I keep thinking, “6 months isn’t that long... I have plenty of time to see everyone and do everything I want to do before I leave.” Then I think back on the roller coaster that has been the last 6 months, and I have to stop and take a breather.
Six months ago today, I was preparing for a Microeconomics quiz on the Elasticity of Demand. Since then, I’ve travelled to Vermont twice, NYC twice, Jordan twice, Egypt, Israel, and most recently, Martha’s Vineyard. I’ve advanced through the written portion of the Foreign Service Exam, and been stalled by the PNQs. I’ve applied, been accepted to, and completed a week-long Habitat for Humanity project, building a house in northern Jordan. I’ve successfully completed two classes at NVCC, in Micro and Macroeconomics. I’ve moved out of my Manhattan apartment and officially switched my residence to Virginia. I’ve applied to what seems like a million government jobs, and had a few interviews. I’ve filled out mountains of paperwork for the Peace Corps, and finally (while in Israel last month) gotten my invitation to serve in Morocco. If the next six months are anything like the last six, I think I’ll be relieved to start packing.
My current departure date is in October (or January of 2014?). But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from the application process, it’s that nothing is absolute until it’s over. As of today, there are 174 days until my supposed departure. We’ll see what happens.
Until then, I'll start learning my Darija vocabulary...
