Third Year

Little did we know back in 2008, when Giorgianna and I took this picture, that it would be fairly symbolic of our lives in 2011. We had no idea we would still be in Peru in 2011! Despite the fact Giorgianna and I are very different individuals, she has been my closest Volunteer and friend during my three years of service. We were placed near each other in Tumbes, moved down to Ica together and now we share an office at the Peace Corps Office (pictured here). I cannot imagine completing my service with a different “New Best Friend” (as we called our site mates in training). Thanks Giorgi! Here’s to three great years and many laughs and tears. Additionally, staying a third year as the Peace Corps Volunteer Coordinator for the Water and Sanitation Program has been a pleasure. My role consisted of working at the office with the Director, Jorge, and our Program Assistant, Pilar, to support Volunteers in the field and to strengthen the program. My responsibilities included calling Volunteers to offer technical, emotional and cultural support, planning and coordinating training events throughout the year for Volunteers, proofreading and editing project proposals for grants, reading and compiling triannual reports that Volunteers turn in, monitoring the WatSan program through compiling statistics, visiting each of the 36 WatSan Volunteers in site to see current projects, discuss future projects and talk to their counterparts, and whatever else needed to be done. The responsibilities of the job helped me define and discover what my passions are and have helped me create my plans for life post Peace Corps. Surprisingly, my third year of service was the most difficult for me, but through the support of outstanding friends (you know who you are—thank you!), the year has been an overall delight, and I am very glad to have stayed for an additional year in Peru and an additional year in Peace Corps!