One year ago today, I set foot in Ukraine. Wow. One year. Isn’t it amazing how fast a year flies by? It’s one reason why I didn’t sweat the two-year service commitment so much. And now that I’ve been counting up to the one-year mark, I guess it’s time to start counting down to my COS (close of service) in 2019. I remember how exhilarating and new life felt a year ago embarking on such a remarkable journey. Gathering in Washington DC, the excitement and optimism and was palpable among our group of 75 recruits, as well as a bit of shock.
Getting to this point wasn’t easy. It all started with the application, which included a personal essay plus statements from two references. There was also a background check, requiring a trip to the police station to get fingerprints. It felt weird but good to be at ease in a police station for once.
Then, the epic medical clearance process—the bane of every Peace Corps applicant who accepts their invitation to serve. There’s a physical and dental exam, blood testing and doctor’s sign offs for every reported condition. I also had to go through the V.A., which is never fun, to get a copy of my immunization records from my Navy service 30 years ago. All in all, it took about two months to get my medical clearance. That in itself felt like a major achievement. I guess it’s part of Peace Corps’ way of making sure you really want it.
It was a surreal process, my uprooting from Los Angeles. I had to sell my beloved drums and surfboard and a whole bunch of other stuff, including my truck. Man, was that ever an experience in downsizing! I became a familiar sight at Goodwill and my church’s donation center, feeling freer and lighter after each drop off. I made good use of Craigslist, Facebook, 5miles and LetGo for posting classified ads. Despite the constant low-balling on my great deals and the no-show flakes, these apps were a big help. Luckily I wasn’t working at the time and was able to make my departure my full-time job. Yes, as funny as it sounds, I was thankful to be unemployed. I tip my hat to those who juggled all this while dealing with a job. Of course there were the farewell get togethers too, and I enjoyed every stress-relieving beer and spirit in a shot glass.
After landing in Kyiv on March 15, 2017, I boarded a bus to Chernihiv for three months of Peace Corps “boot camp.” As I settled in for the 2 ½ hour ride, I paused to reflect on everything that got me to this point. From the spark of inspiration that would set in motion a break from the routine, bringing me from California to Eastern Europe. Gazing out the window across the Ukrainian countryside, I let out a deep exhale. I couldn’t help but think of the famous saying, “You can do anything you set your mind to.” I thought I affirmed that and I felt satisfied.
