FAQs

Hello there--

So since my announcement that I will be leaving the US for 27 months, I have received many interesting reactions. Awesome! Why?? Are you Insane?? How are you going to keep up with reality television?? (the last one I definitely receive the most...) Anywho, this is a post to help clear some things up. Enjoy!

Where: I will be in Paraguay (see map on right side of the page). One of two landlocked countries in South America. I will be in the capital, Asuncion, for the first 3 months for training, and then be off to my side (TBD) for 2 years.

When: Leaving February 8, 2012 and coming home late April, 2014. Although the world cup is happening in Brazil the summer of 2014, so maybe I'll hang around in South America for an extra couple of months to experience that! Who knows...

Why: This is definitely one of the most frequent questions... and it is divided into 3 parts.
1 - For an adventure! I have worked a few desk jobs in my day, and while I easily may end up with one in the long run, that isn't what I am looking for right now. I want to experience new cultures, meet new people, and encounter surprises on a daily basis. While I do love the US, there is nothing quite like traveling the world and learning something new and interesting every day.

2 - To help people. This partially goes along with reason #1. While working in marketing or sales or whatever the hell I would be doing had this not come through do have a cultural impact, I don't think they will be as rewarding as the impact I hope to have as a Peace Corps volunteer

3 - To challenge myself. I am well aware of what a privileged life I have had the luxury of living. Grew up in the suburbs, great education, grocery stores with everything to choose from, hot showers at any given moment, the list goes on... Who am I when I strip away those luxuries? What do I really need to be happy. It's about time I figure that stuff out.

What is the schedule Like? Peace Corps is definitely not a 9-5 job. You are representing the US and Peace Corps around the clock. That being said, it's not like all hours of the day I will be leading seminars and building wells. A lot of the job is building relationships and immersing yourself in the culture. It is very important to gain the respect of the community and understand their needs before jumping into projects. Also, you get 2 vacation days per month. The only limitations are that you can't travel the first 6 or the last 3 months. Visitors are welcome (**hint hint**) :) Some volunteers do travel home at some point, but I am hoping not to do that.

How can I stay in touch? Each volunteer is given a cell phone, and for you all in the US, the regular rates will apply. So that is easy! I should also have limited internet access at cafes and such, so emails/facebook/twitter/skype will all work as well. The most reliable and consistent method will be snail mail though. It takes a while, but no need to depend on electricity and such for that.

Hope that answers some of the basic questions. If you have any other basic questions for me, comment away! If I get enough, I will do a FAQ part 2. And if not, I will respond to you individually :)

Besos!