Over the summer of 2021, I continued working on Spanish with Duo, but our relationship was flagging. I would be happy to learn Spanish if I was certain it would get me to the PC; I would do any kind of immersion or intensive that it took. I would travel to another country for month or two for intensive language classes. But plugging away with Duo for something that may or may not get me where I wanted to go, and where there might be other options… well, my heart wasn’t in it. It wasn’t his fault (my Duo is a guy). He is cute, cheerful, encouraging, and always available, but my heart just wasn’t in it.

Panama?

In July, there was a posting for Ag in Panama, which lead to clarifying that language ability had to be demonstrated at the time of application, not departure. This information did not encourage my Spanish acquisition efforts.

In the meantime, I gardened and the ducks grew up…

Uganda?

I knew that I still had a chance with The Gambia or Uganda, so did occasionally look at the PC website for new openings. On August 7, I checked, again… and there was an agribusiness specialist posting for Uganda! Not only was it agriculture, it included some personal finance elements, one of my other interests! I applied immediately. This time no email for the medical questionnaire; the one I had completed in the spring was still valid.

In the meantime, I hiked with friends…

A Relationship Ends

In September, I hit my 500-day streak with Duo and I ended our relationship. It took him a while to realize it was over. For a while he emailed me and messaged me daily, then less often. He even asked me for more money. No, it was over, I was moving on.

Uganda? – Take Two

In October, I received an email from Peace Corps placement they were unable to identify any upcoming programs that matched my expressed interests and medical support needs. The message included an offer of several positions in education or HIV prevention. I was starting to think I should do HIV awareness and prevention, even though my heart wasn’t totally in it. At least I would go somewhere and HIV prevention could be interesting work. But, Uganda was not on the list of countries they provided so I went back to medical to confirm that Uganda is on my list – yes, it is. A few more emails got placement and medical on the same page and I received confirmation was under consideration for agribusiness in Uganda.

In the meantime, I harvested…

Top photo is my squash harvest, which was exceptional this year. Because someone will ask, the white acorn squash are called “Mashed Potato” and described as “highly prolific,” which they were!