What does N G O stand for?

I feel like I've climbed Mt. Everest since I first took to plunge and applied for the Peace Corps. At first many people asked, what is that Peace Corps? Where are you going (which......I still don't have the answer to....)? How long will you be going? What will you be doing? And, what is the Peace Corps again? 

As it's been four years since I first applied and a year and a half since being actively involved in the second time around, it makes my heart soar for Peace Corps to finally be a common topic for many of my family and friends. Although I know it still leaves them puzzled sometimes as to why I'd want to give up my super comfy bed, my sweet digs downtown, a good job, and the comfort of being close to people that I know and love to go someone where I don't know anyone, can't speak the language, and may sleep in a 10' x 10' mud hut in the middle of no where - I think we've all come a long way.

Despite how far we've come, I still get questions - mostly - what will you be doing and what is an NGO? NGO stands for Non Governmental Organization. These are the organizations that help solve problems innate civic problems, fill in the gaps of what the private sector and government can't fill, and connect with community in ways that no other sector can. For us in the United States, NGOs are equivalent to what you might know as the non-profit sector. Although the scope and scale of NGOs may be different in a developing country the concept is the same.

NGOs, in the U.S. and abroad, often lack the time and resources to build their capacity and expand their impact. NGOs historically exist because their is a need that needs to be noticed, a void that needs to filled, or a problem that needs to be solved. Peace Corps, for the few NGOs in the countries where Peace Corps is located, can serve as a resource to help expand human impact where resources are needed. And I can't wait to be a part of it :)

I am so excited for my job nomination. I really couldn't ask for a better fit as I've spent the greater part of the last three years getting my Master's in Public Administration with a focus in Nonprofit Management (and Environmental Policy). I can't wait to put all those enthralling strategic planning classes with Dr. Laurie Paarlberg to good use! 

What NGOs do you know or work with in the U.S. that can make an impact on your community?

It's so close, I can almost see it.

Over a long holiday weekend with my family, I finally got some reassurance from the Peace Corps. An e-mail from a Peace Corps Placement Assistant arrived asking for an updated resume and my Master's transcripts. I quickly sent them off today. Hearing from the Office of Placement is a GREAT sign that maybe I'll hear from a specialist soon about scheduling an interview and then the coveted INVITATION!!

My aspiration is to hear from them by the end of year so I can start the new year off with planning for my departure. It just seems so close to finally finding out where I will spend the next two years that I can barely stand it! However, as I've waited this long and will continue to wait - I know that it could be two or three months before I actually hear from anyone. This page on Peace Corps Wiki is a good source of how long applicants wait from one step to the next.

For now, I'll just continue with my daily routine of waiting, waiting, waiting. While I wait, I'll share with you some fun things around the web:

My tasty contribution to Thanksgiving Dinner.

Inspiration for my next necklace design.

Currently reading, next in line.

Inspiration for running.

Peace, Love, and Happiness!

And for the irony of posting this on my blog....

Happy Thanksgiving!

Remedy

A colleague (and neighbor) of mine put together a great CD exchange extravaganza. Thirty people each made one CD of their favorite songs, or just a remix, and made thirty copies to distribute to all the people participating. I loved this idea, so of course I was on it! Since the invention of MP3 players my CD player in my car has felt extremely lonely and excluded. I'm excited to finally put that bad boy back into use. Thirty CDs of good music will certainly get me through LOTS of holiday traveling! 

In addition to some good jams we could also decorate our CDs and possibly be given top accolades in a multitude of categories! I'll let you know if I win any!

I thought I'd share with you some pictures of my CD Exchange contribution. My CD was the theme of Remedy - featuring mostly somber songs that might lead you through a relaxing evening (I believe though there were a few outcast tunes that I threw in just because I like them and I want everyone else to like them as well). I wrapped them in brown kraft paper, tied with twine with apothecary labels - because who doesn't like a brown paper package tied up with string.

Remedy CD Mix

Birds-Emiliana Torrini

Challengers-The New Pornographers

Down In the Valley-The Head and The Heart

Fairy Paradise-CoCoRosie

Ghost Town-First Aid Kit

Heart Skipped a Beat-The xx

Islands-Young the Giant

The Littlest Birds-The Be Good Tanyas

Long Boat Pass-Tennis

My Only Offer-Mates of State

One May Die So Lonely-JayMay

The Passenger-Stars

People Got A Lotta Nerve-Neko Case

So Many Ways to Die-Bombadil

Take Me As I Am-Au Revior Simone

Let It Fall-Lykke Li

Academia-Sia

True Affection-The Blow

What I Wouldn't Do-A Fine Frenzy

Write About Love-Belle and Sebastian

If you'd like a copy, I think there might be some left over so let me know and I'll get it to ya!

Peace, Love, and Turkey?

Sami

Major Update

I feel as though I owe a major update since I committed to writing this blog. So here is the quick and dirty -

life. good.
work. good.
friends. good
prince. good.
all around mental outlook. good.

Alright - so, maybe that wasn't thorough enough. I'll start with an update on the topic that gives this blog purpose- PEACE CORPS! I believe in some of my last posts I told you that I received my Medical Packet. Man that seems like a light year ago. Well, quickly after receiving my medical packet I scheduled all the necessary appointments - dentist, doctor, health department, etc. Shots were given, cavities were filled, blood was drawn, and papers were signed.

On November 2, I received a status update on my toolkit that said "A decision has been made regarding your medical review." About 4 days later a letter was in the mail saying that I have been medically qualified for service! Ahhh, that is what I've been waiting for.

So, Peace Corps Application 101 - next stop - PLACEMENT!

I'm really hoping that I still am in the running for a June leave date for Eastern Europe in NGO Advising. Although I know that the reality is that 80% of applicants don't actually go to the location that they were originally nominated for - I'm still keeping my fingers crossed.