Let Down

I have been avoiding this simply because PC has been giving me the run around. So here I am, not exactly at square one, but feeling upset, angry, and frustrated, and stuck at square three.

So, its a no go on the original program I was nominated for. My PC recruiter called me and said it got cancelled. He informed me that there had been some political instability and kidnappings reported in Niger, where he figured the program was intended for. PC evidentially pulled out all of their volunteers from that country. I was a little disheartened to say the least, but was glad that myself and other volunteers were safe.

A few days later I receive another email. This program was a TEFL in Sub-Sahara Africa. For those of you who have no idea what that is, its an acronym for "Teaching English as a Foreign Language". I was ecstatic to say the least. It required me to continue studying my French, gain 4 months of experience as a teacher, and a few other things. I immediately began researching teaching opportunities and such. Until, I received ANOTHER phone call.

I had gotten booted from the program. Too many already certified teachers had applied to the program, so I got automatically kicked out. Awesome. Sweet. Nice.

Along with the Sub-Sahara program, my recruiter nominated me for another TEFL program in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Which, I just found out, I got booted from again. Too many competitive volunteers to even be nominated. So, basically, here I am. No nomination, no idea what the hell I'm doing, and just stuck in limbo.

But I quote my recruiter, "Kaitlin, you are not totally screwed, I promise you". Just so all my friends and family who are out of the PC loop, the PC has been under scrutiny over the last few weeks for safety and security issues. My recruiter said that with budget cuts, increase in volunteers, and the need for reevaluating certain safety training and issues, this is a rough time for PC nominees. But, I guess I cant be TOO upset. The PC is getting tons of kick ass volunteers and making it even more safe than it was before. So, really, the only negative thing is the budget and program cuts. I just need to be patient, which I have never really been good at.

So, for now, I am volunteering at the Southwest HIV/AIDS center and searching for TEFL programs in the Valley. He assured me that in March, the next quarter, more programs will open up and I will be his first priority. He also said that volunteers will drop out, not pass the medical stuff, and other things where spots will open in the programs I have already been nominated for. Also, with a month or two of teaching/voulnteering under my belt, I will be even more competitive then I already am.

Anndddd my good friend Larry is heading out to Zambia on Monday for his community development program! I love you Larry and the best of luck!

Kaitlin

Ahhh....Finallyy.....

After hearing from numerous people who have already begun the PC process, waiting is key. Yes, waiting for everything. I'm not gonna lie, I was not expecting to wait for my actual nomination. And after waiting for 3 weeks, I was a little nervous. I understand it was the holidays, but my god I have been on the edge of my seat staring at my cell phone like a crazy person. The recruiter and I had been playing phone and email tag for the last week and I was a giant ball of stress that everyone wanted to stand 10 feet away from.

So finally, last night I received my nomination email. I almost passed out (thank goodness I was already sitting down) It read as follows,

Hello Kaitlin

I hope all is well. I was looking into community development programs for you. Both programs that you are eligible for are in Sub-Saharan Africa (not country specific) and have requirements.

Program one requires you to be ready to leave from October to November 2011 and states that you need to gain experience in HIV/AIDS Ed/nutrition/malaria prevention. This means working at some organization form 3 months/ 10 hours per month (at least) to be competitive for the program

Program two requires you to be ready to leave in October 2011 and gain experience in agro-forestry, fruit tree production, farming, tree nursery. This means working at some organization form 3 months/ 10 hours per month at least to be competitive for the program.

Both program require you to stay studying French up until your departure. Please let me know what you think you can commit to and I'll place you into the program. Realize that spots go quickly, so get back to me as soon as you can.

I decided to go with program 1, HIV/AIDS education and nutrition was exactly what I wanted to do with the PC. Immediately, I began researching AIDS organizations and clinics in Phoenix and found a few. I hope to secure a volunteering position with them and just go from there! I have 9 months before the its scheduled to ship off, and I cannot wait to get this ball rolling! So if anyway has insite on organizations in Phoenix, connections, advice, or if you want to rant feel free!

Have a good day!

-Kaitlin