Changes Are Good

This week I found out that the NGO Development program in Morocco was canceled. The Peace Corps was understanding about this "upset" at holiday time and very responsive around finding another posting. After reading the information about Community Organization Development and details about Bulgaria, I said "Yes!" to this placement. Here's a little info - I will add more in the New Year.

COD Volunteers assist in strengthening the organizational capacity of partner organizations at the local level. These Volunteers work with local and regional governments, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), economic development organizations, museums, and schools. They may help their organizations develop skills in community needs assessment and response, project initiation and implementation, grant writing, business administration and management, fundraising, environmental education and protection, and information and communication technology (ICT). COD Volunteers help regional and local governments foster transparency and public involvement in municipal affairs, address minority and NGO-sector issues, and promote community partnerships. Volunteers also work with local communities to enhance public knowledge of the environment and related issues, and to strengthen the public role in local decision-making. Volunteers may help conduct environmental education courses and organize outdoor activities and field trips for students. Volunteers also help teach Junior Achievement, applied economics and business English courses, and organize business and community development training events.


Very diverse and a lot of multi-tasking - perfect!

I'm excited about the mountains, forests and water in and around Bulgaria. I'm looking forward to learning more about the country, culture and language and will share more along the way!

Fast Facts about Bulgaria

· Literacy rate 98.2%

· Average life expectancy 69 (m), 76 (f)

· Body language Bulgarians shake their heads for ‘yes’ and nod for ‘no’

· Highest point Mt Musala (2925m)

· Area 110,910 sq km

· Unemployment rate 9.6%

· Inflation 7.3%

· Population 7.33 million

· GDP per capita US$10,700

· Export Bulgaria produces 10% of the world’s rose oil

Why the Peace Corps?

I am asked this question often, let me share with you some of my thoughts.

I have a window of time in my life where my commitments to others in my life are pared down - no life partner, no child at home and no pets (although there are a few I love to visit as their "Auntie P").

I hunger for more exploring in my life and I'm clear I don't want to travel as a tourist. I want to land somewhere, very different from the U.S. and I want to learn about the people and their land. I want to share the wisdom I've gained from my 56 years both personally and professionally. I know by being in a very different culture and environment, it will require me to be flexible, patient and non-judgmental - all qualities which come pretty naturally to me. I will be challenged to look at my belief systems and habits with fresh eyes. I'm sure I will adopt new attitudes and reinforce others which I value and choose to keep.

The Peace Corps states three goals:

1. Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
2. Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
3. Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.


I like the simplicity.
I like that the Peace Corps only goes where it's invited.
I like that it doesn't promote political agenda.

By the way, there are benefits which accompany "regular" full-time jobs as well (medical, dental, vacation days, etc.).

27 Months is a long commitment and I welcome it. I am ready to jump in and give what I have, learn what I can and give it my all. The reciprocity of giving and receiving - it's really a part of daily life for me. All that will change is .......well, everything else. The length of time will allow me to settle in, absorb the learning and build relationships. I know I will look forward to coming home afterward as well, with new insights and a depth of understanding of the world and it's people and myself.

My brain will be challenged by mega doses of new input including language and customs, and visual landscapes. My body will be challenged by new foods and fewer creature comforts (like a toilet and hot water, maybe?). My heart will be challenged by being far away from my loved ones and community of support here in Sedona and California.

But my Soul will be ecstatic from embracing the joys and challenges and expanding into who I know myself to be.

Here it is..........my first blog entry - ever!!

I am a Peace Corps Nominee and I should be hearing very soon where I will be going. The application process has been very long. I applied online at the end of January 2009 and in August received my nomination with a tentative destination of Morocco or Jordan. I anticipate leaving September 2010 and am eagerly waiting for that final, official destination. Now that date is just around the corner....the closer it gets the more excited I get (and I must admit, less patient).

I have several details to handle that are on "hold" until I get the final invitation from the Peace Corps. I think August is going to be a crazy month working, getting my home situated for the next 2 1/4 years, packing more boxes and cleaning out more extraneous stuff (I've already been working on this) and making sure all my affairs are in order and visiting family before I leave.

I'm thrilled to be on track for a new chapter in my life. I look forward to sharing my journey with you.

More, much, much, more to come,
Patricia