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Blog, Peace Corps / Monday, January 23rd, 2017

I sent a message to a railroad company the other day to see if I could get an idea about the number of and frequency of trains in a particular area. I got a response as from a customer service representative saying they forwarded my request to the appropriate person . They ended their email with, “Welcome back to the States!”

When I saw that, I did a quick double take followed by a brief racking for my brain to understand why they would say that. Then it dawned on me, I have had in my email signature my name, followed by “Returned Peace Corps Volunteer.” They must has seen that and assumed I was recently returned. I’m not. Quite far from it. Over four years back.

But does four years back make me no longer a RPCV? I don’t think so. I think you’re a Peace Corps Volunteer for life. It sticks with you in the best of ways. It guides your path and shapes your purpose. It’s not a decision to be made lightly. I’ve talked to a few people who have come sidered it because they’re having trouble finding work. To those people, it’s a job opportunity. Those people don’t feel it in their hearts, they might by the end of it, but I still don’t think that’s a reason your should go. I committed for life from the very beginning.

I wouldn’t consider faulting anyone for not knowing that, but I do like to point it out when. I can. 

Either way, I’m glad to be back, let me tell you about life there…

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