COS Conference

Last week I was in PP for K3's Close of Service(COS) Conference. For three days we learned about medical checkout procedures, forms that need to be filled out, transitioning back to the U.S. (which included everything from not breaking down and crying when you go to the grocery store to how to get a job using non-competitive eligibility), and seeing many PCV's for the last time. I'd have to say the most daunting part of it all was receiving my little kit to complete the required pooping in a cup medical procedure that all of us have to do in order to successfully check out. Just when I thought my life couldn't be any more grody, I have to poop in a cup, let it sit for a week and then travel to PP with it. Gross.

It felt great to make it to this huge milestone! We started out with 44 volunteers and we are down to 30 who will actually complete their service. Crazy, huh? The U.S. embassy had a 50th anniversary celebration for Peace Corps on my birthday, so all the volunteers went and we were showered with compliments from the ambassador, our country director and Kmai staff from the Department of Education. Despite some of the cheesy catchphrases that were tossed around, I always enjoy hearing praise for Peace Corps because I think it's an exemplary organization that bridges cultural understanding to all parts of the world. With all the budget cuts in the U.S. government, it's a shame that an organization as amazing as Peace Corps has fallen victim to these slashes, despite it's already pitiful annual budget of $400 million. Contrast that with the $150-250 million per day being spent in Iraq and it's enough to make your head spin.

Here are some pics from COS, including our group photo and a few from our COS pool party!