The Interview

Paul and I have known for a very long time that we want to live and work overseas for at least some part of our lives. We figured that now is the time before we're bombarded with financial commitments and munchkins. After many discussions about what all these dreams of ours mean and look like, we landed on the Peace Corps. Last November we took the first step of many and applied, and today we had our interview.

For three hours we were asked about life experiences we've had, how we handle stress, and times we've dealt with challenges, conflict, and loneliness. We were asked about our own relationship, what we want to do, where we want to go, and if our families are supportive. We talked and talked and talked, and the more we talked the more I began to realize that none of the experiences we talked about could possibly compare to those we may soon experience.

So, at about hour two of the interview, Paul was asked what job he felt he most likely would qualify for and want, landing on community development. I was told that I don't have a choice as I have a teaching credential, which was just fine by me. Most likely those are fields we would work in. We hadn't specified a region in hopes that not restricting the Peace Corps would increase our chances of being placed. Well, we were quite surprised when we were told that we had to choose a region or two so that the Peace Corps could contact those regions and see if they could use us (basically placing individuals is far less complicated then placing couples). After some discussion (again), we decided they ought to start with Africa and Asia. And that was that.

The only real negative to the interview was hearing we may not be able to leave until sometime between March and June of 2010. We knew that it takes longer to place couples, but it was both disappointing and frustrating to hear nonetheless. We drove home from Orange County, all the while talking about the possibility of being given this great opportunity to work in a developing country, as well as the wait to do so. Still, the more we talked, the more excited we became. Now we just hope and pray that someone far more intelligent than us will work out the details, and soon enough we'll be on our way.

-Alyssa