Medical Clearance GAINED

So it has been a long and slightly bumpy road, but my medical clearance has finally came. I am now just waiting on the legal and placement criteria. How exciting! I admit, the process has caused me to have my doubts. I recently, about 3 months ago, started dating a new guy (which was not in my plan by any means). I honestly think he may be the one, so two years in Africa will be even more challenging now. But it will be amazing. So, if you are in the same boat as me, just keep on!

Each Ending is a NEW Beginning

I graduated with a 3.89 GPA from Texas Tech University with a BS in agricultural communications this weekend. I am still waiting to for medical clearance. However, my dental clearance has been affirmed. It is nerve wrecking to be waiting on an invite when I could be applying for jobs. But I will keep waiting :)

Medical Kit is DONE

My medical kit is in the mail! I received it on December 27, 2012 and finished it on March 2, 2012. It was a bit challenging to get doctor's appointments crammed into my school schedule, but it worked out ok. I did have to spend a good chunk of change to get my dental clearance (about 900). But, I had a few cavities I was unaware of. As far as the actual medical exam, expenses were very minimal. I did all my exams and test through the Wellness Center at school, so labs were only 10 dollars, and I did not have a co-pay. But we will wait to see if my parents receive any bills from the insurance. As far as immunizations go, I only had to pay for a polio booster (about 50 bucks). Everything else was something I had already had. But they may send me more stuff to do. We will see. I guess it is just a waiting game now!

Getting Closer!

Today I have my last medical appointments (annual, and HIV and TB tests). After this, I still have to meet with the Dr. who filled out the first portion of my kit, and have him complete the paper work. I have done all of my testing through my college's medical clinic and fees have been minimal. However, I did have to get a polio booster at a local clinic which cost me 50 dollars. Also, I have one more dental appointment before I am done which is scheduled for the 29th of February. So I am getting very close to having this finished! Overall, the medical has not been too costly, but the dental has been (about 1000 total). So take care of those pearly whites!

Still Working on Medical

Just to check in, I am still working on completing my medical kit. Because of my school schedule, I am only available at certain times, so making appointments is a little difficult. My last appointment is scheduled for Feb. 29th. So far I have completed all my extras (eyes and heart), the physical, and the initial dental review. I still have to get some dental work done (old fillings replaced, so beware of that!) and some more lab work (annual check up, TB test, and HIV test). Then I am done! So I hope to have everything back to the PC by the beginning of March!

Medical Exams BEGIN

Well, I made some phone calls today, and I have ALL of my appointments lined up except the one with my eye doctor. My dental exam is today at one, cardiologist appointment is next Thursday, and my full medical evaluation is the following Tuesday! Feeling very blessed to have everything lining up so well.

I'll let ya'll know how everything goes.

Pray for a quick and easy process!

Sorting Things Out

I read over my medical kit, and it was a lot like I had expected. Long and kind of confusing. I will have to see a cardiologist and eye doctor, as well as the normal medical exam. I am praying that insurance will cover the cardiologist fees if I tell her I just need a check up, then just ask her to sign the paper after. I think all I will have to have is an EKG. As far as the eye doctor, that is something we pay for regardless once a year so that is not a problem. I think I am going to have my medical exam done through student health services at Texas Tech so I can use my student discount on anything insurance won't cover. The local VA hospital had no idea what I was talking about when I called.

On another note, there are two dentists in the area that are said to give free dental exams to PCVs. Yay! So let's pray I can get in with one of them, and that I do not need any additional dental work of any kind. (Dentists give me the heebie geebies!)

Pretty Excited!!! Keep the prayers coming please!

The Next Step

I received my medical packet in the mail on January 3, so less than one month after my interview and nomination. I am currently in the process of trying to find a VA hospital that will do the tests free of charge. I am also looking into other options.

The PC does reimburse volunteers, but the numbers are low. So, I will definitely be doing a lot of praying as I begin the next step to become a PC volunteer! I am going to read over my medical kit when I get back to Lubbock, and I will post my feelings about it. 

On a side note, God is continuing to Bless me and work in my life. Today, I found out that Tech granted me an extra $4,555.00 to help with my tuition to make up for some errors in the financial aid office regarding my FAFSA. What a blessing!

As always, keep me in your prayers.

"Your dreams are never too big when you trust in the Lord"

Getting Started

First off, I am a senior Ag. Comm major at Texas Tech University. I will graduate in May of 2012. I am not running from anything. I am a happy, healthy honor student with a big family and great friends, and I have had several job offers here in the U.S. BUT I want to do something that is going to touch others and change ME. God created me us to do great things, for me one of those things is the Peace Corps.

I sent in my application to become a Peace Corps volunteer in October of 2011. I was not completely sure what I was getting into, but I knew I needed to get my application in early if I wanted this to be a part of my future.  In just a couple weeks I had heard from my rep, Erin. I completed the finger print cards and background checks relatively quickly, but had to resubmit some references. On Dec. 20, 2011, I had my interview with Erin. Later that day, she called to tell me I had been nominated to Sub Saharan Africa to work with applied agriculture, specifically conservation.

I am so excited. I did not request a certain area or occupation, I wanted to be sent where I was most needed. However, I have to admit that this is EXACTLY what I was hoping for. So, my next step is to pass all my health checks, and see where this path leads me.

Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated as I begin the next step in my life.