🚀 go-pugleaf

After literally filling out the application *three times*, from beginning to
end, starting when I graduated from college 4 years ago, I finally actually
*mailed* my application to the Peace Corps last week.  I was happy to hear
that I would be called in for an interview next week.

I've literally wavered about a dozen times *since* turning in the application
whether or not to go through with the interview.  I don't think I've ever had
so much mixed feelings about anything.

Half of my friends whom I've told are stunned, and the other half think I'm
nuts.  I'm leaving a job I love and a city I love (San Francisco) to be sent
to God-knows-where to teach English for two years.

I had a friend, an old priest, who said I should go to China because it's a
communist country, and there are police everywhere. (He's worried about
reprisals against Americans after the U.S. attack on Iraq, support of Israel,
etc.) And then I had another friend who said "anywhere but China."

I have so many questions and concerns that I really don't know whom to talk
to about them. I'm sure a lot will be covered in the interview, and I
attended an informational session (actually hosted by the recruiter who
contacted me), but I still have so many other questions. Where will I go?
Will I be able to survive as a vegetarian? What can I take overseas? What
about me being gay? What would I do when I return? Am I making a huge
mistake? Will Americans get targeted when the Y2K problem erupts? if
something explosive happens with Iraq?

I have half a mind to not worry about anything, but I've always been one to do
my homework before getting myself into new situations.

I'm not even sure if my stream-of-consciousness rant is even worthy of
anyone's response, but if there are any thoughts, I would love to hear them.

Thanks,
Jason





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