Here is a comprehensive list of every singe blog post I’ve ever written. Happy Reading!
Peace Corps Applicaiton Timeline
If anyone is curious, this is the timeline of my application process. I was pretty lucky and didn’t face too many difficulties both on the interview/qualification and the medical front! August 27, 2007: Began Application September 8, 2007: Submitted Application September 24, 2007: Interview October 4, 2007: Nomination Sub-Sahara Africa,…
Mailing me stuff? Please read!
Below is the mail suggestions provided by the Peace Corps office. I have also heard that packages marked by red ink, religious writing (draw crosses, write Bible verses and address me as Soeur or Sister), and insurance increase the likelihood of arrival. The insurance is just a few dollars and…
What the heck does Wendy need?
I don’t NEED anything, but some things are good to have for various reasons. M&Ms (peanut & peanut butter) Chinese ramen & other Asian snacks Non-perishable foods (candy! or any dry goods from Trader Joe’s!) Raisins, jell-o packets, peanut butter (Skippy Extra Chunky), fruit Mentos, trail mix… Gatorade, Crystal Light…
Cross-Cultural Experience
My Peace Corps application essay on cross-culture experience. Submitted in September, 2007. Cross-Cultural Experience In July 1998, at age 11, I waved goodbye to my family and all familiarities of life. I grew up in Taiwan where children fantasized over an idealized America: Disney cartoons, life without uniforms and a…
Motivation Statement
The following is the essay that accompanied my application. Motivation Statement The Peace Corps has always intrigued me immensely. Over the past year, I have spent many hours researching the organization and gaining an understanding via many Peace Corps Volunteers’ blogs. With each heart-warming story, my passion for the program…
Peace Corps Packing List
Finally, I had the time to compile my own packing list. This is a culmination of the official list and suggestions from other volunteers. If you are a family member or friend who is planning on buying me a graduation/going-away present, feel free to get ideas from my Amazon wish…
random thoughts of preparation…
Just had an incredibly intense conversation online with a friend, on the topic of injustice, human rights, and the poor. My mind is still buzzing with thoughts; throat began hurting this evening, I sincerely hope I am not getting sick. That would be the end of my life (not literally)….
If you plan to visit, please read!
1. Planning. If you do not already have a passport, obtain a passport application and application instructions from a post office or your travel agent. To apply for a passport, you will need the completed application with two passport photos (with your signature on the back of each photo) and…
Three Weeks!
It is 3am. I have 3 days until I am officially a college graduate, although technically I concluded my undergraduate education at exactly 11:47am, May 12, 2008. I also have three weeks until I embark on an amazing journey to Cameroon! Today I became slightly overwhelmed with all the things…
Hawaii Before Africa
I have graduated from college. Those four years went by quickly and is living proof that the next 27 months will go by at an even faster speed. ‘Tis a good thing. Regardless how difficult things may be over the next 27 months, I simply need to think of how…
Those Hips Don’t Lie
In two weeks, I will be either on my way onto the African soil, or already there. That is absolutely nuts. I’m quite tired from the traveling, but wanted to jot down a few observations. • Today the family went to the Polynesian tour and I learned that the Samoa…
Long Locks – Gone.
This afternoon, I had coffee with Jess, had lunch with Dr. C, had a pedicure with Jess (Chris said, “you will be the only person with pedicured toes in Africa), and had 8 inches of my hair cut off. It is official. The last time I had hair that short…
Book List
Madame de Lafayette: La Princesse de Clèves Le Barbier de Séville – Beaumarchais Le Cid – Corneille Phédre – Racine The Shadow of the Sun – Kapuscinski Snow Flower and the Secret Fan – Lisa See Suite Française – Iréne Némirovsky 一行禪師說佛陀故事 – 一行禪師 The Book of Mev – Chmiel…
Here Goes Nothing!
This is what moving to Cameroon for two years looks like: My bags are packed. I am ready to go. The above luggages weigh less than 100 lbs. Those are both the check-in bags and carry-ons. I still was on the over-packing side, brining more books than necessary. This afternoon,…
The Malaria Diet
Our time in Philly is wrapping up! Tomorrow morning, we all go to the clinic to get shots and then off to the airport for a very long journey to Cameroon. We’ll fly 7ish hours to Paris, 8ish hours to Douala, then another 50 min. to the capital. It sounds…