The Wedding planning was pretty fast in "wedding" time.... 6 months. It was kinda crazy, and on a tight budget, but we managed to do just fine. We had beautiful iron candleabras made just for our ceremony, and everything was candlelit. The colors were ivory and chocolate brown. My neice Isabella was our ring bearer, and my two sisters were my bridesmaids. My brother in law Paul, Bro in law Erik, and Steve were our groomsmen. My dad walked me down the aisle... and the rest is history, and even though it rained and the wind blew like crazy.... I wouldn't change it because they say that means you will have a long and happy marriage, and so far they are right!!!!! Things are going great for John and I. Hopefully we will be on our own very soon... as his brother has been living with us for some time now. I am so anxious to have our own space back again, and decorate with all of our cool wedding gifts! Thanksgiving will hopefully be at our house this year, and I have it all planned out! :) Can't wait....

So perhaps some of you don't know or wonder what happened that I came back from Africa after only 2 months?! Well...

While in Burkina, I was staying a few days in Gourcy and 10 days in a village named Kontigue. Gourcy had a local market and a few phone booths and well, that's about it. So, I would manage to spend three days worth of CFA to make one 5 minute phone call to my family and John in the states. We were supposed to have internet access at the Gourcy hotel, but we were cut off of service for some reason. So, needless to say it was very difficult to communicate at all with back home. Those who know my family, know how close we all are, and how difficult it would be for us to not have contact for two weeks at a time. That may sound weak to some of you, but until you are separated by such a great distance after being so grounded, you realize just how special that bond is, and how much you need to hold onto them!

Now don't get me wrong, I loved Burkina, and everything about the PC and everything Iwas doing there, but there was one thing I loved more.... John.

I missed him terribly, but knew I coldn't come home due to a broken heart. Well, turns out that he missed me more also, and in September, he proposed over the phone in Gourcy asking me to come home.

I had to make a choice, and although it was easy to say yes to John, it was difficult to say goodbye to the place I had longed to be nearly my whole life. Those who know me best, know that family means more to me than anything.... and so I returned, in hopes of coming home and starting a new life with John.

But, I was inspired to come home and get my RN, and nail down my French, so that I can continue working in healthcare, and hopefullly make small travels back to Burkina and Africa where the other half of my heart still remains. But atleast now I will have the best of both worlds.... and I am very happy!

Well, time if Philly was rough! I so badly want to turn around and go home. I miss John, I miss my family, and I miss Indiana. But, I am going to press on, and take that ultimate test of strength and courage. I am on my way tomorrow night!

So, what did I go through at staging? Other than the emotional agony of leaving my comfort zone and the realization of just how grounded I have become over the years, I have already learned so much about myself and about the 51 other PCT's for BF.

The training was at times dry, but necessary, and at times fun. Today we had to present as a group. I was in the musicians/poetry group, and we performed our own rendition of "Africa" by Toto. I played the stainless steel water cans, which I did quite well I must add. We got a huge round of applause.

I also have put aside negativity and sadness while around the others, to try to give this a fair chance. And my Dad wrote me a letter telling me to smile, so that's what I did. I think the others for the most part like me. They already know what a clutz I can be at times, and that I dig hashbrowns at a diner at 3am. I also have found two people who wanted to be running buddies in BF. I have learned quickly how to improvise and act fast. I have learned that sometimes others feel the same way and are too afraid to say what you may have the courage to say, so if you can find the courage to say it, you should! I am also the second oldest person here, and seem to get alot of attention surrounding my shoes! Ha ha ha.... gotta be me!

So, the journey moves on.... soon I will be writing this in French and telling you about how beautiful Mars looks and describing the sunset and night sky.

Check out my pics if you want!

Peace out,

Chandra

Today was my last day at Donor Network. I said my goodbyes and ended my day with a smile. So, as this chapter closes, I am more axious than ever for a new one to open. For those of you at DNA that have taken the time to visit my site here, a special thanks to you!

Please keep in touch. :)

Okay everyone, I now have a new nephew, his name is Ian Joseph Youngblood and we was born July 5, 2005. WOO HOO!!!!!

Hopefully my bro-in-law will send photos I can post really soon!

Bonjour!

Today my staging kit has finally arrived. I will be in Philly from July 29th through Aug. 1st, and then on to Africa through oh yeah Paris! I am a little nervous now, knowing my date is coming so quickly. I feel like there is soooo much to do still.

On another note, something else is arriving today! My sister Aimee is delivering her baby as I type this. :)

Oh Happy Day,

Peace

Aspiration Statement

Chandra Leigh Paradis

Burkina Faso

August 1st, 2005

Expectations:

Although I cannot predict what stories my experience in Burkina Faso is yet to tell, it is my belief that this will be the most exciting and rewarding chapter of my life. The expectations I have of myself are as follows. I hope to grow both as an individual and as a member of the Burkinabe culture. I hope to expand on my sincere appreciation for cultural diversity and embrace the opportunity to live with these amazing people, while reaching out a helping hand to my neighbors.

From the Peace Corps Organization, I expect to be provided with the tools and training needed to perform my duties, and uphold our mission statement to the best of my ability. I also expect that we as volunteers will be given guidance, wisdom, structure, support, and safety.

I try to picture what my life will be like as a PCV in Burkina Faso, adapting to a new way of life, a new home, and a new job as a Health Extension Agent. I know that my success with each of these will only be achieved through immersing myself into my community. It is evident that my job will require both physical and emotional strength, creativity, adaptability, flexibility, and a positive attitude. I look forward to facing the challenges of the health care delivery system, and being a voice for the needs of the people for which I will serve.

Strategies for adapting to a new culture:

I think the key to my acceptance as a volunteer, American, female, and friend will be greatest achieved by showing respect and appreciation for my peers. I will be calling on my degree in Anthropology to remind me that an egocentric view of North America will only hinder me in my endeavors to learn the Burkinabe way of life.

I am hoping to gain the ability to communicate in a new language, to become a member of the community, and try to earn the respect of my peers as such, and not remain a stranger. I will be relying heavily on my host family to help me make this transition. I plan on bringing with me a photo album of my family and life in the United States to share with my host family and friends I will meet along the way; sharing with them my life as I learn about theirs.

Personal and Professional Goals for Peace Corps Service:

Joining the Peace Corps is fulfilling a dream of mine. My service will be a way to express myself and my desires to help and care for others. The personal gratification and enlightenment I anticipate gaining though this experience will be well worth any trials and difficulties I may encounter on my way.

I currently work for a non-profit agency that exists solely to support the local community. I am excited to continue to develop my skills in community outreach and development in hopes of integrating these skills into a professional setting upon my close of service. Whether I will be inspired to extend my service, seek employment with the Peace Corps, or seek employment elsewhere, I know that this experience will be pivotal in guiding me towards my future. Thank you for this opportunity to fulfill my duty as an America, and to serve the people of Burkina Faso.

Bonjour mes amis!

My journey into the Peace Corps began on Dec.13, 2004, with the completion of an application which I had begun to fill in my junior year the UofA in 1997. Unsure of my personal strength to follow through versus a strong curiosity, I held on to the thought of completing it until this past year. On Dec.13, 2004, I had already made my New Years resolution to throw caution to the wind and let my heart guide my way through the application process and see what would happen, never actually believing what would come of it.

And just like that, what I had delayed 7 years in doing, was done; with a click of my mouse I had completed my application! I remember telling myself that it wasn't likely that I would be accepted, but if I didn't give it a try, I would only have regrets. So, I nonchalantly inquired with a few close friends to write me letters of recommendation. Had it not been for their willingness to (possibly) "BS" some nice things about me... my journey would have ended there. Shannon, Nikki, and Paul - Thank you so much!

My interview came with a big surprise. I had emailed my recruiter many times, probably even annoying him so much that he had to interview me! On 2/2/05 I was a wreck! My sister Tanya performed her magic interview voo-doo on my style and gave me the confidence to get through it (and a kick-ass suit to wear too). Of course, I drove John crazy with my stress level as he hauled ass to get to ASU on time. :) LOL JJ

Darren (my recruiter) was so nice. Looking back, my favorite question he asked, was if I was a vegitarian. I laughed and said, "are you kidding me, I grew up on a farm in Western Kansas". Yeah, I didn't give the best answers, but I got a smile out of him, and a nomination too! We had discussed areas I would like to serve in, and I told him that for the past 7 years I had been hoping to one day volunteer in Africa, and speak fluent French. That next day, my nomination was received at headquarters. That's when I knew that what I was doing, was no longer a curiosity, it was really going to happen!

Before I knew it, my health and dental paperwork began to arrive in the mail, and the long road to clearance began. I had a lot of bumps in the road with my clearance and a whirlwind of emotions. I know for fact, that had it not been for all the trouble I went through, that it would have been too easy for me to back out of the whole thing. After all that work, there's no way in hell I could turn back now. I remember going to my physical and finding out that I had to have a mammogram. I was so scared! I blew my diet (big shocker there!) and got chinese take out and made it to work after a few missed turns for not paying attention and vented to Shannon, Tammy, and Brian. I was freaking out. I got my sisters and my parents stressed out too. Fortunately, after my appointment (which my awesome mother went with me to) I was given a clear bill of health. Phew.... then it was all about my wisdom teeth. Yup, I had to get all four yanked.

I am typing this entry with sore gums right now, so that should tell you the outcome of that adventure! My medical clearance was complete! After day in and day out of my co-workers asking me, "Do you know where you are going yet?", I could finally answer..... "No! But I will find out soon!" Ha ha ha...

Well, on 05/29/05, I got a phone call while I was in Denver, that my invitation packet had arrived to my home in Phoenix! DAMN IT!!!! I had to wait 2 days to get back and open it up. So my parents and I flew back (studying French with my Dad to pass the time), and met John, Paul, T, Steve, Bella, and Pumba (by phone) at breakfast where I opened my packet revealing...

Burkina Faso was going to be my new home!!!!!!!!!

My departure date to staging is 08/01/05. I am currently going through the rollercoaster of emotions. Somewhere between anticipation, excitement, pride, anxiety, freaking out, fear, and soon a potential for drunkeness or a psych ward (just kidding of course)...

I am finding a way to prepare to say my goodbye's.

More posts to come!

A Bientot!