Health Check!

After Eric and I accepted our invitation, we had a whole bunch of new forms and evaluations, to make sure we are healthy and ready to go to the Peace Corps. I have to say I feel like every dollar I make is being spent on healthcare right now. Eric has gently reminded me of how blessed we are to have the work we do and that we can afford all of the tests we need. I know he's right... It doesn't change the fact that I hate spending so much on tests, immunizations, and medical evaluations!

While in the Boone Health Clinic the doctor asked me if I wanted to get this (what she saw as unnecessary and costly) blood test. I'm glad health care providers are asking these questions, but I just feel like I have no choice if I want to depart for Ecuador in January! On another note, I had a funny experience with the nurse giving me the Yellow Fever immunization. After a lecture of how I need to take charge of my healthcare by learning about possible concerns (which was ironically started from a question I asked about... possible healthcare concerns) the nurse explained the risks of getting the Yellow Fever vaccine. One of the side effects is strange behavior. She then said this:

Nurse: Do you live with anyone?
Me: Yes, I live with my husband. He's actually getting the vaccine today too. We are going into the Peace Corps together.
Nurse: That's nice. So you'll have to watch out for each other. You'll want to watch for any strange behavior. For example, let's say you get the desire to climb out a two story window. Just for example. But that's an example of strange behavior you'll want to go to the emergency room for.

I'm guessing maybe she had a hard time thinking of strange behavior examples? Or maybe she had a rough weekend? Or maybe she is really saying that it can create suicidal tendencies? I guess that would have been important to clarify... However, 24 hours later and you'll be happy to know that I have not had that desire and am symptom free!

This whole Peace Corps process has been frustrating, exciting, long, and boring. But right now the process is fun! It is so nice to finally have a place and date to look forward to. When people ask where and when we are leaving we can actually give a response instead of being vague and saying, "we hope to find out soon!" Yesterday we got some travel books from the library and we are looking through them planning trips and lists of where we would like to go. So exciting!

I will end you now with two Yogi Berra quotes:

"I wish I had an answer to that because I'm tired of answering that question."

"You have got to be careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there." 

Much love,
Emily

FAQ

Eric and I have both had a lot of questions about our service since we have accepted our invitation. We thought we would have a post with questions you might be wondering about...

When do you start?
We have orientation on January 15 and we start training (in Ecuador) on January 16 - Eric's birthday! We have training for 3 months and then we start our two years of service on April 3.

Where will you live?
We will be living with a host family in Ecuador for our training and service. Living with a host family is safer and better! We will have a better opportunity to be integrated into the community and participate in local events.

Do you get paid?
We get paid a living wage, meaning we will be living at the level of the people we work with.

What city will you live in?
We still are not sure what city we will be placed in. It depends on our training and where we will the best fit with our skills.

What will you be doing?
Eric and I both are going to be teaching English to high school aged students.

Do you get days off?
Yes. We get two vacation days per month. We will likely use those days to travel locally, possibly visit home, and spend time with visiting friends/family.

Where can I send you letters and stay connected with you?
While we are in training you can send mail to:
Emily and Eric Aiken, PCV
Cuerpo de Paz
Casilla 17-08-8624
Quito, Ecuador
South America
After training (April 3) we will get a new address. When we know that we will let you know!

You can also stay in contact through Skype Eric.AikenEZ is Eric's Skype and Emilyjoy03 is Emily's. If you want to contact us this way it would be a good idea to save both names.

Eric's e-mail is aikeneo@gmail.com and Emily's e-mail is emilyjoy03@gmail.com

How can I help?
We have compiled a list of things we want to take with us (teaching supplies, cultural learning materials for us, and other small useful things). If your interested in helping with this let us know.

If there are other things you would like to know, ask! We are excited to share this journey with our friends and family.

This picture was taken on Rough Ridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway this fall. We are trying to take advantage of the US while we are still here!

Much love,

Emily


“Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going.” – Paul Theroux

Opening Letter

Hello Friends and Family -

Some of you already know what a crazy journey Emily and I have been on trying to get into the Peace Corps. Well the real journey finally begins…On October 1, 2012 we were offered a position to serve as Secondary English Teachers in the wonderful country of ECUADOR!!!

This is great news for us. When we first started researching the Peace Corps, South America was at the top of our list. However, during the application process we decided to open up our options to any region so we would be able to serve in our timeline. Also, after talking with our recruiter we decided that the journey will be what we make it and our initial passion may change for the better. After a few highs and lows, breakdowns and breakthroughs our recruiter nominated us to the Head Peace Corps Office in Washington DC to serve as English Teacher in the Asia region. It seemed like a speedy nomination at the time and it was not surprising to us that we did not receive our first choice. As we reminded everyone Asia is a big place with a lot of culture to offer.

Thinking that the hard part was over we dropped all our job interviews in Student Affairs and created a plan of action to work temporary jobs for the summer and fall. Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan hired us to work at Camp Merrie Woode in Plainwell, Michigan. Just as we finished our summer at camp, a position as Operations Coordinator opened up at the Broyhill Events Center at Appalachian State University. After I got the position, Emily talked to the Housing department, who graciously let us stay in our old apartment (which so happened to be open), on campus in exchange for work.  Emily is now a Special Project Coordinator in University Housing.

It has been amazing how everything has just come together. We are so blessed with the opportunities that seemingly fell into our laps, after a few tears. We truly feel that this is what we should be doing. I hope you continue to follow us on our journeys.

We have so many people to thank who helped us live this gypsy lifestyle. Thank you for opening your homes, letting us eat your food, offering job suggestions and/or actual hiring us. More importantly thank you for being great supporting friends and family members. I cannot say it enough. I am sure at times many people (including us) thought that this journey would not come to pass, but here we are.

Our hope is that you not only follow our blog, but actually keep in touch with us. We would love to know how you are doing as well.

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans (Allen Saunders)... unless you plan to live life (Eric Aiken)"

Eric Aiken