John's Next Step

Working on medical clearance. I made it through all my medical tests, just waiting on results before I turn in my last task.  My guess is that I’ll have the results this week.  The doctor found one small thing that kept me on the 5 year plan (have fun in another 5 years), ugh. By the time I submit my last task I will have sent just over 70 pages scanned and converted to pdfs to complete my tasks.  Having a scanner so you can convert to pdf and send signed documents back to Peace Corps makes life a little easier. I have been told that I have clearance from dental.  I expect that I will be assigned follow-up tasks for additional vaccines.  Hopefully, not a problem.  I’m guessing that I’ll need to go to the country health department for the shots. Peace Corps sent a friendly reminder that January 12 th , my deadline, is coming.  If all of my initial tasks are not complete by the deadline then I my invitation will be revoked. I know some people have issues with health insurance

All the blood work initially requested by the Peace Corps has been drawn.  I am just waiting on the late (polio titer) results.  That test has to be sent away, so it might be a few days before I get the results.  Not sure how much this is going to cost, something I will report later. This week I have an outpatient test as part of my physical.  I’m not going to say what it is, but men and women over 50 can sympathize.  After I get all the results, hopefully before Christmas, I should be able to complete my my medical tasks. Then Peace Corps medical can start looking at the results and ask for additional information and such as needed. For example, it looks like one of the vaccines that I got in Ghana did not take, so I might need to get another shot or two.  Future Peace Corps volunteers know that after the initial round of medical tasks are completed and reviewed by the nurses there may be additional tasks requests.  It is all part of the process. Still, medical clearance is mo

As mentioned I’m working to get medically cleared for service.  Last week I was worried about getting a procedure needed for my physical scheduled and I’m happy to report that I was able to schedule it before the end of the year. However, I’m juggling multiple tasks and I’ve run into problems with a blood test - prove polio immunization.  I got an adult booster a few years ago, but I cannot find my childhood immunization records so I need to get a polio titer test this time around.  I’ve been working with my doctor to try to get it scheduled but there seems to be some sort of issue to order the test.  I’m continuing to wait for a response from my doctor as they try to see what they can do.  And so I wait.  I might have to go to a different lab and pay for the test out of pocket. Again, the joys of Peace Corps medical clearance. This is not a complaint about the medical clearance process, just a post describing the work and difficulties in getting clearance for those interested.

I been working to get a medical test scheduled.  First, I had to wait for my doctor, then for the scheduling service to call (a week) .   “Leave a message.”   “They will call you back.”   …. The last was,  “We need to check with the nurse, they will call today (Friday) or Monday.” ….. I’m watching my Jan 12 th deadline get closer and wondering if this procedure can be scheduled before the end of December with my current insurance or if it will be delayed with the holidays and my new insurance next year will cause other delays. Oh, the joys of 50+ Peace Corps medical clearance. I was able to get an eye exam.  I don’t have eye insurance and after a rather expensive eye exam I found that I did not have a drastic change in my vision.  I am getting new glasses and when you have progressive tri-focal transitions the price is not going to be small.  The damage was about $500.  One more task down and twelve to go for medical.  Most of the rest, expect for the one big test might get d

I selected a job as a grocery store cashier knowing that Thanksgiving and Christmas would be busy times – as the week before Thanksgiving was busy.  However, I did have a lot of fun with the customers.  Most everyone seemed to be in a good mood before Thanksgiving.  I was working at one of the better stores who recognize family time is important - the stores were closed on the holiday.  I was sort of surprised on Friday with the number of people frustrated or otherwise not in a great mood.  Hmmmm. Being with part of my family this year was nice.  I’ll likely be apart from family again for the next two Thanksgiving so this one was extra special.  My oldest son and his wife hosted the first dinner for Samantha, Brandon, and I.  We also shared a meal with Brandon’s family in the evening.  Both were very nice. Medical clearance With the holiday – I’ve not made much progress on medical.  I expect to get my eye exam next week and will check in with my primary care doctor to follow u

After one receives and accepts an invitation to serve in the Peace Corps there is a wave of emails and tasks to be completed within a certain time.  It is best to get organized and start working on the tasks because some have tight deadlines.  It is also good to re-read the instructions carefully; I’ve already made one mistake. The tasks are divided into medical, legal, training, and administrative tasks. Medical clearance As one will be away for over 2 years and the Peace Corps takes your health and safety seriously, there is a rather rigorous medical clearance.  10% of those invited do not get medical clearance. It will be but over 6 months since I finished my service until I deploy so I will do the whole medical clearance.  In my case that means an initial 23 steps and 62 pages of documentation.  Some of it is just repeating tasks done last time or sending information I already have – such as a copy of my yellow card for my vaccination records.  And as they still have all

I am excited to report that I have been invited to serve as a Primary English Literacy volunteer in the Eastern Caribbean leaving around the end of May next year.  This is a 2 year position, about 26 months with 9 weeks of pre-service training (PST).   My primary project will be working in an elementary school to help improve English skills.  This will be similar and different from my previous Ghana junior high experience teaching math and computers.  I will research possible secondary projects that might work in the region so I have some options once I get settled and understand the unique situation of my village. While the Eastern Caribbean will have nice tourist resorts and great beaches that will not be where I will spend my time.  Peace Corps is focused on the needs of the local population.  I will have modest living standards but should have water and electricity most of the time.  I’m so looking forward to it.  I will be doing a lot of walking up and down hills as I can ex

This post explores my next step – getting a part time job while hoping to return to the Peace Corps within a year. Changes in the computer field I spent about 30 years sitting behind a desk working with computers.  I had a lot of fun most of the time – designing and programming advanced systems, performing software research into real-time databases and machine learning, along with performance analysis and capacity planning.  After two years in the Peace Corps, I was less interested in returning to sit behind a desk and focus on working with computer systems – as much as I like the work and the people – and respect those current doing that important work.  I hope to be able to use my expertise in some future capacity – for the right organization sometime in the future. Finding a job When I returned to the states I was hoping to quickly transition into a Peace Corps Response position that would have already started, but I was not selected.  I now hope to have the opportunit

My life is settled into working around the house, looking for work outside the house, reading, and exercise.  Life is good but I can’t report a significant next step at this time. I’ll switch into a monthly update to this blog unless there is some big change. Love always, John

After 7,000+ miles on my Prius, I’m back at home – I really enjoyed my visits, but glad to be back home. Visit to Virginia for my Aunt Ramona and Uncle Hank’s anniversary My mom and I drove (well I drove and she rode) to Virginia to help celebrate my aunt and uncle’s 50 th wedding anniversary.  It was a great visit and I enjoyed catching up with relatives.   My mom and her three sisters Always enjoy listening to my cousin Randy My cousin Erika with my uncle Hank in the background Visit to Kentucky and Mount St. Joseph ( https://www.facebook.com/ursulinesmsj/ ) On the way back from Virginia to my mom’s home in Arkansas, we stopped in Kentucky to visit my mom’s cousin, Sister Mary Grace.  This was my second visit to the place and the first for my mom.  I always enjoy my visit and the ability to chat with the wonderful ladies resident there.  Check out their facebook page or stop by if you are in the area. A great place to visit - check out their f

I’ve been away from my computer and not able to provide posts while travelling.  This will continue for the next month.  I hope to return to a weekly schedule in mid-September.  Thanks. Family visits After a few of weeks I’m back from visiting my family in Arkansas and my wife’s family in Michigan and Canada.  I had a wonderful time visiting family and friends, although I put about 2,500 miles on the car. Ferry ride between US and Canada Canadian family reunion - nice time visiting everyone Sitting around at the Allore reunion with Theresa's family Bernie's family in attendance at the reunion My near term traveling adventures are not over.  In about a week I head off for visits in Virginia, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Colorado.  I expect to add another 3,500 miles.  My Prius is getting about 48 miles to the gallon, so I’m not destroying the environment as much as I might. Plans for Peace Corps Response fell through I was hoping to be able to ann

At Close of Service (COS) the Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) transitions into a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV).  My COS was July 15th, the day before my birthday. The close of service for most Peace Corps volunteers in Ghana would involve a village celebration with singing and dancing and (for my village) pito.  Because I was medically evacuated I COSed in St. Louis.  And because it was also my birthday my daughter and son-in-law helped me celebrate by taking me to Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.  We had a great meal and great wine.  Thanks Sam and Brandon! Food pictures are typical for PCVs and RPCVs.  In this case the steak pictured was overcooked (but still good) It was kindly replaced and the one cooked to order (medium rare) was amazing! Zoo visit Also as part of my birthday, Samantha and I went to the St. Louis zoo.  We had a great time and she has a great sense of humor with birthday cards. No gorillas were harmed in making this picture

Wow what a week with New Orleans, St. Paul, and Dallas.  And the list goes on.  Anger, fear, greed, and other such feelings lead to misery and the sort of violence we have in this country.  I’m not saying the sort of violence that we had in this country in this past week.   I’m saying the violence that we have in this country.  Period exclamation point!  The violence in the past week, past month, past year and will likely continue next week, next month, and next year – UNLESS WE DO SOMETHING . People fear that the cycle of violence is increasing.  People tweeting “this is now war” feed into the cycle of fear and hate that threatens to overtake our country only make matters worse. Each person, in their own way, needs to do something not only to stop our negative environment of anger, fear, etc. but to create a positive environment. I’ve been waiting for a chance to explain my closing – “ Love always ” in these posts.  Unfortunately I have one. When I write letters to my fami

I will soon be medically cleared.  My cough is better and I’m working to strengthen my shoulders and hips.  Once I’m medically cleared I’m free to travel which is my next step. My mom and my siblings live in Arkansas, so that will be my first visit.  The plan is to be there for my dad’s birthday near the end of July.  Shortly after that my wife’s family is holding family reunions for two sides of the family tree.  One will be in Michigan and the other is in Canada. My aunt and uncle in Virginia are having a 50 th wedding anniversary party a little bit later so I plan to take my mom there.  I also want to visit a great aunt in Kentucky on the way back from Virginia I’m also looking forward to visiting my son in Denver. At lot of traveling in the next several weeks. Looking at the map I will be putting at least 6,000 additional miles on the car in the next couple of months.   I drive a Prius but even if I got 50 mpg that would still be 300 gallons of gas. Local visits

The St. Louis Pride festival is this weekend and the Peace Corps has an information booth so I volunteered to help out yesterday.  I was there from 11 am to 1 pm, on Saturday before it got really crowded. Still I was able to talk with a number of people interested in the Peace Corps.  Some of the young people were looking for ways to improve career opportunities.  Some of the people with more grey than pink in their hair were interested in a change from their current career.  I was happy to speak with a number of high school students very interested in Peace Corps.  They know they need to get a 4 year degree so they have time to think about it. Nice sunny day out for the festival when I was there. Had to get a picture with the arch in the background. Still need to work on my selfie Replacements take off the booth at 1 pm, just as it is getting hot. (at least by STL standards - I thought it was still rather cool) There are many benefits associated with Peace Corps ser

Today is father’s day and I’m very happy to be able to spend it back home.   I wish   all the fathers a good day. Thinking about stuff I’ve been back in my four bedroom house for over two weeks now.  Being back with family and friends is nice while the circumstance of my departure from friends in Ghana is regrettable.  Life with hot showers and a washing machine is very nice while seeing all the stuff in the house compared to my place in Ghana reveals a need to simplify.  I’m still adjusting. One of the reasons I joined the Peace Corps was to learn to live more simply.  I came back from Ghana with two bags.  I now turn my attention (when not focused on doctor visits, reconnecting with family and friends, etc.) to the stuff acquired in a lifetime.  My house, particularly the basement, is full of things for me and the kids.  Things we thought we needed at the time, things that have sentimental value, things that have economic value, things that I still “need”, and things that I

Last weekend I was able to meet up with my recruiter at a farmer’s market.  While helping at the recruiting booth I met a couple returned Peace Corps volunteers (RPCVs).  I’m looking forward to comparing notes in the future. My parish had their annual summer ride festival the first Sunday I was back.  The rides impact parking and so the Sunday schedule was thrown off.  Today is “fellowship Sunday” – AKA coffee and donuts – so I will be going to my “normal mass” at 10:15.  I hope to see a number of friends there.   Last Sunday mass in Ghana First Sunday mass in Missouri Summer festival at my church I went to an early mass so parking would not be a problem last weekend. Doctor visits I’ve been busy making doctor appointments for this and that.  I’m scheduled for a session with respiratory therapy to learn how to clear my lungs on Monday.  I’m also going for another primary care visit to talk about other issues from Ghana – particularly shoulder and hip pai

On May 24 th I was notified that Peace Corps medical office decided that I should be medically evacuated as my cough was still lingering.  They figured that getting medical treatment at my home town would be the best way to address the situation.  I would have preferred to learn to clear my lungs and so be able to stay in Ghana until my desired close of service date of August 18 th .  However, I realize that no one really had all the facts and we were all just trying to make the best decision. I have 45 days to be medically cleared.  During this time Peace Corps will take care of the bills and I will officially remain a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV).  In a normal case I would be back on a plane to Ghana within 48 hours of my medical clearance.  However, as I have less than 90 days of service returning to site only to leave again would be very difficult on everyone.  So upon medical clearance I will complete service and become a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV). Saying a quick

View from a large cave on the groups of the monastery. Selfie in front of an arch.  I so need a hair cut I was at the Kristo Buase Benedictine Monastery from the 19 th to the 23 rd .  I spent the entire time on the monastery grounds relaxing and joining in with the prayers when my cough allowed.  It was very pleasant.  One minor disappointment was the limited time to be able to discuss things with the monks.  They hold to silence for most of the time as part of their practice.  I did have a nice chat for about an hour on Saturday with some of the monks and a nice shat on Sunday after mass with the priest. I highly recommend a short stay for those visiting Ghana.  There are also plenty of other sites in the area that come highly recommended.  More information is on their website: http://www.kristobuasemonastery.org/ The monastery was established in 1989 on about 400 acres.  The monastery is surrounded by sandstone outcroppings.  There are a number of arches, double arch

No word as of Wednesday from medical.  Peace Corps doctors said it was OK to go to the monastery for a short visit while I wait for the final test results and word of my diagnosis and planned treatment.  I will return to Accra on Monday or continue on to my site depending on what the doctors want.  I’m eager to get back to site and my work but also eager to get rid of this cough and other nagging though minor health issues. I’m hoping to use the time at the monastery as a spiritual retreat.  So I wrote this short post early and scheduled its posting in case I’m unable to post while at the monastery.  I hope to have pictures and something interesting to say next week.  Another reason to go the monastery is to see if a change in environment helps.  My cough got noticeably better at the COS conference and got a little worse once I spent a few days in Accra.  I hope to have some health answers and how this might impact my future health by my next post.  Until then I continue to r

View of  part of the resort for the COS conference This week I went to the Close of Service (COS) conference.  The conference was two full days with an evening arrival before for dinner and a morning departure after for breakfast.  The purpose of the conference was to let us know how to successfully complete service and to give suggestions on how to move back into the American lifestyle.  After two years of being in the remote villages the reverse culture shock can be difficult.  The meeting for was very good and informative.  It was also nice to see the whole group again. The conference was at a resort in the Volta region and it was very nice.  The rather modern resort was well maintained and by a river.  The food was good - fish every night.  I got to get in a swimming pool for the first time in Ghana.  All in all it was very different from the normal accommodations for a Peace Corps volunteer. While I was at the resort for only a few days my cough greatly improved and the