The 411

Hey everyone! Thanks for checking out my blog – I know this will be on all of your “Favorites” for the next couple of years, so I will try to keep it as interesting and updated as possible. Hopefully most of you know that I’ve decided to join the Peace Corps. A little bit of background on this decision…

Why I applied:
· To make a difference (seriously)
· Experience true cultural exchange/immersion
· Become fluent in Spanish
· Travel!!

I started applying in September 2008 after attending numerous info sessions and meeting with some Peace Corps recruiters throughout the spring of junior year and my summer in DC. The application process is loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong and didn’t end for me until mid-April. I filled out an online application and had an interview. After that my recruiter nominated me for a business program in Latin America leaving in August 2009. Then came medical, dental and legal clearance which took the longest. I had to have check-ups and shots, get reports of my medical history and have my wisdom teeth removed. Good times. I was cleared in late January and then waited to hear something from the placement office… and waited……….. and waited……………. Finally in April I got a call from my placement officer with good news! I was accepted… for a program leaving in June. June 4th to be exact. This was definitely earlier than I had originally expected, but if there’s one thing I’ve heard about joining the Peace Corps it’s that the importance of flexibility cannot be understated. I accepted my invitation to go to Peru as a Small Business Development volunteer!

I’ll be in Peru for 27 months – the first 11 weeks of which I’ll be in Lima for Pre-Service Training before moving to my permanent site. I’m going to be among the 13th group of volunteers to go to Peru since 2001 (Peace Corps wasn’t in Peru from 1975-2000). It’s located on the west coast of South America and is about 3 times the size of California. Its climate varies by region – there are mountains, coasts, deserts, and jungles (I have to pack for all of these since I don't know where I'll be). About 46% of the population lives under $58 per person per month. Most of the challenges I’ll face will be due to poor organization and infrastructure.

Fun facts about my service:
· It’ll be winter when I get to Lima.
· I’m going to be living with a host family for the whole 27 months. I’ll get my own room.
· I’ll live and work in a “small to mid-sized” town.
· I’ll be close to other business volunteers.
· I will serve as a consultant to artisan and farmer associations, and other groups.
· There will be opportunities for secondary projects (I really want to work with youth and teach English).
· I will most likely have electricity and running water (I’ve probably just jinxed myself here).
· I’ll have access to the internet every 2 weeks at the least.
· I’m going to have a cell phone (but I don’t know if I’ll have covereage at my site haha).
· I get 2 days off per month of service!!

What I’m afraid of:
· Losing contact!!
· Not being able to communicate effectively in Peru
· Olivia forgetting all of the tricks I taught her before I get back
· Freak accidents (for a complete list of these, please contact my mother)

What you can do:
· Email me! stephaniemwessels@gmail.com
· Send me mail (my address in Lima is posted and will be updated when I move).
· Come visit!!! You can come any time after my first 3 months at site (so December).

Also, for my sake, when you're writing to me, make sure you spell Peace Corps with an "s" - not Peace "Corp." =)

I'm so excited for my new adventures and can't wait to talk to you all in the next couple weeks before I leave! Thank you for your support!

PEACE,

Steph