my trip thus far

So as I've already made a separate entry about what exactly the point of this is, I'll update you on what has happened so far.

First: The Interview Process

When you sign up, as I said before, you go through an interview process with the PCUSA. You know what one is, I'm not detailing here. Suffice it to say after all was said and done, I had my sites narrowed done to Kenya, the Philippines, and should I chose to give in, the UK.

Second: The Placement Event

The PCUSA holds an event where basically you are interviewed by site coordinators and you are placed in a site. I ended up interviewing with Kenya and the Philippines. Well actually with Phyllis and Becca, respectively. Again, I'm not giving details here. The process is kind of stressful in that there's a lot going on and a lot of decisions to be made and everything, and you don't have much time to think on them. Anyway, you get to meet all of the other international site candidates, which was probably the best thing going on. It's funny to meet all these people who really want to do the same thing you're doing, only somewhere else. Well, actually, about half of them wanted to go to Kenya. So that's another story for another day. It took a little extra work for me. There are a few personality issues about going to the Philippines, but again, suffice it to say, we've discussed and worked through that. La vita e bella.

Now....well now is full of a lot of paper work and things to be done. Thankfully I've already gotten my passport (not a bad picture) and I've started, well my mom has started, working out immunizations and what not. The funny thing is most of your life is provided for you as far as finances and insurance and what not. PCUSA has done this numerous times before and really takes care of you (well, as well as those at your site, even though I haven't gotten to experience that yet) while you're away. The funny thing is that doesn't come without a price, and that price is paperwork. Lots of it. I'm not sure I really have a mind for it all. But alas...

So that's the general story up 'til now...

I leave for my summer job in a few days, but I have one final stop to make before then....and I'm not looking forward to it....