Deep Sigh

It is incredible to be back!!

This time, I'm returning to an entirely different experience. Suddenly teachers are happy to see me, my counterparts are interested in joint projects, I'm recognized in the community. I am more confident, focused, and can envision this experience in the context of my entire life, not only just the present.

Although countless things have changed-people have died, some have separated or divorced their partners, babies have been born-it is still the comfortable community I left just over 6 months ago. For that, I am thrilled and relieved.

It has become unmistakably clear that the happenings (read: stagnation and decay) of the last 6 months, were the best thing that ever happened to me. So far, I think I've counted 11 reasons why...but for boredom's sake I'll stick to this experience. It's difficult for me to explain, but I'm better prepared and I feel the community at large is better prepared to receive me as well. Aaand if nothing else, my absence has been a stellar ice breaker.

I'll be staying with my old host family (+ one new baby, María Celeste) for at least a month if not two. Then... we shall see. My new close of service date is 10/25/2011.

I also have the same P.O. Box and cell number! (hint)

You like me, you reeaaaaally like me

It's official...I've got a date! And it's next Thursday, the 25th.

I've been fervently practicing my acceptance speech, incorporating the Sally Field quote above, for the make-believe awards ceremony I will be returning to. Let's just hope my community feels even a pinch of that sentiment.

I guess all that's left to say is....yeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaahh!! And... don't let go, even when people doubt you, and there seems no hope. I'm back!!

I'm Coming Back!!

Well.....after 6 VERY long and trying months, I have received word that PC/CR has medically cleared me. (pause for shock-value)

But, it's true!! And I think I'm still in shock. About an hour ago I received an email from the Country Director with the subject line "Reinstatement Green Light." Needless to say it didn't take many Nancy Drew skills to figure out what was to follow. I am shocked, elated, stunned, in disbelief, and relieved.

Thank you for your support. I look forward to continuing the adventure and I hope you'll stay with me for the ride.

Details to come regarding dates, times, forms in triplicate, etc.

YAHOO!!!

Lookin' Fresh

Look! Everybody come and see how good I look!

And all it took was a swift click of the mouse... Thank you pre-made templates. Actually, that's not all. I added photos! And they don't take up 1/3 of your screen and 1/2 of my post!! Take a gander if you please.

Here's the latest re-instatement update:

Last week, (when my clearance was supposed to come through ahem ahem) the office of Medical Services in Costa Rica requested an additional update from my doctor that ensures I am better. (I am!) But, due to the snow storms in D.C., the office has been closed for the 3rd straight day and it's not looking much brighter for the rest of the week. So I'm currently at a stand-still until that office can receive that fax, read it, send it, folks in CR receive it, read it, and send news back.

So I could know tomorrow...friday...next wednesday...next friday...a month from next friday...who knows. But it is being worked on (or thought about??) so I continue to move forward. Fortunately, my counterparts in my community, my host-family, and my old boss are all rooting for me.

So, I'm trusting the system. (eeks)

New Year, New Start

As in.... a "new start" back where I was. Although still just a hope and a plan, I'm feeling confident change is in the air.

Health and happiness in the start of the new decade!

Ohh Why Not

I know I said I'd post once I had new information buuuuuut, why not check-in just to break my own rules?

I'm still trying, waiting, hoping, and trying to resolve my medical issues and get back at it down south. These months of difficulty have taught me more lessons about myself and others than I ever could've anticipated. Silver lining?? Perhaps. I guess I'll be the judge of that once this is all finally said and done.

So that's the non-news.

But before I end, I'd like to throw in just a few more sayings and platitudes (just to help "keep my chin up") and to acknowledge how quickly they seem to roll off the tongue in "times like these..."

You win some, you lose some.
That's life in the big city.
When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.
Every cloud has a (wait...I got that one already)
Never give up.
Shoot for the stars.
It's six one way, half a dozen the other.
All good things must come to an end.

For now, the one I'll stick with is: "you can't fail, unless you give up."

Here's to not failing!

All good things must come to an end...

Unfortunately, I have been medically separated from the Peace Corps and so my service and this blog are now finished.

Any updates regarding reinstatement will be posted if and when they happen. It was a great ride while it lasted...

Thank you for supporting me.