The Beginning

In the end we can credit our return to Africa to Rhonda, Ann's supervisor and colleague in the UW - River Falls English Language Transition program.  On April 28, Rhonda had been contacted by Alex, the Sierra Leone recruiter for Peace Corps Response, suggesting that she consider applying for the position of Literacy Teacher Trainer.  Since another recruited position was entitled Math and Science Specialist, she thought of us.  After a bit of soul-searching, we applied that evening.  Within two weeks we were accepted into the program as a married couple pending clearance from the nurse overseeing our medical evaluations.  We have been vaccinated for: rabies, meningitis, hepatitis A and B, and yellow fever.  We had to do ECG, TB, blood, and urinalysis tests.  Dentist and optometrist visits were also required.  Thank goodness I had a colonoscopy a few years back.  We should be in the greatest shape of our lives! We also had to get fingerprints and a second Peace Corps passport is in the works.  Alex notified us on July 21 that we were both legally and medically cleared for service.  Our tentative departure date: August 21.  Sierra Leone here we come.