China! con't

 This is a disaster. I just wrote the longest post ever. I went to hit 'Post' and it all disappeared.

Anyhow-

This has been the longest 2 weeks ever. It was my last two weeks at work and I spent every second that I was not at work or tutoring, moving out of my apartment. I know that the Peace Corps says not to do either of these two things until you have received and accepted an invitation, but I just couldn't wait.

I made arrangements to live with a friend in the area while I continued to work and wait to hear from the PC. This was very appealing, because then I wouldn't have to move a whole apartment in whatever amount of time I might have between invitation and departure. This was not a huge change. I have lived with Dan before, and this move eased my nerves a TON. I put my apartment on Craigslist on a Monday and the following Wednesday it was leased.... Wow, that was faster than I expected.

Then, a few weeks later, I decided that it was just time for me to leave my job. There were of lot of factors in this decision, and the pros to leave outweighed the pros of staying. One of the major pros of leaving, was that my schedule opens up so that I can spend more time tutoring and making myself more competitive for the PC. This, in conjunction with leasing my apartment means moving back home... still figuring out that one.

It just so happens (or I planned it this way) that my last day in my apartment and my last day at work were both Friday, February 11th. Hence the over reaction on Monday, when the PC asked for that questionnaire and resume.

It also just so happens (truly) that I got a call at 10:49 am from the United Sates Peace Corps Placement Office on Friday, February 11th. The synchronicity is unreal!!


I was terrified at first, because I thought that this was a final interview call. I had planned on looking over all of this info after my last day at work. I was not ready for this call AT ALL!!  However, it turns out that this was just a call to let me know that I have been qualified to receive an invitation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Karen asked how I felt about leaving at the end of June, I said that was fine. She said that she would send the invitation via UPS Ground and would I like her contact info right now, over the phone or would I like an email.  I opted for an email, which in reply Karen said, 'Great, I'll send that right away with one more piece of information.'

Here is what the email said:

Emma,

It was a pleasure speaking with you today.  I am happy to inform you that I have qualified you to receive an invitation, and identified a program for you.  Congratulations for completing the final phase of the application process. The details -  

Assignment: English Teaching

Region: Asia

Departure: 6/29/11

You should receive the invitation in 5 – 7 business days.    I encourage you to continue building your ESL teaching/tutoring experience with youth (middle and/or high school) or adults up until your departure.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions about Peace Corps service.

Sincerely,

Karen

Those of you who are up on the Peace Corps Wiki Staging Dates know that this means CHINA!!!!!!!!!

I am wrapping up tutoring this week in Columbus, so that means that the chances of me being gone when the invitation is delivered are great. Forever Practicing Patience.