To be Continued...

I haven't received any news yet, but I have an inkling to blog. Since I had last made an entry, I've spoken to a few Peace Corp Volunteers I had the privilege of meeting during my short time in Niger.

To be absolutely honest, I felt a little heart ache thinking I was in Niger and returned. If I said otherwise, I would be lying. But it makes the urge, or internal encouragement, really strong to be part of the Peace Corp. You may ask why I want to be a Peace Corp Volunteer so badly...well, I'll try to summarize.

I've been in the animal/veterinary field for more than 10 years. I've worked as a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), adoption counselor/euthanasia technician, kennel attendant, to name a few. I've been present and worked on abuse/neglect cases. I've helped people reunite with their pets. I've been there when their dog has been hit by a car and requires emergency surgery. And I've been there when pet owners have to make the decision to allow their beloved companion to pass on.

I cannot imagine a better use for my degree, knowledge, and love of learning then to help those in need while simultaneously representing my country. The ultimate expression of learning is by passing on your knowledge to others. As a Peace Corp Volunteer, I would be able to help people better their food source through demonstrating and encouraging different ways to keep their herd (or flocks) healthy. Herd (or flock) health is maintained, for example, through vaccination, animal hygiene, and proper nutrition. I realize with working in a third world country maybe one out of the three can be pursued. But if I can help create a cleaner, healthier food source, to any degree, isn't it worth. Of course! How that would be achieved would depend on observations and evaluations once in country and could not be determined with all of the book studying in the world. The Peace Corp offers the best method...hands on, culture assimilation.

I've sent my letter to the regional manager, hopefully my next entry will be a positive one, discussion on the next step for the Peace Corp application.

Take care and God bless...