Well, the Peace Corps is no longer a reality. For a primer, see the previous post. The medical advisor is still demanding a PPD which goes against all the medical advice I’ve received on the matter. Not only is it unsafe, but the results would be meaningless. I picture some 85 year old dude who [...]

Starting to get slightly frustrated with the whole Peace Corps process. More specifically with the medical clearance part of it. Every time I jump through a hoop, another one pops up! The latest hoop: about 6 yrs ago I tested positive for tuberculosis (TB) via a skin test (PPD). Once you have a positive PPD, [...]

Follow the link below below to see a general description of what I’ll be doing in Africa. Peace Corps Assignment

The days are slowly getting closer and closer till the time to leave. Trying to keep my mind focused on the fact I’ll be headed to Africa in about 8 months…WOW! I’m finding it kind of hard to update this blog with anything of relevance. Not a whole lot happening on the Peace Corps front. However, [...]

It’s interesting to ponder the thought that on this day a year from now I’ll be turning 30 in some remote African village. While I’m very excited about my upcoming adventure with the Peace Corps I’m also a little (don’t know what word to use, fill in the blank for me) about the fact I’ve [...]

Zanni the cat is starting to inquire about living arrangements while I’m away. Anybody interested in cat sitting for two and 1/2 years? She is 6 yrs old and loves to cuddle. Plays well with dogs but not other cats. Did I mention she is really cute…  

I’ve been reading an interesting book…                                                                                       Dead Aid by Dambisa Moyo brings up some [...]

Well, the sudden rush of euphoria has passed. Now the long slog towards April of 2010 begins.

Recently I have heard a few comments/questions along the lines: “why go to another country to help people when there are so many poor in our own country that need help?”. My first response is the poor of the U.S. are 10x better off then the majority of the worlds people.  However, I truly believe [...]

I guess a little explanation is due. The reasons for wanting to volunteer with the peace corps are numerous and varied. But, I suppose it can be summed up with the following: the desire to help those less fortunate than I, to experience a culture radically different than my own, to gain experience that will [...]