John's Next Step

Footlocker I started going through stuff in the basement this week.  I have a footlocker that my wife used to keep memories – baby things, yearbooks, pictures not in albums.  And I am looking to see what I can live without.  This is all part of downsizing.  I tell myself that I would like to reduce the number of physical possessions that I have to fit into my Prius.  The Prius can actually hold a lot of stuff, but I’m not sure if I will meet my goal or if it is feasible. Now, of course, I’m not saying that this is the best life for everyone.  Most people have deep roots and they are planted in a place with family and community relationships.  They are raising kids or have other family responsibilities.  They have a job or a social life that requires a certain amount of stuff.  This is all fine and good – great.  Stuff is needed. In my situation, being widowed with my children grown and independent, I have less need of things.  The fact that I don’t plan to be a stay at home gran

Elizabeth Grace was born on Thursday. Elizabeth Grace My second grandchild was born on Thursday – Elizabeth Grace.  Baby and mom are doing great.  Dad and big brother, my first grandchild, are also fine.   Mom and baby Dad and Aunt Sam with Lizzy Big brother Andy It was so very nice to be able to share the joyous occasion face to face with this new child.  The hospital was just down the street. Last time I was in Ghana for the delivery.  The first time I saw Andy face to face was when he was 7 months old.  I’ll miss Lizzy’s 7 month face along with her first and second birthday if I’m able to go serve in the Peace Corps this next time. Away from Family Being away from family and friends is one of the hardships of Peace Corps service.  In many ways you put your life on hold while the rest of the world continues on.  At least it can seem that way.  For many volunteers my age that means missing out on grandchildren and worrying about the health of a pa

112 days and I’m working on getting everything ready for my departure, presuming I get my legal clearance. Facebook group As I might have mentioned the Peace Corps Country Desk Officer (CDO) in Washington D.C. set up a Facebook group for people invited to serve in the Eastern Caribbean this year.  One of the functions of the Facebook group is for the people who might be training and working together to get to know each other.  It is also helpful to share questions, concerns, and solutions.  There are almost 40 people in the group counting the CDO. Legal clearance A member of the group recently posted a poll about who had or had not received legal clearance.  Seven people have reported being legally cleared.  I’m one of five reporting still waiting.  So I’m not alone in waiting … Legal clearance is a background check with fingerprints to check for legal actions and also a financial check.  Other than no longer having a job, not much has changed with me in the few years sinc