To: Matt Hogue
Subject: Cold Feet?
From: Desaree Reynolds-Cervantez
Date: Thursday, March 11, 2010, 5:44PM
Hey Matt -
So we sort of have a little problem. Well, not really a problem so much as just considering the possibilities. I want to tell you what's going on, and maybe you could give us some advice?
I think I have cold feet about leaving. I am positive that this happens to nearly everyone, but there are some issues I have that may change the situation.
Firstly, I'm sort of scared that even if we get our paperwork in by the end of the month, we may run into problems (like I've been reading on some PCV blogs) which could make things drag out and we could miss the boat. What would happen in that case? I've heard that paperwork expires after a year, so would we have to redo all of our medical paperwork?
Secondly, even though I said I would be cool with anything, I think I would really prefer to do youth/community development. I think I could probably do a good job with an education assignment, but my experience has been more with youth/community development, and it's what I enjoy. I know it's hard to find assignments for married couples, but is it possible to find something else? Or do you have any anecdotal advice about doing an assignment that is not necessarily you're "thing"?
Lastly - We've been to the dentist and we've been told that we have to have about $1000 worth of work done to our teeth. All of it is very minor, it's just costing a fortune! Luckily, we have the money. But, the money we have saved I had put aside for all of the things we may need to buy for our departure. Maybe my estimates of what we'd need (I know this will vary depending on where we end up going) may be high, but I'd rather have some money left over than us not being prepared, obviously.
I don't know that we need advice, unless you can give us a ball park estimate of how much volunteers spend to get ready to leave, so much as this was just a little background into what we're dealing with. I don't want to spend our savings on getting our teeth fixed now if we may not leave in August (for any number of reasons).
Maybe we can come up with a plan based on these concerns. None of them are deal breakers, but all of them together are really stressing me out. So, maybe it's possible to find another assignment that would be a better fit before out paperwork expires? Or maybe we just put all of our medical in and depending on if we get an invitation, we may decide to decline and wait til something else comes along?
Basically, I want to do what's going to be best/easiest for both us and you guys.
I know this is a long email with a lot of variables in it. You can either write back or give me a call, whatever is easiest for you. If you want to give me a call, Friday is pretty good in the middle of the day (between 10 and 3pm), and Monday is good anytime except for 12 to 2pm (final for Spanish!). After those days, I'm pretty open.
All right - hope to hear from you soon!
Thanks,
Desaree
Subject: RE: cold feet?
To: "Desaree Reynolds-Cervantez"
Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 4:15 PM
Thanks for your email. Sorry for the slow response but I’ve been out of the office quite a bit looking for the next batch of world savers. In response to your questions, if you happen to not get medically qualified in time for the assignment nominated to, the placement staff will then look for another good fit. Typically something will come up before your medical exams expire.
As far as type of assignment, I suspect you’ll have plenty of opportunities to work with youth development as an education volunteer. You’ll already be working with youth and being able to take on secondary projects with those students and others will likely be a possibility. Everyone takes on secondary projects and at times they become bigger your primary assignment. You’re a creative individual and I’m sure the possibilities are endless.
Regarding dental work, sorry it’s so expensive. I had the same experience prior to departure. It’s frustrating, but worth it. One dentist told me I needed my wisdom teeth out while another didn’t, so I went with the one that said I didn’t need them out. I’m not necessarily suggesting a second opinion, but you never know. As far as money needed prior to departure, that’s a personal decision. I sold all of my stuff, so I had a bit of a cash infusion prior to departing. Packing light would be my advice. You’ll find that what you think you need isn’t what you actually need. You’re wardrobe may change to local attire and a variety of other things. Often times the things you discover you need will be available locally. Peace Corps is going to cover all of your costs to get from your home of record to your country of service, so there shouldn’t be any cost there and you get a settling in allowance after your three months of training to buy necessary items needed for your living situation. And we just found out that your readjustment allowance at the end of service will go up to $7400/person.
I’m not sure if this alleviates any of your concerns or not, but I will say the experience is well worth it. Go for it! It will be awesome.
Matt
To: Matt Hogue
Subject: RE: Cold Feet?
From: Desaree Reynolds
Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 8:46 PM
Matt-
Thanks for your response! I've been anxiously awaiting all week!
Yes, your responses do help. I actually went to another dentist today for a second opinion, and he told me that I don't need to have any fillings, so I'm going to be saving money. You know I'm excited about that! Alex is going in tomorrow to have the dentist take a look to see if he will be needing fillings. We shall see.
Also, my freaking doctor's office shredded all my original papers for my physical - they made copies and shredded the original. I am going to be contacting the pre-service nurse to see if they need the originals, or if the doctor can just sign the copied forms again. Uh, frustrating!
Anyway, thank you very much for your advice and encouragement. We're gonna keep on truckin and just get stuff turned in to see where it takes us.
Desaree
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