Category: Uncategorized

Some questions. Some answers.

by Kirby P., posted in Uncategorized

There’s a certain lustre and mystique that surrounds Peace Corps. At least, it seems that way when people find out that I’m departing for Peace Corps service next Tuesday. With several recent conversations in mind, I would like to answer some questions that have come up frequently.

Where are you going?
– I’ll be going to Swaziland.

Where is that?
– It’s in southern Africa.

So, you’re going to South Africa?
– No. Swaziland is a sovereign nation. It borders South Africa (and Mozambique), but it is separate.

Oh, Swaziland! That’s the little country that’s inside of South Africa?
– No. You’re probably thinking of Lesotho, another sovereign nation in southern Africa.

So, what exactly will you be doing?
– I’m not sure. It will be something related to youth.

Where will you be living?
– I know that I’ll be in Swaziland. Aside from that, I haven’t a clue.

So, you’re not going to have electricity and running water?
– Those things definitely aren’t guaranteed, and I’m okay with that.

What about internet?
– Internet is available, but it is not as fast and widespread as in the US. As such, internet based communications might be slower.

Why Peace Corps?
– Short answer. Why not? Longer answer. I believe in community, collaboration and creative problem solving. There is a certain “can-do” attitude of many returned Peace Corps volunteers that resonates heavily with me.

Why Swaziland?
– The Peace Corps sends volunteers where they are needed (and requested). I made myself available for anywhere in the world. It was decided that I could be of service in Swaziland.

What do your family and friends think about all of this?
– Most of my family and friends are very supportive. Those who are less than supportive respect my autonomy in my own life.

What are you doing with all of your stuff?
– I have packed two pieces of checked luggage, a backpack to carry on, and a messenger bag as my personal item. Everything else has been sold, donated, gifted, thrown away, used/consumed or otherwise disposed of.

Are you going to be able to come back?
– During service, volunteers are allowed to return to the US at their own expense. In short, this is an option though, I’m not sure how viable it is at this time.

How long are you going to be in Swaziland?
– Peace Corps is a 27 month commitment.

What are you going to do after Peace Corps?
– I’m not sure.

How can I keep in contact with you?
– I will attempt to update this blog with some degree of frequency. I will also have a phone, and hopefully, some data (internet). Let me know if you would like my new number. My email will remain the same. Texting will be best using WhatsApp (Android and iOS). Phone calls may be available for limited amounts of time.

Can I send you fan mail, care packages, postcards, etc.?
– Absolutely! All mail should be sent to

Kirby P. Riley, PCV
US Peace Corps
PO Box 2797
Mbabane H100
Swaziland, AFRICA

Please notice the emphasis on AFRICA. This is important as mail can end up in Switzerland. And we just wouldn’t want that to happen. Additionally, please write some sort of Christian sayings or scriptures (“God loves you.”) on any packages to help them get to me. Please don’t send anything that breathes, spoils, or leaks. Lastly, use USPS (cheapest option available – i.e., no expedited/express/etc.) when sending packages because everything takes between 2-10 weeks to get from the US to Swaziland.

What language do they speak?
– Swaziland has two official languages, English and sis-Swati.

Will you be learning sis-Swati?
– Yes.

What are you most excited about?
– This is a new experience with new people. The possibilities are endless. That excites me.

What are you most nervous about?
– My immediate nervousness stems from making sure I’m fully packed and don’t forget something important. Generally, I’m nervous about completely uprooting my life to move to an unfamiliar place.

Onward.

Less than ten days to go!

by Kirby P., posted in Uncategorized

There are officially less than ten days before I begin my Peace Corps service. With a little over a week left, it’s surreal.

I have (finally) packed my first piece of checked luggage. I am in the final stages of moving out of my home for past 6+ years. I made the decision that I will be getting rid of anything that is not going with me. There is nothing like a major move to be a reminder that I have entirely too much stuff. It feels great to be letting go of so much as I prepare for the next chapter in my life. 

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Bag one. ✔

I have begun to share farewells with friends. I will be going to my final (for a while) November Project DC workouts this week. I will also be hosting a farewell happy hour hangout on Friday. Feel free to come workout and/or hang if you’re in the DC area.

I have been told that the next week will fly. I am excited for whatever the future holds.

Onward.

Where I’m going, and what I’ll be doing

by Kirby P., posted in Uncategorized

I am excited to be serving as a Youth Development (Peace Corps) volunteer in Swaziland starting in June 2016. You may be wondering where Swaziland is, why I’m going to Swaziland, and what I’ll be doing during my time there.

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Swaziland is a small country in southern Africa that shares borders with South Africa and Mozambique. Swaziland is the only absolute monarchy in the southern hemisphere, and the only remaining monarchy on the African continent. The population hovers around one million people, and is about the size of New Jersey (a northeastern US state). While official government business is conducted in English, Swazi people also speak sis-Swati.

The Peace Corps application process gives an opportunity to state preferences of where you are placed and what area you will focus on. As a social worker, I decided that I would be the most competitive in the Youth Development sector. I stated preferences for Mongolia, Swaziland, and anywhere in the world. The rest is history.

As far as what I will be doing during my service, I am not sure. I know that I will be joining a group of about 40 people from all over the US to start Peace Corps training, which will be in Swaziland. I will be learning more about the assignment(s) as time goes on.

Onward.

I’m going to Swaziland! – How I got here

by Kirby P., posted in Uncategorized

Welcome to my blog, where I hope to share my experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer over the next couple of years. I would like to start with my timeline.

  • Completed application. (April 13th, 2015)
  • Placed under consideration for Armenia, leaving in March 2016. (April 14th, 2015)
  • Changed availability date, due to my brother’s wedding being scheduled in April 2016. (April 22nd, 2015)
  • Withdrew application. (April 23rd, 2015)
  • Completed (second) application. (May 1st, 2015)
  • Placed under consideration for Swaziland, leaving in June 2016. (June 9th, 2015)
  • Interview request. (June 19th, 2015)
  • Interview. (July 7th, 2015)
  • Invitation to Swaziland. (September 1st, 2015)
  • Legal clearance packet sent, to receive legal clearance. (September 11th, 2015)
  • Legal clearance packet returned to Peace Corps office. (November 13th, 2015)
  • Comprehensive medical tasks assigned for me to complete, to receive medical clearance. (November 27th, 2015)
  • Uploaded last medical clearance task. (February 2nd, 2016)
  • Medically cleared, including dental clearance. (March 23rd, 2016)
  • Travel booked to Philadelphia, PA for staging event. (May 17th, 2016)

I am currently clearing out my home of the past six years and packing up. I’m super excited!

Onward.