I will learn more about the wireless pager access in Kenya. Erikson advised me to buy a cheap phone, that the hearies folk use, and use text. I will find out more later. But I will be canceling my good faithful Blackberry by October 1, 2012.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Technologies
I guess these are the only three technologies I would be taking with me to Kenya -- my new Macbook Pro (yeah I got a Macbook), my Nikon camera and several card games...
I will learn more about the wireless pager access in Kenya. Erikson advised me to buy a cheap phone, that the hearies folk use, and use text. I will find out more later. But I will be canceling my good faithful Blackberry by October 1, 2012.
I will learn more about the wireless pager access in Kenya. Erikson advised me to buy a cheap phone, that the hearies folk use, and use text. I will find out more later. But I will be canceling my good faithful Blackberry by October 1, 2012.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Preparations
Note: Now we are caught up with my journal, and at this point and on, it will be “current” to the date of the post.
I have to complete passport and visa paperwork. Went out to have my passport photos taken. I already have my current passport but there is a different version (“no-fee passport”) that I am required to have.
Fortunately, Peace Corps covers all the costs.
I also will need to have Yellow Fever vaccine shot, which I scheduled for August 1, 2012.
I am working on yet another resume (the version that are more current and more relevant for the country desk) and aspirations document (to introduce myself to the country).
There are several other paperwork and tasks I will need to do.
I will defer packing and stuff to September, but I did buy like 5 or 6 different playing cards (Uno, Phase 10, etc.) ha.
There are quite a bit of reading materials included in the invitation packet that I will need to read and re-read.
Now that we are all caught up with the timeline, I promise I will try to start putting in vlogs and more photographs.
I have to complete passport and visa paperwork. Went out to have my passport photos taken. I already have my current passport but there is a different version (“no-fee passport”) that I am required to have.
Fortunately, Peace Corps covers all the costs.
I also will need to have Yellow Fever vaccine shot, which I scheduled for August 1, 2012.
I am working on yet another resume (the version that are more current and more relevant for the country desk) and aspirations document (to introduce myself to the country).
There are several other paperwork and tasks I will need to do.
I will defer packing and stuff to September, but I did buy like 5 or 6 different playing cards (Uno, Phase 10, etc.) ha.
There are quite a bit of reading materials included in the invitation packet that I will need to read and re-read.
Now that we are all caught up with the timeline, I promise I will try to start putting in vlogs and more photographs.
Acceptance
Note: This post is for June 24, 2012.
After some soul searching, discussions with my family and close friends, I decided that it is going to be a wonderful adventure for me.
Some of us, including myself, will have hard time dealing with my absence for such a long time, but we all know, at the end, we will say “wow time sure did fly past us so fast”.
So I submitted the official Peace Corps acceptance statement:
Wish me well. Thank you all for your support and encouragement.
After some soul searching, discussions with my family and close friends, I decided that it is going to be a wonderful adventure for me.
Some of us, including myself, will have hard time dealing with my absence for such a long time, but we all know, at the end, we will say “wow time sure did fly past us so fast”.
So I submitted the official Peace Corps acceptance statement:
I, Jay Krieger, am accepting my invitation to serve as a Mathematics Teacher Peace Corps Volunteer in Kenya, departing October 1, 2012.
I hereby certify that I have read the Volunteer Assignment Description, Online Welcome Book, Core Expectations, and Pre-departure Safety and Security Information included in the invitation packet and agree to abide by the policies therein.
Wish me well. Thank you all for your support and encouragement.
Invitation Packet
Note: This post is for June 18, 2012
My daughter Amanda paged me stating that my invitation packet arrived via UPS. She was willing to hand-deliver it to me at Camp Willard, bless her heart.
In it, there were my assignment information, along with yet bunch of forms and tasks that I have to do, jeez. When will it ever end?
In any case, it stated that I will be going to Kenya with a departure date of October 1, 2012. I will be actually flying into Kenya on the 3rd after staging somewhere. My training will be October 3, 2012 through December 14, 2012. My service will run from December 15, 2012 through December 14 2014.
I must respond with my acceptance or denial within 7 days.
My heart went MIA. This is for real. My mind almost ceased to function. I started to talk with my family and close friends. I got mixed messages from them as reality hit them. So I decided not to do anything until I finish my work with Camp Willard.
My daughter Amanda paged me stating that my invitation packet arrived via UPS. She was willing to hand-deliver it to me at Camp Willard, bless her heart.
In it, there were my assignment information, along with yet bunch of forms and tasks that I have to do, jeez. When will it ever end?In any case, it stated that I will be going to Kenya with a departure date of October 1, 2012. I will be actually flying into Kenya on the 3rd after staging somewhere. My training will be October 3, 2012 through December 14, 2012. My service will run from December 15, 2012 through December 14 2014.
I must respond with my acceptance or denial within 7 days.
My heart went MIA. This is for real. My mind almost ceased to function. I started to talk with my family and close friends. I got mixed messages from them as reality hit them. So I decided not to do anything until I finish my work with Camp Willard.
Program Identified!
Note: This post is for June 13, 2012
The placement office emailed me stating that they found a placement for me. But the information was very cryptic. They simply said:
So, it’ll be in Africa after all. I have no idea which country. I was working at Camp Willard, so of course it rattled my head all day and night.
The placement office emailed me stating that they found a placement for me. But the information was very cryptic. They simply said:
“I wanted to let you know that I have identified a program for you and have issued you an invitation. Relevant details such as country name, job description, and departure date will be within the invitation kit; it will arrive via UPS typically within 10 business days and to the address we have on file. Once you've received your invitation packet and have had an opportunity to review its contents, feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
I can offer the general information that your invitation is for an early October departure to Sub-Saharan Africa for a math teaching position in a deaf education program.”
So, it’ll be in Africa after all. I have no idea which country. I was working at Camp Willard, so of course it rattled my head all day and night.
Placement!
Note: This post is for May 18, 2012
After I completed everything required of me during the nomination phase, I waited many months. There were many moments where I have told myself, and others, that I started to reconsider this whole thing. I have told my family and others that maybe I would not really go, and that I would just continue with this process and see how far it would take me.
But I received an email from the Placement Office informing me that I have moved into the next and last phase of the application process. It is through this office that they determine if they can find a country who would be interested in me.
Note that the Peace Corps DOES NOT actively seek out countries to place me, but rather, wait “passively” for those countries to request volunteers, then they match them with the volunteers who have made this far in the application process.
Anyway, the placement office issued yet more essay-like (but a light one this time) questions for me to answer. I promptly submitted my responses, and they said I will need to wait until they find a placement for me.
It is at this point of the process, the fourth phase, where the Peace Corps got every information they could squeeze out of me. It took 9 months for us to reach at this point
Medical/Dental/Vision/Legal
Note: This post is for December 13, 2011.
There were so many appointments I made in such a short time frame. I had to make several appointments with my doctor, labs, dentist, vision, etc. There were many forms to complete by me, and by the doctors. The Peace Corps are VERY strict about accurately completing them.
It was unfortunate that I do not have my immunization records with me nor with my current doctor because I moved several times (NY, PA, DC, NY, IL, IN). My records did not keep up pace with me. So I was required to take “titer” blood tests to test my immunity against so many diseases. I had my arms pierced several times, and bloods drawn for like 7 test tubes.
I had to have full panorama x-rays taken of my teeth and examined by a dentist too.
Unfortunately I am uninsured; I paid for them out of my pocket. The Peace Corps reimbursed me only at a small but fixed amount.
It took me almost a month to square this stuff away.
There were so many appointments I made in such a short time frame. I had to make several appointments with my doctor, labs, dentist, vision, etc. There were many forms to complete by me, and by the doctors. The Peace Corps are VERY strict about accurately completing them.
It was unfortunate that I do not have my immunization records with me nor with my current doctor because I moved several times (NY, PA, DC, NY, IL, IN). My records did not keep up pace with me. So I was required to take “titer” blood tests to test my immunity against so many diseases. I had my arms pierced several times, and bloods drawn for like 7 test tubes.
I had to have full panorama x-rays taken of my teeth and examined by a dentist too.
Unfortunately I am uninsured; I paid for them out of my pocket. The Peace Corps reimbursed me only at a small but fixed amount.
It took me almost a month to square this stuff away.
Nomination!
Note: This post is for November 7, 2011
After responding to the recruiter’s follow up questions (yet more essay-like responses), I was left waiting for several weeks until I received a nomination notice from my recruiter. It was an honor to be considered by the Peace Corps, and at the same time, I felt thrilled to have made it that far. It is at this phase where Peace Corps screen out thousands of applicants to nominate the remaining applicants to proceed to the next phase.
The recruiter nominated me to the Peace Corps Headquarters in Washington D.C., that I be considered as a secondary education math teacher to serve in a country in the Sub-Saharan Africa, with a tentative departure date of July 2012.
I asked the recruiter why he considered me as a math teacher especially when I am not even a teacher. He said that he believed with my experience working with deaf children and with my list of skills, he wants me in the education school system, and I can figure my way through. Alright, I will do just that!
The Interview
Note: This post is for October 18, 2011
I was thrilled to make the trip to Chicago. Fortunately, my dear dad (Francis Oshman) was staying with me for a couple of weeks helping me renovate my kitchen. He was happy to travel to Chicago with me, and wait for me while I have my interview.
He also drove up for me while I reviewed my notes to prepare for the interview. I swapped into my suit in the open when we parked my car in the underground garage.
He also drove up for me while I reviewed my notes to prepare for the interview. I swapped into my suit in the open when we parked my car in the underground garage.
The interview with the recruiter went quite well, about 90 minutes. I enjoyed talking with my recruiter and he put me at ease and laughed at my dry jokes and all that.
Of course I simply cannot leave Chicago without either eating at Portillo’s or Giordano’s Pizza. We settled on the thick stuffed pizza from Giordano’s Pizza, and I drove home sleepily with full stomach.
Request to Interview!
Note: This post is for September 27, 2011
After several days of responding to the recruiter’s information requests, and some time waiting, I finally got a formal request for an interview with the recruiter! The recruiter is located right center of Chicago Downtown.
However, the date was set for October 18, 2011. So that means I have weeks of thinking and preparing, and pitching myself to remind me that this is getting real!
Peace Corps Recruiter
Note: This post is for September 9, 2011
Once the application was submitted, it must have been good enough to catch the Peace Corps recruiter’s attention. He asked me to complete even more paperwork that narrates my skill sets.
A frequent rapport took place between the office of the recruiter and myself over several days to get everything together.
It is amazing as to how far and deep they questioned you. They asked for quite detailed and personal information.
Once the application was submitted, it must have been good enough to catch the Peace Corps recruiter’s attention. He asked me to complete even more paperwork that narrates my skill sets.
A frequent rapport took place between the office of the recruiter and myself over several days to get everything together.
It is amazing as to how far and deep they questioned you. They asked for quite detailed and personal information.
Experiences of Cultural Differences I could share with the Peace Corps
Note: This post is for September 4, 2011. This is the second essay I submitted to the Peace Corps along with my application.
Although I am a white male, the dominant race and gender in America, I am also Deaf. I come from three generations of Deaf families, and I produced yet a fourth generation of deaf daughters (2 of 3). Being Deaf, I naturally was raised in the Deaf Culture, and used its language – American Sign Language -- all my life. My youngest daughter can hear, so she is a minority within my family, but is a member of the majority of America.
So, with that being said, I have experienced natural culture clashes, as well as intentional and unintentional oppression. With this life-long experience, I have learned there are numerous parallels to our struggle among different cultures and/or languages within America and around the world. Once languages and cultures clash, behaviors such as fear, ignorance, superiority, and oppression are typical and to be expected. Furthermore, there is a typical misconception that the Deaf individual is not whole, incapable of achieving great things, not able to live their lives equally as productive and tax-paying citizens. Oftentimes, when the Deaf person, especially in a second or third world country, is alone, isolated, or within a very small group of Deaf individuals, they may regrettably be led by the greater majority into this false belief that these misconceptions are true, and live their lives accordingly.
By living my life as a minority within the majority, I have learned to facilitate, educate, and help people overcome these issues. Their paths can be crossed, bridges can be built, and mutual respect for one another can be attainable. Often this may involve presenting workshops, sign language and culture classes, fellowship, and other means.
Using my inner respect and sensitivity for others, regardless of whom they are or where they are from, I was able to navigate through obstacles. I was able to elevate myself in all my places of employment to those positions that involve management, group dynamics, and teamwork. Although I am often the only Deaf person in each of these jobs, the language and culture barriers were quickly overcome by introducing the “Deaf person” and its language and culture to them with sensitivity, respect, and understanding.
So, it is important for the Deaf persons, especially from those developing countries, to finally see another Deaf and empowered Deaf role model. Slowly, but surely, they will free themselves from the bonds of their false beliefs and oppression. They shall awaken from within themselves and learn of vast opportunities within their reaches. As a Peace Corps Volunteer, I am confident I could be that Deaf role model.
Although I am a white male, the dominant race and gender in America, I am also Deaf. I come from three generations of Deaf families, and I produced yet a fourth generation of deaf daughters (2 of 3). Being Deaf, I naturally was raised in the Deaf Culture, and used its language – American Sign Language -- all my life. My youngest daughter can hear, so she is a minority within my family, but is a member of the majority of America.
So, with that being said, I have experienced natural culture clashes, as well as intentional and unintentional oppression. With this life-long experience, I have learned there are numerous parallels to our struggle among different cultures and/or languages within America and around the world. Once languages and cultures clash, behaviors such as fear, ignorance, superiority, and oppression are typical and to be expected. Furthermore, there is a typical misconception that the Deaf individual is not whole, incapable of achieving great things, not able to live their lives equally as productive and tax-paying citizens. Oftentimes, when the Deaf person, especially in a second or third world country, is alone, isolated, or within a very small group of Deaf individuals, they may regrettably be led by the greater majority into this false belief that these misconceptions are true, and live their lives accordingly.
By living my life as a minority within the majority, I have learned to facilitate, educate, and help people overcome these issues. Their paths can be crossed, bridges can be built, and mutual respect for one another can be attainable. Often this may involve presenting workshops, sign language and culture classes, fellowship, and other means.
Using my inner respect and sensitivity for others, regardless of whom they are or where they are from, I was able to navigate through obstacles. I was able to elevate myself in all my places of employment to those positions that involve management, group dynamics, and teamwork. Although I am often the only Deaf person in each of these jobs, the language and culture barriers were quickly overcome by introducing the “Deaf person” and its language and culture to them with sensitivity, respect, and understanding.
So, it is important for the Deaf persons, especially from those developing countries, to finally see another Deaf and empowered Deaf role model. Slowly, but surely, they will free themselves from the bonds of their false beliefs and oppression. They shall awaken from within themselves and learn of vast opportunities within their reaches. As a Peace Corps Volunteer, I am confident I could be that Deaf role model.
This Quote Says It All!
I found this quote from a returned Peace Corps Volunteer which pretty much explains why I am doing this...
I travel because I like to explore, I explore because I like to learn, I learn because I like to understand.
--- Patrick Burns, RPCV Moldova
I travel because I like to explore, I explore because I like to learn, I learn because I like to understand.
--- Patrick Burns, RPCV Moldova
Why did I want to join the Peace Corps?
Note: This post is for September 4, 2011.
The following was the first essay I submitted to the Peace Corps along with my application...
As a Deaf individual, I was fortunate to navigate my life choices and experience amazing personal growth and accomplishments. By being independent, resourceful, and sensitive toward others, I was able to manage various life challenges thrown at me and conquer most of them. I attended three different universities, and completed my Bachelor’s degree during evening study while raising my family. In all places of employment I have worked at, I attracted successful working groups that trust and enjoy working with each other, and as a result, produced fantastic outcomes.
During the past ten years, I served as the Director of Technology for the Indiana School for the Deaf and as a Deaf Advocate within the local Deaf Community. I have developed quite vast network of people from other Deaf schools and communities across the nation. Chairing several national-level Deaf School technology conferences, elite national-level Deaf School Prep tournaments have given me opportunities to work with many different people from all over the nation. As the result, I have developed the trust and fellowship both from the Deaf communities and the general public surrounding them across America.
I have this urging passion to extend that asset and my warm heart beyond our borders and spread that into the Deaf communities around the globe. Furthermore, I would love to bridge Deaf communities across borders and help emerge an increased sense of global friendship and good-will that would last a lifetime.
By serving as a volunteer for the Peace Corps, it could give me a golden opportunity to “pay it forward”. The world could use people, hopefully like me, who can conduct themselves as good role models and instill into other Deaf peoples a sense of pride, self-esteem, self-worth and other attainable lifetime goals. Additionally, this endeavor, I believe, falls in line quite well with several of the Peace Corps’ expectations; namely (1) the commitment in improving the quality of life of the Deaf community I would live and work with, (2) development of local trust and confidence instilled among these people, and (3) enhances the spirit of cooperation, mutual learning and respect, both from within these communities and between them and America and other countries around the world.
A wandering young philosopher Christopher McCandless (Into the Wild) once quoted right before he perished in the Alaskan frontier: “Happiness is real only when it is shared”. I expand that further by believing that accomplishments and successes are real only when they are shared.
The following was the first essay I submitted to the Peace Corps along with my application...
As a Deaf individual, I was fortunate to navigate my life choices and experience amazing personal growth and accomplishments. By being independent, resourceful, and sensitive toward others, I was able to manage various life challenges thrown at me and conquer most of them. I attended three different universities, and completed my Bachelor’s degree during evening study while raising my family. In all places of employment I have worked at, I attracted successful working groups that trust and enjoy working with each other, and as a result, produced fantastic outcomes.
During the past ten years, I served as the Director of Technology for the Indiana School for the Deaf and as a Deaf Advocate within the local Deaf Community. I have developed quite vast network of people from other Deaf schools and communities across the nation. Chairing several national-level Deaf School technology conferences, elite national-level Deaf School Prep tournaments have given me opportunities to work with many different people from all over the nation. As the result, I have developed the trust and fellowship both from the Deaf communities and the general public surrounding them across America.
I have this urging passion to extend that asset and my warm heart beyond our borders and spread that into the Deaf communities around the globe. Furthermore, I would love to bridge Deaf communities across borders and help emerge an increased sense of global friendship and good-will that would last a lifetime.
By serving as a volunteer for the Peace Corps, it could give me a golden opportunity to “pay it forward”. The world could use people, hopefully like me, who can conduct themselves as good role models and instill into other Deaf peoples a sense of pride, self-esteem, self-worth and other attainable lifetime goals. Additionally, this endeavor, I believe, falls in line quite well with several of the Peace Corps’ expectations; namely (1) the commitment in improving the quality of life of the Deaf community I would live and work with, (2) development of local trust and confidence instilled among these people, and (3) enhances the spirit of cooperation, mutual learning and respect, both from within these communities and between them and America and other countries around the world.
A wandering young philosopher Christopher McCandless (Into the Wild) once quoted right before he perished in the Alaskan frontier: “Happiness is real only when it is shared”. I expand that further by believing that accomplishments and successes are real only when they are shared.
Lengthy Application Process
Note: This post is for September 4, 2011
 |
| A Criminal? |
The application process was very lengthy. Although you can do the initial application online, the resulting PDF file containing the completed application contained 36 pages. They include so much information that include information you find on your resume, skill sets, education, financial status, martial status, legal questions, and of course health-related questions.
They also require references, and those who I chose to speak for me need to complete questions on me online, confidentially of course.
There are four “phases” or “stages” in the application process. (1) The initial application phase, which I just described above; (2) the interview phase with a recruiter; (3) the nomination phase; (4) and lastly the placement phase.
Making the Leap
Note: This post is for August 29, 2011 when I decided to apply for the Peace Corps, after I was laid off from the Indiana Deaf School after nearly 11 years of service. I am creating this blog to "journalize" my experiences that I would like to share with you, my dear readers and viewers.
It is now at this junction of my life where I reflect on the past accomplishments of my life and of those around me, where I am at now, and how I would like to continue on into the future.
I have had this itch of travelling the world for a long time. I was not sure how to do that when I am unemployed.
My daughter, Sami, applied for the City Year, a part of AmeriCorps. She was accepted into the program, but she later changed her mind, but that is another story.
Anyway, that gave me some ideas so I researched the AmeriCorps hoping that I could work in some National Park such as Yosemite or other places. I love the national parks, and the outdoors, and I would not mind help build trails or something. But unfortunately AmeriCorps take in volunteers aged between 18 through 24.
So, naturally, I jumped over to the Peace Corps and researched them. They take in any volunteers aged 18 and up. They even had one volunteer that was 80 years old. So one thing after another, I decided to take the plunge and went to the Peace Corps web site and opened an account and started the application process.
When I told this to my family, they were excited for me and at the same time, naturally, I sensed some surprise and slight shock from them. I guess it was very early and everything was rosy.
My Journal
Now that I am officially going to Kenya Africa this October 1st, and I will be overseas for 27 months. The first three months will be in-country pre-service training, and the remaining 24 months will be actual service.
I realized maybe I should start journalizing my experiences. I tend to vlog and now that I photograph, I wanted to share my experiences with you, my dear viewers. Secondly, I wanted to document my journey as much as I can, because as most of you who know me well, I tend to forget them.
So for the next few posts, they will be written posts, but eventually I hope to mix them up with further writing, vlogs and photography.
For your convenience, you can follow my journal by subscribing to the email distribution list (on your right column). The system will email my subscribers once each night all posts that I made during the day.
Of course, when I am in-country, I do not know yet whether I am accessible, nor that I will be near the ‘net, so the frequency of my posts may vary.
Your comments are welcome, as long as they are relevant, and pleasant.
I realized maybe I should start journalizing my experiences. I tend to vlog and now that I photograph, I wanted to share my experiences with you, my dear viewers. Secondly, I wanted to document my journey as much as I can, because as most of you who know me well, I tend to forget them.
So for the next few posts, they will be written posts, but eventually I hope to mix them up with further writing, vlogs and photography.
For your convenience, you can follow my journal by subscribing to the email distribution list (on your right column). The system will email my subscribers once each night all posts that I made during the day.
Of course, when I am in-country, I do not know yet whether I am accessible, nor that I will be near the ‘net, so the frequency of my posts may vary.
Your comments are welcome, as long as they are relevant, and pleasant.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)