3 months exactly to go

Well after submitting my application 7 months ago, I officially received my invitation in the mail last Wednesday February 24 to work as an English teacher and AIDS educator in Cameroon, West Africa.

Today I have exactly 3 months before my scheduled departure date for orientation (June 2) and then off to Africa and approximately a million things to do before I am even close to being ready. And even though 3 months may seem like ample time to get your life straight to move to another country for 2 years, it is a bit more complicated since I am also trying to finish graduating college which I happen to be doing just 3 days before I leave for Cameroon.

But I wouldn't want it any other way. It's actually perfect timing and I am quite pleased with how the timeline of my whole application has gone:

July 7: Submitted application

July 30: Interview and nominated for education program in sub-saharan Africa

August: Received medical information

(took a bit of time with classes to get medical info complete)

January 14: Medical clearance & on to office of placement

February 19: Invitation packet mailed

February 24: Invitation packet received-

Country: Cameroon

Program: Education

Job title: English teacher & AIDS educator

Orientation dates: June 2-3, 2010*

Pre-service training: June 4-August 14*

Dates of service: August 19 2010- July 1, 2012*

* dates subject to change

And now even though I've received my invitation there is even more information to update, steps to clear, and things to prepare. Basically I am telling myself that I am still only half way there- until I have completed pre-service training and been sworn in as a Peace Corps Volunteer nothing is for certain.

For now, I am doing my best to read every line of every packet and information booklet I have while also reminding myself that I can't only think about how excited I am to get started- I still have to finish college first.