Disaster Hopefully Averted

It looks like we might still be leaving in July now. There are still a lot of variables out there but if we can get everything straightened out we still have our spots in July. It was a big relief when we found out we hadnt been bumped to much later, especially since there is a huge increase in PC applications with the economic downturn. We're crossing our fingers and slogging through the bureaucracy (eg luc re-faxing his labs because Peace Corps didn't read them correctly). Cross your fingers for us!

Bad News

We were in Canada when we received the e-mail alert notifying us Peace Corps had made a decision concerning our medical status; we had to wait an entire week before getting back to check our mailbox for the letter. We went through a whole range of emotions contemplating the different messages that letter might contain, but hoped for the best. Unfortunately we got disappointing news - our application has been deferred because of a medical condition. Our Peace Corps dreams are now on hold. It is very tough to have an event your looking forward to for an entire year disappear so suddenly. All of the excitement and mental preparation quickly transformed into sadness and frustration. Hopefully we can resolve this issue and get back on track for service. We will have to improvise our living situation in the meanwhile. We have already committed to moving out of our apartment and made plans that now complicate Janet's professional status. Luckily we have each other in this trying situation. We know we have so much to be grateful for and that just having the opportunity to apply to a program like Peace Corps is a privilege.

Too stressful!

Peace Corps sent us an on-line update informing us that they have made a decision regarding our medical status and that we should look for a letter in the mail. We can't tell if that's a good sign or a bad sign. Janet is stressed out that we'll get deferred or denied, complicating various plans we've made so far. We are still dreaming of Peace Corps, but the anxiety levels continue to rise. We went to the basilica de Notre Dame here in Montreal today to ask for patience during this process and fortitude in accepting what ever may come in our future.

Getting VERY excited!

Peace Corps has now received our dental and medical examination paperwork. We've both passed dental and we're waiting on medical clearance. We have been using various internet sites to learn as much as possible about programs starting in July in the sub-saharan region, but we have not been able to pinpoint our exact country: Mali? Niger? South Africa? Cape Verde? The anticipation is exquisite. We are tempted to just call the office and try to demand our assignment, but we know this would not be right. We will continue to eagerly await our letter of invitation and continue to google everything Peace Corps Africa.