Packets!

We put both our packets in the mail today!

We received our packets about a week ago in the mail. They were stuffed with information and additional paper work we needed to submit.

Here are a few of the things they requested:

• Fingerprint charts (We went to the Sanibel Island Police Department for these)
• National Agency Check Form (a waiver for a background check)
• Reference Label Sheet (indicates our three references and includes contact information)
• Marriage License
• Couple Questionnaire
• College Transcripts (can be unofficial)

Additionally, an email from our recruiter requested:

• Skill Addenda (Sarah's was environmental education; Ben's were environmental education, business development, and education)
• Financial Obligations Form (Ben)
• Masters International Acceptance Letter (Sarah)
• We also included copies of our relevant certifications

To keep things organized, we topped it off with a table of contents sheet. Hopefully, that will help our recruiter sort through all the paperwork. Soon we will schedule an interview!

Info Session

Tonight we went to a Peace Corps Information Session at the Atlanta Library. We were able to talk to a recruiter who served in Malawi.

Here are some things we found out:

• 90% of volunteers carry cell phones.
• Volunteers typically work Monday-Friday and have the weekends off.
• Currently, applicants are nominated to go to a specific region 8-10 months into the application process. This process will change in January 2012, but this change will not effect our applications.
• Your placement officer (not recruiter) determines where you will be placed.
• It is very rare for married couples to have a choice of where they will serve.

The Ball is Rolling

Tonight, both Ben and I both submitted our Peace Corps applications! We had to fill out numerous pages of paper work including eligibility, marital status, drug/alcohol/legal information, financial obligations, education, language skills, employment, volunteer activities, practical experience, regional interests, two essay questions, and medical history. We also had to submit three references: a work supervisor, a volunteer/academic supervisor, and a close friend. The moment we submitted, we received emails from the Peace Corps with a couples questionnaire. We are to discuss and answer the questions then turn them into the recruitment office during the next two weeks. Typically, the application process takes about 12-14 months for couples, so this is just the beginning for us. We are so excited! Update: It took us only 8 months to get our invitation!