To Serve is divine...and expensive.

As all of my friends, and most of my Sorors, know I am preparing to leave for the Peace Corps soon. Service has played a huge role in my life, heck, its practically been my life.
When I was growing up, my mother was involved in the NAACP and her sorority, the most Honorable Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc, which I, too am a member of. We volunteered with churches, ministries of help, and even various marches and walks to raise money for great causes. When I went to college I couldn't seem to stop, not that I would want to, and now I am preparing to make the amazing leap into PC service.

Needless to say, I am so excited to be leaving. I can only imagine the impact this will have on the lives of those I get to help, but man! I can just see the impact it will have on my life. I feel like dancing just thinking about it! The only thing concerning me now is getting my medical appointments completed (*cough cough* money *cough cough*) and my dental work done (**COUGH** even more *cough* money!) For anyone planning to ever go to the Peace Corps, or live for that matter, please have health insurance that actually covers the costs.
I have had to put off my service time for the last two years because, as a working student, I was too poor to afford any health or dental care, and boy am I suffering for it now. My friend has even advised me to find a "Sugar Daddy"......yeah....I've considered it (I bet my mother would appreciate that! LOL!)

If you are interested here are some words of wisdom:
1. Save as much money as you can so that you will be able to afford trips home or abroad.
2. Save money so that when you return you won't just be relying on the $6,000 or so they give you to help you adjust.
3. Start collecting needful things for your trip (books, sheets...popcorn (you never know))
4. Start working on your dental and medical stuff before you are ever off of your parents or the state's insurance plan, because once you are off, you're on your own. And
5. Just Save Money. Find out about Money Market Accounts and COD's and get crackin'.

If you are priveleged to receive a stipend, allowance, or have wealthy parents, still save. Its your future you're preparing for, not theirs, when it comes down to it.

I pray you much ease in your future plans. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Paz,

PurexZample