daily grind! When I came back from the trip I had an email from placement telling me they were reviewing my file finally! They needed an updated resume and skill addendum so hopefully that goes well. I am embarrassed to say however that the congressman from my district the "Honorable" Cliff Stearns is going to be speaking on the capitol today to propose to amendments, both of which have to deal with cutting Peace Corps funding. This is no surprise as Cliff Stearns has never been a champion of public service but also very upsetting as he represents a district that has one of the highest rates of Peace Corps volunteers. To me this does not send a good image of representing your people. So later today I will watch CSPAN and throw food at the TV while he speaks to an usually empty house.I hope everyone had a great 4th of July. Since I had to work last weekend I will surely make up for it lounging by the pool and blowing up some left over fireworks.

The Rum Diary

Today has been a great day, and it all started off with stuffed french toast at Ihop, served by a local, miniature monotone version of Anne Hathaway. After I woke up I went over to my buddy Ryans to work on our set list for when we start playing gigs next month. Things are going well, now I just need to learn how to sing like DMB, yeah good luck with that Tom. Anyway when I got home from work there was an email from my PO! FINALLY!!!!!! It was pretty much an email that told me they will be beginning reviewing the applicants for the Sept-November november in the next 6-12 weeks, sweet more waiting. So I have to wait longer, but its definintely a relief to be contacted by the placement officer after being medically cleared for almost five months. I also have to send her an updated resume in a week, which should be good because hopefully I will have a new volunteer position to add on there as well as my FL teaching certificate. I was also relieved to recieve this email while I was sit in country. 3 more days until the British Virgin Islands. Good company, gin and tonics, and my favorite Kerouac and Hunter S. Thompson novels. 3 more days!

Non Photo-Blue

Less than five days until Tortola!

Departuring

Depart Tampa (TPA) 7:10AM Sat 20-June-09

Arrive San Juan (SJU) 10:04AM Sat 20-June-09

Depart San Juan (SJU) 1:40PM Sat 20-June-09

Arrive Tortola (EIS) 2:25PM Sat-20-June-09

A week on a catamaran, really excited about this.

Returning
Depart Tortola (EIS) 5:26PM Sat-27-June-09

Arrive San Juan (SJU) 6:08PM Sat-27-June-09

Depart San Juan (SJU) 7:40PM Sat-27-June-09

Arrive Tampa (TPA) 10:35PM Sat-27-June-09

This week has been pretty uneventful, still pretty bummed I had to work for Joan this weekend since she quit, but atleat I got some overtime before the trip. I have been productive however in working on my Florida teachers certificate and have also been working on getting some education volunteer work a couple of times a week at the Brentwood school here in town. I have really been slacking on my volunteering lately so it's time to start back up with that. If anyone knows of any other opportunities in the Gainesville are please let me know, education or not!

Cellar Door... the most beautiful word in the world

Well this time next week I will be floating around on a catamaran somewhere in the British Virgin Islands. I have never been out of the US before so this is really exciting for me, Tortola here I come! Today there's a UF Peace Corps meet up at the local watering hole at 5 (Tim and Terrys). Should be a good time since I havent seen this cohort in a while. I'm really looking forward to seeing my recruiter and grilling her for any more information about invites for november nominations eventhough I know she doesnt know. In recent news my dog Coco just learned how to swim, I think its pretty funny lol.

Also want to give a shout out to my friend Matt who is in Mali all month to do community volunteer work. Be safe brother.

November Nomination

In seven hours I will be leaving Gainesville and heading to Key Largo for 5 days for a much needed vacation! I'm really excited because i'm going to swing by Port St Lucie for an hour and visit my parents, whom I haven't seen in a while and also get my car back from my dad. Time to lounge and relax for a week with some friends I havent seen in a long time. With that being said work is dragging... and there are so many mosquitos inside the lab that I feel like I am training for Africa already. I'm still waiting to hear from placement, but I did find someone on future peace corps volunteer group who has an invite in the mail, which is exciting because he was also nominated for secondary science teaching in subsaharan anglophone Africa for November. Hopefully this invitation will give me an indication of where I might be going, but then again who knows. All I can do for now is continue to pay of these last two bills and wait. The countdown for the British Virgin Islands is 17days! Don't worry I will not forget about your Kinos =)

450 MILLION!

the morepeacecorps campaign has made an impact!

Showing incredible political courage, Representative Howard Berman in today's hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee tossed out the administration's $373 million figure for the Peace Corps in FY 2010 and replaced it with $450 million. This is a gigantic step for the Peace Corps, but our legions of returned volunteers must now see to it that the money is appropriated and voted upon and that a new generation of leadership arrives at the Peace Corps ready and able to create a visionary organization that is an integral part of the American presence in the world.

Everyone should pick up the phone between 9 AM to 5 PM and call the White House at 202-456-1111 and tell the operator that we support a bold, new Peace Corps for the new century.

Here is the article that tells it all:

The Birth of the Bold New Peace Corps

by Laurence Leamer. Published in the Huffington Post.

The bold new Peace Corps was born today in room 2172 in the Rayburn House Office Building. It took place as members of the House of Representatives were marking up the Foreign Affairs Authorization Bill authored by Committee Chairman Rep. Howard Berman. For almost every item, the California Democrat kept to the figures in President Obama's budget, but when it came to the budget for the Peace Corps he tossed out the administration's fiscal year 2010 figure of $373 million and made it $450 million. In terms of the overall budget this was chump change, but if the bill passes Congress, the Peace Corps will be able to begin the extensive reform that it needs and to move toward a doubling of the 7,000 volunteers.

Rep. Berman is a loyal Democrat and a team player of the first order. It took courage for him to support this enlarged figure, seemingly opposing the administration's number. In fact, Berman stood up for President Obama's highest ideals and values. Berman supported the movement that elected Obama. Berman saved Obama's own vision.

Obama is the one who in his campaign promised to double the size of the Peace Corps by its fiftieth anniversary in 2011. Obama is the one with a profound understanding of service as an essential feature of the American spirit. Obama is the one who has gone ahead to include in his budget tripling the size of the domestic volunteers to a massive 275,000.

What is increasingly apparent is that at its top levels, the Obama administration does not realize that it has reneged on the President's fervent campaign pledge. I know how unlikely that sounds, but it is the truth, and Berman has done the President an immense service.

If the Peace Corps is able to reinvent itself for the 21st century, Berman will deserve a place not simply in the history of the organization but in a new American presence in the world. He does not stand alone. The politician was accepting figures in a bill written by Rep. Sam Farr, cosigned by 120 of his colleagues.

Obama has a plate piled to overfilling with an endless heaping of intransigent problems, and it is understandable why he has not paid attention to the Peace Corps. But the time has come in the next few weeks when he can ensure this bold new Peace Corps will be a reality.

Obama has a blueprint of what must be done sitting on his desk: the twenty-page transition document written by his own team. The impressive piece of work manages to be both positive about the Peace Corps and its role in the world, and yet honing in on the problems of the organization and suggesting how they can be fixed so that the volunteer base can be broadly expanded.

This bold new Peace Corps needs a bold new leader with the initiative, energy and decisiveness to turn the organization from a child of the Sixties until a vibrant creature of the 21st century. That's the immediate task the Obama administration has before it, choosing a new director and an equally impressive deputy director. With the added budget, they and their associates will have one of the greatest opportunities in government.

Rep. Berman has written a new beginning for the creation of a bold new Peace Corps. It's up to the rest of us now who care about the Peace Corps to work to see that it becomes a reality. The first thing we should all do is to call the White House at 202 456-1111 and tell the operator that we support a bold, new Peace Corps for the new century.

waiting? lol what is that.

So no new updates from placement, but this is expected for a late november nomination. What I am looking foward to is the month of June that is filled with things to take my mind off of this waiting nonsense. I will be in the keys for 5 days the first week of June for my good friends Jason and Jen's wedding, congratulations guys! Then a few days days of work here and there before the real vacation starts... 7 days in the British Virgin Islands sailing around on a catamaran the last week of June. It will be a relief as the weather here in Gainesville has been that of Seattle's for the past week. Where did this rain and cold front come from? Anyway 2 and half hours until my weekend starts, hopefully the weather will clear so the pool and BBQ can be of some use!

Packing List

This will be my ever growing list of things I will take to Africa. I have picked up a lot of valuable information from RPCVs and if I dont start to write this stuff down I will definitely forget something.

Leathermans tool

Deoderant

2in1 Shampoo

Multivitamins

Tweezers

Nail Clippers

Razor/Razor Blades

Lip Balm

Nalgene Water Bottle

Lap Top?

Bungee Cord?

Ipod filled to brim with music -> Jon you will make this happen

Guitar

Harmonica

Swiss Army Knife

Lightweight Tent

Sleeping bag

Extra Sets of Strings/Picks

Large Hiking Pack

Day Pack

Tooth brushes/ Tooth Paste

Hiking Boots

Tevas

Pair Dress Shoes

Digital Camera Extra w/ extra memory Sticks

Duct Tape

Surf Wax --> I feel like this will come in handy for something

Zip Ties

HeadLamp flashlight

Various Spices

TacoBell Hot Sauce/ Krystal/Tobasco Etc... --> This is vital

Bandannas

Sunscreen

Swimsuit

Button Down Shirt/Tie

Solar Power rechargeable batteries with charger

Stamps

Flash Drive or Portable Harddrive?

Cheap Timex watch, cool velcro band for sure.

Pictures from back home.

Sunglasses

Ziplock bags

SoccerBall

Solar Calculator

Bath Towel

Bed Sheets

Pillow

Gatorade mix

SolarShower

More TBA... Suggestions welcome!

Come Pick Me Up

Its remarkable how quickly this year is going by, we are already a week into May! Waiting on placement seems like forever when you count the days, but when I look back at the calender it actually has been flying by. Does anyone else out there have a november leave date? and maybe nominated for an anglophone speaking African country? If so I would love to hear from you, and see how you are keeping your mind of the waiting process! I try and stay busy by working at the lab, playing the guitar, and listening to alot of Ryan Adams. Still looking for another volunteer opportunity here in Gainesville until the end of the year, preferably teaching but Ill take anything. Also any advice on getting a teachers certificate?

Happy Corona Day

Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone. Unfortunately I have to work tonight but I was introduced to an amazing Mexican restuarant El Indio today that made today somewhat festive for me. A few updates. The morepeacecorps campaign has reached 109 cosponsors and is at its halfway point. This is a huge breakthrough, I continue to urge you guys to go to the website and find out if your representative cosigned yet, and if not bug bug bug bug them. Im still working on Cliff Stearns... Also we finalized the UF PC logo. All it needs now is a little photoshop work and some font that will be decided later, let me know what you think. If your a PC applicant, PCV, or RPCV the shirts will be available in the fall. I just finished my bag of Cape Cod BBQ chips so that means this blog entry is done.

And its gone! Its all gone!

Here are some more UF PC logo concepts I came up with. Everyones feedback has been great and I think eventually I will hit just what everyone wants lol. Let me know what you think. The sketches are pretty rough, but it will still give you the basic idea. Im thinking the big logo would work on the back of the shirt and maybe the smaller one on the front pocket area? Also if anyone know about any educational/teaching opportunities in Gainesville let me know. I need some volunteer work to do during the summer.

New Idea

New UF Peace Corps logo idea, rough sketch and processed with MS paint, let me know what you think!

A Small Victory

I never thought a response from a House Representative could make me so happy. After numerous attempts to contact Rep. Cliff Stearns about the HR1066 Peace Corps Expansion act I finally got a response!

Dear Mr. Maresco:
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for the Peace Corps Expansion Act (H.R. 1066). I always appreciate hearing from constituents, and greatly benefit from knowing your views. I work every day to best represent the people of Florida's sixth congressional district and it is helpful to know the concerns that are most important to you. As you may be aware, H.R. 1066 was introduced on February 13, 2009 by Representative Sam Farr (D-CA). This legislation proposes to amend the Peace Corps Act to authorize new appropriations for the Peace Corps and to increase readjustment allowances for Peace Corps volunteers. H.R. 1066 has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs where it awaits further action. While I do not serve on this committee, you can be assured that I will bear your thoughts in mind should this legislation be presented to the full House for a vote. Again, thank you for contacting me. If I can be of any further assistance on this or another federal matter, please do not hesitate to contact me. For your convenience, you may receive further information from me on issues important to the 6th District at www.house.gov/stearns. Your thoughts and comments are always welcome.
With kind regards, I am Sincerely, Cliff Stearns United States Representative

This may not seem like much but it really is. I have contacted a dozen representatives and usually just get the automated response that they are really busy and cant respond. Coming from Cliff Stearns, who has a subpar voting record when it comes to funding service initiatives, this really is big. I urge all of you to email your representatives and Cliff Stearns down in FL, to get them to sign on the bill. Anyway that is my rant for now, time to get back to this UF PC logo design.

Bon Voyage Party

I will admit the weather right now in Gainesville is beautiful. The time for sweltering heat and stagnant air is approaching, but for now it is perfect. I was able to catch about five hours of sleep after work yesterday before I had to wake up and get ready for the Bon Voyage Peace Corps BBQ at Lake Wauberg. Amy wanted everyone to bring a dish from their host country, but since I don't have one nor the time to cook I opted for a Publix sandwich platter. This idea was great because I was able to walk to chilis and have a couple libations while the sub was getting prepared. It was so nice to just be outside in the afternoon on a Saturday. Working nights has turned my complexion into shades that rivals other parts of my body (eek) so It was defininetly good to get a little sun. I arrived at Lake Wauberg around 2:15 and was greeted by about 25 RPCS and Peace Corps applicants. There was food everywhere. Thanks Sam for the leftover Mongolian horshor, was great for dinner at work. Horshor looks like an empenada filled with pork, onions, and sometime sheep innards, yum. I grabbed some food, sat down and had a conversation with a plesant woman named Anne who served in Thailand during the 60s! She had some great stories about her service and was actually a volunteer when JFK was assassinated which I thought was pretty crazy. A session followed where RPCVs answered questions from the applicants and parents. It was a fun day that was enjoyed with great friends, food and weather. I made it back home just in time to play the guitar for 15 minutes and then head to work. Right now I am sitting at my desk computer about to pass out. Only 3.5 more hours to go...

Earth Day!

Today has been a good day. Tomorrow is the "Tea Party" at Tim and Terrys in Gainesville so if your a RPCV, PCV, applicant, or just someone interested in Peace Corps come hang out! I also want to share a bit of encouraging new from the morepeacecorps campaign that I recieved in an email:


Dear Peace Corps Friends and Colleagues,

The White House is beginning to hear our voices!

Today, we received the attached letter from the White House Director of Presidential Correspondence who hand picks the letters which reach the president's eyes. Heartened by this epistle, I am urging 100 personalized, hand-written letters by Friday, April 24 to President Obama urging robust funding to Peace Corps in 2010.

You may have seen this article in today's NY Times about Mr. Kelleher who selects 10 letters from tens of thousands to bring to the President's attention. As luck would have it, Mr. Kelleher is an RPCV that served in Sierra Leone in the 1980's.

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://www.nytimes.com%2F2009%2F04%2F20%2Fus%2Fpolitics%2F20letters.html%3F_r%3D2%26scp%3D1%26sq%3DMike%2520Kelleher%26st%3Dcse

Said Mr. Kelleher, Obama's "mailman," in the NY Times article today, “We pick messages that are compelling, things people say that, when you read it, you get a chill,” said Mr. Kelleher, 47. “I send him letters that are uncomfortable messages.”

This time I'm urging you to take action in a different way - no form letter. Please hand-write your letter and tell your story (and if you can, please scan and send me a copy at rajeev@morepeacecorps.org or simply let me know that you took action). Tell the story of who you are and what the Peace Corps did for your life. Who did you meet in your village or town and how did that person influence your life? Be personal. The only thing we ask is that you include the request for $450 million to Peace Corps in the President's FY 2010 budget. If you can mention the 15,000 and growing supporters of the MorePeaceCorps campaign, that would also help.

Mr. Kelleher is yet another example of the profound legacy of Peace Corps volunteers. Lets get the attention of this natural ally. If you can send me a copy, it would help. My address is: rajeev goyal, morepeacecorps c/o M+R Strategic Services, 80 Broad Street, Suite 1700, New York NY 10004

I want to thank RPCVs Judy Figi, Collier Perry, Elisabeth Therrien, Mary-Anne Tirone Smith, Anna Whitcomb, Paul Thompson, Dan Kane, Jocelyn Sese, Linda Piso, and Joel Neuberg for volunteering in various states and districts! I also wish to thank Jill and Bernard Jacquot who wrote me from Paris and Colin O'Hara who is serving in Macedonia and conducting outreach to Jim Langevin's office. You are inspirational.

Here is the address for our President:

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Best Wishes,
Rajeev

Thanks everyone for your support on this, we really need to work together to champion this cause. Would also like to thank Amy again for the final PC globe talk of the semester on Eastern Europe that she had last week. Anyway its earth day so I think I am going put in a phish cd and plant a tree in a pair of hemp sandals... joking about the phish part =)

clarity

So its been another thrilling night at the QC Lab. Had to come in on good Friday and now its 3:15 on sat morning. These cheez-its I've kept stashed in my locker and the Jimmy Eat World "Clarity" cd I put in the radio have been my life line tonight. Well its been almost two months since I was fully cleared and still no word from the elusive PO, Amy says they will call sometime during the summer since I was nominated for a program leaving in november. This really is a true test of patience, but it is allowing me some time to finish paying off this AMEX bill, blah. On a good note Amy held a Diversity in Peace Corps meeting on Thursday which was great. Always good to see the RPCV friends to help keep me motivated. Had a few good couple of days off that included some kareoke, flacos cuban food, and an easter check in the mail from the rents, not to shabby. Have a great holiday everyone.

MorePeaceCorps

Just want to say thanks to my recruiter Amy for holding the application workshop on wednesday. They are always very informative and the applicants always seem to enjoy them. On a side note if you guys havent checked out morepeacecorps.org please do so. It is an organization that is aimed at helping to expand and strengthen the Peace Corps. Now is an especially critical time for the group because they are rallying behind Rep. Farr and his new legislation HR1066. If you guys havent havent heard about it check it out now, it is a bill that maps out the expansion of the Peace Corps for the next few years. It is very exciting so look into it and contact your state representatives and urge them to sign on the bill. When the bill was first introduced it had 40 sponsors, now it is 89! But we need more support, pass it on to everyone you can.

Tick Tock Tick Tock

Hello friends, its 3:10AM and I am writing you from my desk at work. Analytical labs are a cold lonely place to begin with especially at night. I can't stop thinking about what living in Africa for 27 months might be like compared to being trapped in these white cemental walls filled with chemistry instruments. It' been almost two months since I recieved my medical clearance from Peace Corps and still no word from placement, they were right when they said this stuff takes patience. Since work has been so slow I have had the pleasure of viewing other applicants and PCVs blogs and get paid for it. This is awesome for a plethora of reasons, one being I'm getting paid, two I'm learning about things, and most importantly is its keeping me excited through this loooooong wait. I'm sure it will be worth it though, every blog I read about some I get so jealous about the work they are doing. I cant wait to see what my assignment will be. I find it amusing that none of my friends or family think I am really going to follow through with this whole plan, no matter what I do to convince them. Theyve read the blogs, seen the forms and endless amounts of paperwork, medical bills, and they just think I am playing a joke on them. Sorry Terry, I forgot to mention you are the only person who believes me and I thank you for that haha. Well family, friends, and the rest of my cohort, I will be going, and all I can say too that is make sure you visit! Anyway that is all for now I just wanted to comiserate with the rest of my fellow applicants. I have to get off the computer and look busy before the boss man gets in. Hes very funny, a pot of coffe and two toaster scramblers every morning. I laugh about it now but when Im in a rural African village I am going to be dreaming about those glorious smells!

RPCV Panel

Last night I attended a Peace Corps in Africa panel hosted by my recruiter Amy and 4 other RPCVs that served in Africa. It was great to go and listen to everyone tell there story and answer questions from the audience for a while. I love going to these panels because they keep me excited through this long process, especially this one in particular because Africa is where I was nominated to! Good luck everyone out there still in the application stage, if you have any questions feel free to ask I would love to hear some of your guys stories. -Tom

The Long and Winding Road

Alright guys this is my first blog post about my journey toward becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer. I have always enjoyed reading people PC timelines to help pass my time and keep me motivated, so I figured I would post mine. Ill be updating this blog as I complete the steps towards my formal invitation, I will also hopefully continue this blog throughout my PC service, provided there is a computer not to far away. Thank you all for your support. My tentative leave date is November 2009 as a Science teacher and Health advisor in Southern Africa.

Peace Corps Time Line
17 September 2008 - I attended an informational Peace Corps panel about volunteering in education abroad. The panel was great and continued to spark my interest in joining the Peace Corps. I never thought about teaching, but after listening to everyones stories I can definetly see this as a possibility.

23 September 2008 - I attended a More Peace Corps event tonight at Virtually Cuban were I met many returned Peace Corps Volunteers. Everyone shared their experiences and talked about the MorePeaceCorps campaign to double the size and budget of the Peace Corps. After meeting Rajeev Goyal the head campaigner for MPC I was dead set on applying.

25 September 2008 - Today I started my preliminary Peace Corps application that spans over 20 pages and concludes with an online medical evaluation.

6 October 2008 - Volunteer Application submitted along with medical application, just waiting on bum friends to do references.

13 October 2008 - I recieved an email from Jacob Kelly the recruiter coordinator in GA. The email contains many forms to fill out.

15 October 2008 - I attend a Peace Corps Agriculture panel and inform my local recruiter Amy Panikowski that I have recieved the email from Jacob. She is excited to get the ball rolling.

16 October 2008 - Jon Rhoads Submits a letter of reccomendation on my behalf.

17 October 2008 - Recieved Peace Corp packet in the mail contaning NAC background check form and two finger print charts. This also contains the mytoolkit information I have been waiting for so I am able to watch the progress of my application online. There is still a long way to go.

21 October 2008 - During the day I made an appointment with Amy for November 5th at 9:00 am to have my interview. When I got home I went to UFPD and had my two finger print charts filled out. My official college transcripts also came in the mail today. My Uncle Keith submits a letter of recommendation on my behalf.

5 November 2008 - I have my Interview with Amy. She was great and asked me 18 questions that covered various topics about why I wanted to join the peace corps.

7 November 2008 - I go to a PC social even at Tim and Terrys. It was cool to get to meet RPCVs from all ages talk about their different Peace Corps experiences.

13 November 2008 - I attend a Peace Corps and business meeting. I arrived early to help Amy set up and prepare everything. I dont care to much for business but I always enjoy talking to RPCVs so I attend. Amy makes an announcment infront of the audience that I will be recieving my nomination tomorrow!

14 November 2008 - I checked my email about every 30 minutes waiting to hear something from Amy. I recieved an email later in the day saying she was having trouble getting in touch with the placement officer and that she would get him monday morning and rap up the nomination on monday morning.

17 November 2008 - Today I was NOMINATED for Peace Corps service in Africa as a Science teacher. Wow this is really happening. Amy tells me to start scheduling my doctors, dentists and optomologists appointments for mid December to expedite the process. The position doesnt leave until next November, but Amy put me down for immediate leave, better get that paperwork in.

18 November 2008 - Today I recieved an email from Peace Corps informing me that myToolkit online has been updated. It now contains a ton of information about the remainder of the application process. Peace Corps mails me my medical kit.

21 November 2008 - Today I recieved my medical packet in the mail, this looks daunting. Full evaluations for dental, eye and medical need to be filled out wow.

26 November 2008 - Today I called up the doctors, optomotrists, and dentists office for visits next week.

4 December 2008 - Today I met with Dr. Kemp to fill out my physical evaluation and get an updated tetnus shot since it has been 10 years since I recieved it last, wow that hurts like hell. Dr. Kemp was nice and very thorough as I was his first Peace Corps applicant. After recieving a TB shot and looking at some most private parts of my body to make sure everything was in order I was out of there. 25$ copay, thank you Clariant insurance! I have to come back in a few days to get the TB skin test read. Dr. Kemp also gives me a prescription to take to the lab so I can get my blood drawn. Its right next to the doctors office so he says I can just go get it drawn now, smooth sailing so far. When I got to Ayers lab I had to argue with someone because I guess Dr. Kemp forgot to put a number on their.I won that battle and then had a pleasant woman draw six titers of blood from my arm. She was unphased by my banter. Im having a hard time getting a copy of my immunization records, my old Drs office seems to have missplaced it =/

5 December 2008 - Today I went to the Dentist and Optomotrist. My dentist, Dr Alicia McDonald, was very nice and did a full mouth examination which included many sticks with a poker into my gums, this doesnt feel too good. She also gave me a new updated set of panorex for free, see people do help PC volunteers. Then I rushed over to the Optomotrist and met with Dr. Miller. Dr. Miller was pretty crazy and cracked jokes the entire time. And kept telling me I was going to be working in a bush for 2 years... thanks doc. He filled out my paper that said 20/20 vision, sweet.

8 December 2008 - Today I went to the University of Florida infirmary and recieved a copy of my immunizations, finally.

9 December 2008 - Went back to Dr. Kemps office today and he checked that I didnt have TB. He also informed me that I would have to go to the Health Department to get a Polio Booster shot, gah.

10 December 2008 - Today I went to my Foreign travel appointment and met with a peculiar RN, Kitty Mancuso. She informed me pretty much that if I didnt want to get Malaria to just lock myself in a house for 2 years. She also informed me of a list of ticks, mosquitos, and diseases to watch out for, Ill be sure to do that. After 90 dollars and an 90minute consulation she was able to give me the polio booster.

17 December 2008 - Its been like 2 weeks since I got my blood drawn and still no results. I called the lab and it appears that have missplaced the results, thats awesome.

24 December 2008 - Dr. Kemps office called me to tell me that the lab found the results and faxed them over and that I should come in so he can finish the paper work and discuss the results with me.

25 December 2008 - Today I saw Dr. Kemp and found out that I do not have HIV/Aids, Hep A,B,C, and various other antigens, good news. Unfortunatly the results didnt show Hep B antibodys from when I got vaccined like 5 years ago, I guess PC will let me know if I need to get this one again =(

29 December 2009 - Today I quadruple checked all my forms and send off my packet. Im sure this will be delayed because of the holidays approaching.

18 January 2009 - Peace Corps recieved my medical packet and have cleared me for dental!.... but there is a legal hold on my account @#@#

13 January 2009 - I recieved an email from a woman who asked me to fill out this long questionaire and write an essay about my incident a few years back at Florida/Georgia... oops! This is alright though my recruiter said this was just part of the process.

15 January 2009 - My PC Online toolkit shows that they recieved and cleared my physical clearance.

19 January 2009 - I fill out my legal stuff and mail it to the woman.

20 January 2009 - Legally cleared for PC service, that was quick. Just waiting to get this medical clearance... could be 4-6 weeks.

18 February 2009 - Legally cleared medical this morning, complete with no HOLDS!!! It only took 6 weeks of filling out the forms and 5 weeks of waiting for them to review. SO Excited! Thanks everyone for your support!

1 May 2009 - Called placement and they told me my file is complete and that they will look at it 3-5 months. More waiting! They also said the last day for my invitation for the November leave is October 1st.

2 August 2009 - I recieved an email from Peace Corps saying I have been nominated! Now to wait for the fedex envelope in the mail telling me the country and departure date! Finally after almost a year of PC application!