Lend me your eyes I can change what you see. .

Lots of stuff happening in the life of Kristi Marie. . .

Lets start off with the exciting news that I finally graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelors of Science in health studies psychology. . . this new step came with a lot of new emotions.  For the first time East Lansing and all of its wonders were starting to look like something of the past for me.   Lets just say East Lansing will always have the key to my heart, there are so many great things about that city, and all of the people who have ever been a part of it.  So I finally packed up my things and moved home- yippeee (big sarcasm there).  

This whole "moved back home" situation wasn't looking so bad since I was about to leave for Morocco or Jordan in September. . . Then big news came. . . About three weeks ago I finally got a letter from the Peace Corps Office. . My program was officially canceled due to budget cuts and I had been reassigned.  The new news: Kristi Goes to Malawi, for sure, officially, March 5th, 2012.  Well technically I go to Washington DC March 5th and board my flight to Malawi sometime around the 10th.  

This news, as great as it sounds has brought about a whole other slew of emotions. . .

1. Malawi has the highest rate of HIV/AIDS in the world, which is exciting, scary, and difficult to imagine all at the same time.  I'm excited to be able to really make a difference.  My job title is a Community Health Advisor and I will mainly be dealing with mother baby health and HIV transmission through birth and breast feeding.

2. MARCH FIFTH?   I guess this is the big one for me. . . what am I possibly going to do until March 5th?
I feel like I've went through a million options through my mind, including, but not limited to, becoming a nomad, road tripping, moving in with my girlfriends, finding another job, and of course, staying home with mom and dad (no offense) none of these options really seem like they are ideal- I guess we will have to wait and see how this plays out.

3. It's official, I mean I've known for sure this was what I wanted for the last year, but it is really REAL now, I've accepted my position, I've gotten shots, I've filled out tons of paperwork, and I'm really leaving March 5th, it's exciting, I'm less stressed knowing an exact date, but it is real now, and it is starting to catch up with me.



Overall this is an exciting feeling for me, I'm sure it's the right step, I've received a ton of support from friends and family, and I'm ready to move onto this new adventure in my life.   Stay tuned for more news, my new Malawi address, and going away party information.

President's Dinner

Wednesday I received an awesome invitation to attend a peace corps "gathering" at the President's house.  Not knowing what to expect, I was awkwardly overdressed, as usual, and super nervous.  Come to find out that it was a great experience and I got to met a whole BUNCH of people who were returned volunteers (RPCV) and people like me who were invited, or nominated.  I heard a lot of stories about other's experiences, what I should and shouldn't be doing to prepare to go, and even received a few email addresses of people going to  my area!  I'm getting super excited to start this experience and I hope I find out some more details soon!

A ship in a harbor is safe, but that is not what a ship is for.

Today I had a meeting with the peace corps office here to talk about safety concerns and about my departure.    I was really reassured to hear another side of these 20/20 stories, and was interested to find out that the majority of the women who were assaulted were on vacation during their service and not actually in their villages.   There is still a lot to learn, and I'm sure that with every new experience this will be somewhat scary in the beginning but, this is life, and I'm willing to take this risk.   I am excited to see what happens in the future.  I received an email this afternoon that said that my medical forms had been received and that if I'm leaving in four months I should keep an eye out for packages and if i wasn't that I should just hang tight, and well, i don't know my departure range, that wasn't included in my nomination form.    BUT I emailed the director in chicago to give me a more definite answer on departure dates/ranges, and should find out soon,  until then.

Peace Corps

In the summer of 2010 my Peace Corps adventure began, with piles and piles of paperwork and breaking the news to my parents.  After an excruciating 18 page application, and a nomination on December first (finally), things were starting to look promising.   Today I finally sent in my medical clearance forms, so within 1-6 months I should know when I'm leaving and where I'm going.  Apparently 85% of applicants hear back within this time frame and know what's going on, and the other 15%?  Well I guess they get rejected based on health status after this initial acceptance. YIKES!  Well keep your fingers crossed people, hopefully I find out where and when soon.  :)