For Invitees

Peace Corps sends out an information CD to people who have accepted their invitations. PC Albania asked us for input, so I wrote a letter to the new potential volunteers.

Here is an excerpt:

…”You will spend ten weeks completing training and then move to your permanent site where you will stay for two years. You will arrive at your permanent site at the beginning of summer which is a time when people are taking many vacations or working fewer hours. It is going to be slow and coping with that will take some adjustment. Even once September begins and holidays are over it still may take some time for you to define your role in your host organization and start identifying people to work with. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t mesh instantly or see results until later—it is all part of adjusting. Since language is such a huge part of culture, you’ll come to understand the meaning of “avash, avash” once you enter the workplace, and although it might be a challenge, one shouldn’t forget that character is forged through challenges and that experiences, good and bad, present a tremendous opportunity for deep personal growth. This applies to all aspects of your life here, not exclusively to your professional life.

You may have specific ideas and goals in mind for your service, and setting goals is important. But it is also important not to set the bar too high—you are moving to a different country, with a different language and culture, and there will be many adjustments. Setting your expectations too high will make your life here difficult. Instead, take the opportunity to relax a little and realize that every day will bring something unexpected, often times for the good. I feel in many ways that what makes my life here so interesting is its unpredictability; I never know what to expect. Being a control freak, I can say that this experience has already taught me so many positive things about releasing my grip on the reins and just going with the flow that everyday life brings.

The time passes so quickly. Before you know it, you will be here. Staging and the last-minute soul searching before flying out; PST and swearing in; and before you know it, you’ll be writing a letter to the next group of volunteers after spending eight months in country. It is with this in mind that I wish you enjoyable months at home before embarking on this journey that will change your life in so many ways, many of which you couldn’t even conceive of now.”