Scott Davis Anderson

Day Thirty-Six

Yesterday evening I received email communication from the Peace Corps requesting some follow-up information.  This morning I spent some time faxing my First Aid/CPR Certifications and obtaining my undergraduate transcripts from Ohio University Registrars office.  Being on the road with limited coverage at times, I wanted to get everything taken care of quickly. I do not want to slow down the process any further.  Carl and I had just begun riding east when my telephone began ringing.  I tried to grab it from my handle bar bag to answer it, but was too late.  The area code read British Columbia, so I suspected it was from the Peace Corps office.  After listening to voicemail, it was confirmed and the woman on the other end of the line requested that I contact her as soon as possible.  I tried to call back, but was transfered into her voicemail.  I rode on with my phone at the ready, just in case she called back.  We rode on for another 20 or so miles when my phone rang again.  This time I was able to get to it in time to hear the voice of the placement officer on the other end.  She asked me a few questions and seemed to be preparing me for conditions associated with serving in in a remote location.  I assured her that I would be willing to adapt to my assignment.  She also asked me if I was willing to work in a specialized area within the Peace Corps involving Art Education.  I immediately broke into a giant smile.  I told her, how happy that question made me.  She went on to tell me that the assignment is set to depart for West Africa on June 2nd and that my invitation would be processed by the end of the day!  This means that my invitation should arrive at my permanent residence by the middle of next week!  This is perfect timing, because I am flying back to Columbus, Ohio on April 17th to attend some art exhibitions and will be able to fill out the paper work at that time.  Excellent!  

After hearing this good news, I rode with powerful legs as I felt the wind blow past.  The smile on my face could not be deterred as the 75 miles ticked by effortlessly.  I stopped when I found a turtle trying to cross the highway and helped him on his way.  Carl and I ended our ride when we arrived at a  marina campgrounds at the Lake Livingston Reservoir.  Since I am still unsure of which country I will be invited too, I can’t wait to get an internet connection so I can narrow down the possible countries I will be sent too.  Tonight I will go to bed with yet another smile as I dream of teaching art in West Africa.

Starting point: Hotel in Navasota, TX
Ending point: Marina Campgrounds at Lake Livingston Reservoir
Total miles on this day: 74.81
Total miles to date: 1869.86
Average MPH: 13.1
Max MPH: 33.3
Saddle time on this day: 5:40:10
Saddle time to date: 175:57:23