Driving Toward the Sun Part IV: Icefields Parkway and Banff to Yellowstone

Adrienne and I woke up just before 11am, blinking blearily at our mountainous surroundings.  Frost covered the ground as we crawled from the tent. We had arrived so late to Jasper National Park the night before that no one had been around to charge an admittance fee, or even check us in to our camp site.  We had fortunately thought to print off our camping confirmations and knew our site before arriving.

Protip: ALWAYS have confirmation codes and campsite (etc) numbers on hand, just in case.   Campsites sometimes have glitches in their system, are understaffed, or you may just arrive too late to check in properly.  That being said, also know the check-out time for the next morning.

Our check-out time was, of course, at 11am.  We hurriedly broke down the tent (unpleasant with bare hands and frost coated tent poles) and threw things into the car.  We made it to the campground kiosks moments before 11am, only to find that no one mans the "exit" booth.  We looked at each other with confusion, and then cruised on by. 

"Well.  I guess that was a whole lot of panic for nothing.  Let's make coffee," I said, always a

Jasper National Park

priorities person.  Adrienne suggested we find somewhere scenic to enjoy our breakfast and dry out our gear (which had been packed wet, again).  That gal is always full of good ideas.  We cruised north for a few moments until we spied an incredibly picturesque meadow, complete with picnic table, just begging for an impromptu breakfast.  We pulled over and began a deliciously luxurious breakfast, gear repacking, and our first warm morning of the trip.  The frost was gone from the meadow grass before we had even parked, and I even flirted with the idea of applying sunblock before throwing caution to the wind and preparing coffee, sleeveless, in the 60 degree weather.  I live a dangerous life.

Remnants of a colder time

After our sunny morning, we hopped back in the car and began our drive south to Banff National Park, our destination for the day.  As we left Jasper, we went through another set of park gates where we paid the entrance fee we had unintentionally shirked the night before.  Leaving the park, we began what turned out to be one of the most spectacular driving experiences of our entire trip: the Icefields Parkway.  This sensational bit of road is approximately 130 miles of gently twisting highway, unimaginably beautiful scenery, and the sort of nature that makes you sit up in your seat and say, "My, God."  We covered the route in a little under three hours with many pauses for photos, to stretch our legs, and to simply stand and stare in amazement at our surroundings. 

Protip: take time to stop and stare.

Peace Corps Update: The Post Invitation Deluge

Last night I finished reading through the several hundred pages of Peace Corps handbooks that accompanied my invitation.  I learned lots, and was really glad to have so much information available to me before making my final decision to accept my invitation.  Last night I clicked the "submit" button on my invite acceptance page, and sat back with a smile.  Done. I'm going to Zambia (knock on wood).

Then, the emails started rolling in.  First, an email from Peace Corps congratulating me on my decision to accept the invite.  Well, thank you!

Then, an email telling me my Medical Applicant Portal (MAP) had lots of new tasks for me to complete.  It does? So soon?  Better go check that...

Then, an email telling me that I could now use my New Volunteer Portal (NVP) and that tasks awaited me there, too.  Uh oh...

MAP requirements, and this is just the beginning!

I began browsing the portals and found myself taken aback by the many, many tasks that now awaited me.  I had once been warned by another volunteer that the hard work actually comes after the invitation, and that the waiting is nothing.  Truer words have never been spoken, it seems.   I was able to get through many of the tasks that simply require your acknowledgement of risks, having read through the materials they sent, and other indicators that you actually do know what you've signed up for (as much as possible, at this point).   Most of the other tasks will need to wait until I receive a "Next Steps" email from Peace Corps, which should arrive sometime this next week ("3-5 business days after invitation acceptance").    Additionally, the PC medical folks will add more tasks to my MAP within 180 days of my departure.  They do this so that you don't start getting check-ups too early. At first glance, I like the way they have it set up. I'm definitely a list person, and it's nice to have things "check off" as I finish them and upload my results. 

Immediately on my current to-do list are scheduling appointments to receive some vaccines, and rounding up my immunization records. I also need to have my dentist fill out some forms from my last checkup (during which I had her do everything I had read PC needs), as well as start thinking about finding a Power of Attorney and sorting out my finances.  I feel fortunate to not have any student loans or other major financial obligations, as the paperwork for dealing with those things looks, quite frankly, pretty intimidating.

New Volunteer Portal. A few tasks down, lots to go.

Overall, the idea of going to Zambia is really sinking in and I am feeling very excited. I have had so much support from friends and family about my placement, and I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity in my life. 

Peace Corps Update: Invitation!

Things rarely happen where or when you might expect them to.  Yesterday, fortune found me in a 104 degree McDonald's parking lot near Lodi, California, desperately trying to scam some free internet from American's largest purveyor of fast food.  As I waiting for my iPod to load my email, my mom (and dear traveling companion) went inside for a bathroom break and ice cream.  As I sat alone in the car, wiping sweat from my eyes and cursing the California heat, my email popped up.  I scrolled through the messages, hoping but trying to remain aloof that an invitation might await me.  

"Surely, not until Monday," I thought, remembering what I had seen on the Future Peace Corps Volunteers Facebook page.  "Not until Monday."

And then, there it was.  My invitation.

June 7, 2013

Dear Hannah,

Congratulations! It is with great pleasure that we invite you to begin training in Zambia for Peace Corps service. You will be joining thousands of Americans who are building stronger communities around the world. This call to action gives you the opportunity to learn new skills and to find the best in yourself.

The next step is up to you. Please carefully read the enclosed Volunteer Assignment Description, Welcome Book, and other important details about Peace Corps service, including Peace Corps' pre-departure safety and security information located here (link), and Core Expectations for Volunteers information located here (link). Consider the project description and primary assignment duties very carefully when making your decision. In accepting this assignment, you are making a commitment to the project, the country, and the Peace Corps.

A critical pre-departure requirement for invitees is gaining Final Medical Clearance, requiring complete Physical and Dental Exams by appropriate medical practitioners and possible follow-up to be determined by the Office of Medical Services (OMS), starting up to six months before departure and finishing at least two months before departure. In accepting this invitation, you must be available to complete all necessary medical tasks within the time window. Please factor this requirement and timeframe into your decision and into your pre-departure plans, particularly any travel plans. OMS will email you concerning your physical examination up to 180 days prior to your Staging/departure date.

Please complete the attached Invitation Decision Form within seven calendar days if you decide to accept our invitation. If we do not hear from you within this period, the assignment may be offered to another applicant and your application will be withdrawn from further consideration. If you decide to decline this invitation, you must reply to this email with a written statement indicating your reason(s) for declining, within seven calendar days. If you have questions about this process please call the Placement Office by telephone at (855) 855-1961, option 1, extension 1840. Please note that applicants who decline their first invitation will only be issued a second invitation in exceptional circumstances. Second invitations are rare.

Please note, accepting your invitation via the Invitation Decision Form automatically informs the Peace Corps of your acceptance. If you accept, you will receive a reply within 3-5 working days of this email confirming your acceptance into this program and detailing next steps.

Because your invitation to serve in Peace Corps is contingent upon final medical and legal clearances, it is important that you respond promptly to any requests for further information. If you have questions, feel free to call the Placement Office at (855) 855-1961, option 1, extension 1840.  If the address above is incorrect, please log onto the Applicant Portal and update your address. You will also need to update your address through the Medical Applicant Portal. It is your responsibility to make sure your contact information is up-to-date. If you need to update your address and do not have access to the Applicant Portal, please contact Placement.

We appreciate your desire to make Peace Corps service a part of your future. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

My heart beat at least 1000 miles per hour as I read it over and over again.  Mom returned to the car holding aloft a cone of glorious vanilla goodness.

"Here you are," she said.

"Mom," I replied. "I'm going to Zambia." 

"ZAMBIA!?"  

And thus began the chorus of shock, awe, support, and other incredulous responses as I called friends and family to notify them of my placement.  Zambia.  The reality of it is just now beginning to set in.  I have so much reading to do, so much to learn, beginning with all of the documents they sent with my invite. 

The Zambia Welcome book
Peace Corps Core Volunteer Expectations
2011 Volunteer Handbook (which is the most updated version, apparently, and is 110 pages of reading)
Peace Corps On the Homefront (for families of PCVs)

My specific invitation in the Rural Aquaculture Program!

I have yet to actually accept my invitation as I plan to read through all they've sent first. As the invite email said, I have seven days during which to think about my decision.  I currently plan to accept the invite and depart for Zambia (barring any changes) in February. While I have been warned that the waiting was the easy part, I am given courage by the opening paragraph of the Volunteer Handbook:

"Congratulations on your decision to become a Peace Corps Volunteer! You are joining an extraordinary group of Americans who, like yourself, have sought the challenges that are unique to Peace Corps service: the opportunity to live in a different culture, to learn a new language, and to forge lasting relationships with the people of your host country and fellow Volunteers.  At the same time, you will share your skills, patience, and idealism with people who want to build a better future for their communities. Your work will be demanding, but the time and energy you give to the people of your host community will leave an impression for years to come. Moreover, the personal rewards of Peace Corps service will enrich your life long after your overseas service."

Invited!