John's Next Step

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