As I began the application process of joining the Peace Corps I began reading other applicants and volunteers blogs and their journey to getting to their assignment. Well, I came to find that there is one common term applicants have coined called RAS, otherwise known as Restless Applicant Syndrome. This is what we call getting antsy and mostly occurs during the waiting period. When I read about RAS I often thought to myself, "I am so lucky that I don't have RAS, I know the Lord will place me where he needs me in his timing". I thought I was being really patient until recently. I was nominated for departure in Late May/early June and was also asked to be a bridesmaid in one of my best friends weddings this coming March. Peace Corps Volunteers are not allowed to leave the country or travel in the first 6-7 months. With my nomination I didn't have a doubt that I would be able to come back for her wedding but as time ticks away I am still not cleared medically. I am kind of freaking out that I might have to miss her wedding!
I submitted my medical kit in October and they barely began reviewing it in early February. Three months later? Really??? I was still feeling good then because I thought they would speed through it and get me cleared, I had plenty of time to make my original nomination. Wrong! I feel like more and more things are coming up prolonging my departure date even more.
First they needed a followup blood test and a new PAP because mine was over a year old. Done. Wrong again. My blood test came back saying I was more anemic then my original test. My doctor decided to put me on Iron pills boosting my iron levels. I submitted a letter from my doctor about the iron count and also my new medical info they requested. Yes, I am good, I sent it all in and maybe they will clear me now. Wrong again!!! They sent me another letter stating my paperwork was incomplete, my doctor and I forgot to state when I began taking the iron pills and now they wanted another blood test showing my iron count from after the pills.
Okay, I do that! My iron count has not gone up very much at all. I have been taking horse pills for iron... they are a lot of iron! Today my doctor decided I need to have iron infusions so my iron will be at an ok level... I am currently at an 11.6, the standard in 12-16. I start in a week and a half and it will be a three week process.
I'm hoping that after this process and my iron count will be good, they will clear me medically and I will not be WRONG again about my medical kit being complete. I pray they have a spot for me departing before mid August. It has always been a dream of mine to serve other people in a foreign land and to share my education with them.
I know the Peace Corps is right for me and pray for patience. It will all work out in the long run! :)
