I’m officially an RPCV (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer) as of Friday, April 16th eventhough I haven’t “returned” anywhere yet. I’m planning on sticking around a wee bit longer to wrap things up with the Awá; stuff I couldn’t do as long as I was under Peace Corps’ watch. My other motivation to stay longer is simply because I want to have time to give proper good-byes to all my friends and prepare my travel plans through Colombia next month. I’m glad I completed my contract with Peace Corps. It’s always been very important to me to finish whatever I start no matter how hard it gets.
The COS process was pretty smooth. It requires a full day to get all the paperwork sorted out and go after all the signatures from key people in the office. The best part is certainly the exit interview with the Country Director. There have been 6 different directors during my service either permanent or temporary ones, and I must say that the current director gives me much hope for the PC Ecuador program. It is really refreshing to be able to express yourself to a reasonable, understanding and compassionate person. It was important for me to leave in peace with the institution and I felt that way coming out of this interview.
There were a few volunteers from my omnibus in Quito. Most had COSed earlier and a couple of them are extending. I’m planning on travelling with some Peace Corps buddies in Colombia before heading to the States to visit my family. As far as job search goes, I’ve sent a few applications out but must start being more aggressive and proactive if I want to find something quickly. I want to continue my international development work whether in Latin America, Africa or Asia. I would not be thrllled to live in a rich industrialized country again but given the current situation, I can’t afford to turn any good offers down.
This therefore not my last post in this blog as I have some unfinished business with the Awá particularly the Baboso community and the artisan group.
