Timelines and Intros

I guess we'll start this blog off with a nice introduction. First off, this is my first blog I've attempted. I'm going to try and run it like a discussion, very informal, as if I was speaking to you in person or maybe not it's the first post.

So, that being stated my name is Hunter Shaffer. I'm from the small sea-side republic of Rhode Island. The rest of my background will be of little importance. I would be pressed to say that these writings will be the bones of personal growth breathed to life by events, tales, and stories from my escapades deep in rural Zambia. I will attempt to keep this relatively current while in Africa but from what I've seen from current volunteers the internet is temperamental at best, so posts may be long and far in-between.

Now onto the Timeline from Applicant to Invite. I found these posts incredibly helpful while I went through the application process. I hope this helps anyone going through that long, maddening process of becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer.

October 31st 2008 (Spooky!): I start my online application

July 7th 2009: I submit my finished application. Yeah, I know took me 8 months. They were rough days. I was originally slated to head off to India with a NGO growing fish in the foothills of the Himalayas / Bangladesh. SeaGrant funding dried up and I was without a plan until I finished my Peace Corps application.

July 27th 2009: Interview! I didn't go to this one because I got violently ill. My recruiter said it was imperative to get to this interview by the end of the week. I rescheduled.

July 29th 2009: Actual Interview in Boston. I was nominated on the spot due to make background in aquaculture and marine construction.

August 2nd 2009: Online status updated. Nomination for Rural Fish Farming.

August 4th 2009: Medical Packet was mailed out.

August 12th 2009: Got the Medical Packet.

August 13th - October 1st : Get Medical Finished.

September 9th 2009: I have to fill out a legal form

September 22nd 2009: Cue Legal Hold.

October 16th 2009: Dental Cleared.

October 22nd 2009: Medical Received, Review Starts.

November 21st 2009: Non-descript Update?

December 12th 2009: Medical Hold. Turns out I needed that Polio booster :(

December 17th 2009: Got the shot faxed the info back. Cue medical Hold

December 29th 2009: Email my recruiter about my continued legal hold. She says its all good. Continue waiting.

February 17th 2010: Email my medical review assistant to see what's up with all my holds. Turns out she had left the Peace Corps. Hmm, the plot thickens. Make phone calls toss out a few emails.

February 19th 2010: I get a bunch of emails back. Turns out my entire medical file had been lost due to a glitch in the system. Nurse medically clears me. Fun fact, always check with the peace corps if you think its taking way to long. It's easier to ask than to miss your assignment date.

February 20th 2010: Medically Cleared!

February 23th 2010: Legal Hold Lifted - Pretty pumped.

March 10th 2010: Email from the Ag/Env placement office saying, "Hey we are starting to look at stuff. Email updated resume and what nots.

March 11th 2010: Thanks for the update we will begin reviewing your file in the coming weeks. Eh, more waiting.

April 1st 2010: Cue April fools joke (which I did when the placement officer called). Asked a bunch of hard questions which you have to answer on the fly. After the convo I was really nervous.

April 2nd 2010: Parents called me on my way to Canada that my account was updated and I was invited to serve. Huge relief to all parties involved.

April 6th 2010: Packet arrives and I find out to my surprise I was invited to Zambia, Staging July 19th 2010! I'm beyond pumped. I accept the assignment the same day.

April 7th 2010: Online account gets its final update. Welcome to Zambia!

That brings me up to the current day. What am I left with? For starters a cornucopia of paperwork to fill out and send. But does it matter? I have a departure date and all is well.

Until next time fearless readers.

-Hunter