I'm Getting Screened

OK, I couldn't wait for two weeks to send an email to my new placement officer. I sent a “Hi it’s me” email to her today. She replied in a couple of hours. Here is a summary of the email:

My application is currently being screened and should move to my placement officer's desk within the next two weeks. My placement officer said she will be contacting me as soon as my application reaches her!

The Home Front

I met with a second realtor today to discuss selling my house. I plan to talk with one more realtor, and then make a decision on who I will "hire" to sell my house.

I have a number of smallish type things to fix on the house first. Did I ever say how much I hate fixing houses -- just ask me about the time I had the great idea of buying a fixer-upper house...

Hey, if you live in the Twin Cities area, and enjoy fixing houses, send me an email, we could have some fun together!

New PO

I sent an email to my placement officer to say that I had received my medical clearance and that I was looking forward to the next steps.

(I'm trying to be present without being overbearing)

I received an email response in just a few hours. Here is the gist of it:

I have a new placement officer. My original placement officer has taken on a new position at the Peace Corps. My new placement officer is going to review my application materials, and then something is going to happen -- I'm not exactly sure what -- I'll probably send her an email in a couple of weeks.

Huston, We Have Clearance

No f***ing way! I've been medically cleared!

Smile.

It's Time For Another Leap

Sometimes leaving for the Peace Corps seems so close, even too close; other times so far away that I can barely see it.

It's been almost a year since I started this journey (July 25th will be the one year mark) -- wow! I've never waited this long to find out if I would be accepted to any type of organization.

I know my Peace Corps gig is not yet for sure; a lot could still happen and I could potentially be rejected. Even so, I am going to begin the process of selling my house. Here's why:

1. If I do not make it into the Peace Corps: I will still find a way to go out into the world and help, where help is needed most.
2. It's time for me to downsize -- I have a 4-bedroom house for just two people.
3. This is a great time to sell my house, the market is good and so are the interest rates.
4. Many families look to upgrade homes during the summer because school is out. I live in a great school district and I am within blocks of an elementary, middle school, and senior high school.

I know that I am about to take a big leap, and yes I am scared (I could use one of those hugging nuns again). Deep inside though, I am even more scared of not getting into the Peace Corps and not selling my house, and quietly sliding back into my previous, comfortable, sleepy life.