Small Case of Anxiety

Dear Life,

After waking up at 6:30 am on a Sunday morning, I must admit that my anxiety has increased to a point where my body is showing signs: stomach rolling, tossing and sweating in bed, and finding it hot enough for me to open a window in Winter.

This anxiety is not a sign that I’m second guessing myself. Since beginning the Peace Corps application process in November 2008, I knew that this was the right path for me: a combination of traveling and helping others while learning (or improving) a foreign language. The source of this anxiety is more so a final realization that Life is about to change significantly. That I am leaving those that have been constant factors in my life (either briefly, few years, or my lifetime) and Washington DC / North Carolina for the next 27 months

But as I write this, I am reminded of the friends and family I fellowshipped with in the month of February and that brings a smile to my face and calmness to my stomach. I won’t go into details of how I spent this month, but know that if I saw you, it meant the world to me (special shout out to LSOL, Line Sisters, Theta Nu Xi, CCE and of course, Family. The calls, cards, emails and facebook messages also hold a special place in my heart.

Just realized that some might not know the details of my two year adventure:

The simplified version is that I’m going to Costa Rica for 27 months as a Peace Corps Volunteer. My job description / program is Rural Community Development, meaning I will help a community create sustainable projects and I will teach English. Vague, right?

March 1, 2010, I meet at a hotel in DC for orientation and to meet the other 55 Peace Corps volunteers (to be known as Tico 20). (Tico is the indigenous name for Costa Ricans and “20” represents the program sequence). March 2 at 6:30 am, Tico 20 will depart for the airport and officially leave the United States at 10:20 am.

The first week will be spent at a retreat site for in-country training. At the end of the first week, I will meet my host family and live with them in San Jose, Costa Rica. I have no idea who these people will be. But they have been carefully selected by the Peace Corps office as a reliable and appropriate family with a spare room. Living with this family for three months, I will continue my training: cultural, language, technical skills, etc…

At the end of the three months, I will take a language exam and be sworn in as an official Peace Corps Volunteer. From there, I will receive my site assignment. This is most of the information that I “officially” know, meaning that the Peace Corps has communicated to me. But through research (reading blogs from current volunteers), I know that I will spend the next three months living with another host family in my site. My activities will include getting to know the members of the community, inquiring about their needs as a community and assist them in implementing projects. The ultimate goal is to become a part of their community. To shed the title “tourist” while encouraging a cultural exchange. My actual job responsibilities will not become apparent until I have lived in my site for a few months. It will all depend on the needs of the community. This could be having a women’s club, organized sports, improving the library, etc…The community will need to sustain these projects but l will lend them my experience and training in community activities to help them.

Questions that I have received thus far:

Communication: Yes, I will have internet access. During the first three months, I will be in an urban area and should be able to check my email at least once a week. When I am able to connect, I will probably visit my gmail account and blog. I encourage you all to communicate with me throughout this adventure. You can either leave me a post or email me at qfullard@gmail.com. Letters and care packages will also be appreciated. Skype me: q.fullard

Visiting: I can receive visitors after the first six (6) months, which is around September. Also, visitors are not allowed the last 3 months of my service (March – June 2012). If you are serious about visiting, let me know and arrangements will be made.

Returning to the US: Vacation time is accrued and a visit to DC is likely.

I am completely calm right now! I guess that means I should start this day, my last official day as a regular citizen. Tomorrow, I embark on my journey as a Peace Corps volunteer!

-Q