I was a teacher in Africa. It was terrible. I was terrible. Peace Corps is a large bureaucracy of questionable merit. The best parts about Peace Corps are the free ticket to the other side of the world, the passport and work visa, the measly living allowance, and best of all, the community of other volunteers.

I have become a better teacher in the two years since I returned. Now I am getting the travel itch again. I have considered several options: Teaching in another part of the US. Teaching at an international school for diplomats' children and the like. Even joining the military! Then just the other day, another thought struck me: another tour in Peace Corps? Maybe a different country in Africa. Man, I never thought I would consider Peace Corps again for a long, long time.

As bad as it was, as bad as I was, I can look back now and feel nostalgic about it. I can picture my sandlot front yard, the creaky wooden doors, the stench of raw sewage leaking across the way when the wind shifts, climbing the water tower to get cell phone reception, jogging past the stark desert beauty that surrounded me in all directions, getting off school at 1:00 in the afternoon, the random generosity of someone offering me a beer or a piece of fish, hitchhiking to and fro, and of course the pointless staff meetings every single morning where for some ludicrous reason I never hesitated to speak my mind.  If I had it all to do over, I would feel a lot differently toward my students. I would play soccer with them more, invite them over more often, etc. I would love them, instead of hate them. Some of them might even come to confide in me. I would walk over to the "resettlement camp" at least once a week. It makes me weap to read what I just wrote.

What would it be like if I had a second chance? Anyone hear me on this one? Any RPCV's out there?

Peace Corps Namibia (2003-2005)

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In the past several years, I've made many personal and professional accomplishments in the corporate world. My experience has been more than rewarding. However, events in the last few years have given me a new perspective that I must now act upon.

Last winter, my father was stricken with cancer and passed away in only a few months' time span. After he passed away, I learned of his story of abandonment as a child and chaotic travels between foster homes. I understand better now why he was so proud of my volunteer work helping other children when I was as young as ten years old. He worked hard his entire life, and never hesitated to reach out his hand to help another. I'm very fortunate to have had a good teacher and a good example.

But nevertheless, enduring the journey of loss is one of the most edifying accomplishments in life. I've learned much about myself and about others. Certainly, a life working in the business world can be educational and valuable, and a person can earn plenty of money doing it. But money, I've realized, truly does not buy happiness. One of my revelations was for my life, the most important needs are a place to sleep, food to eat, and most importantly -- people that care. I have been fortunate beyond words to have all these things and much more. In my reflections, I realized that I really don't need that "much more" to be happy in life.

Real happiness is simple. It's the glimmer in an eye that's learned something new about their world. It's the smile on the face a fellow human when they've found a true friend. A real friend -- one that will stand the test of time -- is someone that might help you to make your world a little bit better, or they may just simply be there to lend an ear and commiserate. And this is why I believe my journey in the Peace Corps will be wonderfully rewarding for me. In my mind, America -- the real America -- is a story told over hundreds of years. A story of reaching out to help others, building community, and building an experience created by people of countless diverse backgrounds. One person at a time. That's why Peace Corps is so alluring to me. While its goals are grand, they are attainable because the program works on the level of individuals, of real people. I've always been a believer in that true, original spirit of America, and have been searching for some time to find a better way to express that in my life.

While I know I can't change the world, perhaps I can make a difference for the better for one or two fellow humans, and leave them (and me) with an improved understanding of America and a deeper connection to the values we as a nation claim to espouse.

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Thought it would be worth while to write a little more about my nomination. Originally the plan was to nominate me into the IT program in Mexico. Was a nice-sounding program, and despite my surprise at it being so close, I had begun to get used to the idea. However, after the Christmas holiday ended, it became clear that there were no openings available in Mexico.

Cruising in Senegal

That said, I was given a few options -- both doing IT work -- one in Asia and two similar ones in French-speaking Africa. Although I speak a functional amount of French, I thought Asia might be more interesting given the growing focus there by the technology sector. Well, it turns out that although there was an opening when I spoke to my recruiter, when he returned after some illness the opening was no longer available.

So, I got officially nominated for the Africa program. The tasks (vague for now) are teaching technology skills to secondary and post-secondary students and business people. Teaching role, must be good with young people, etc. Sounds like a good fit for my skill set and past.

Had a little scare getting a transcript of my grad work, but that's now in his hands. One more document which I mailed today, and my file will be off to the Africa desk in Washington, where the "real" work will begin. The major item between today and my official invitation is medical clearance ... which ultimately will qualify me for a specific country based on how that goes. Should be no major problems with it, but time will be the ultimate judge.

Meanwhile, I've been offered a job in the same division at work, but a different department with a slightly different focus. I am going to take it, since there's some chance for increased pay until I leave, mentally stimulating work, less hours, and I think it will be easier to leave from that newer job than the one I've been in a long time. Get the main transition over with for now. Of course, we'll see how that really plays out.

Stay tuned.

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