a Special Peace Corps Family and Friends Event in Washington, DC. I received this invitation by email today. It has significance because I attended one in April, after I had applied, and near the end of the session, they called up Nominees and gave them their invitations, right there, in front of God and everyone. Gulp! If I can remember correctly, invitations were given out to Peace Corps Volunteers who were scheduled to leave in as few as six weeks, and as many as eight to twelve. By my estimation, I am within this window of consideration.
What shall I do? I’ve always imagined receiving my Invitation to Serve in the mail, coming inside the house, and opening it, in private. I’ve imagined a night of endless phone calls to my family and friends…phone calls to the point of exhaustion.
I could stick to this plan. Or I could attend the event, flanked by friends who are excited to see me embark on this adventure. I imagine a couple of scenarios. One scenario, is I am not given an Invitation to Serve, and I receive endless ribbing from my friends for getting them to drive to downtown DC, during rush hour, to watch people they don’t know, receive their Invitations. Another scenario, is I do receive my Invitation to Serve, and I am unhappy with the placement and/or departure time frame. I’m unhappy, and I’m standing there, with 150 pairs of eyes looking at me, and with my best poker face [for those who know me, my poker face is pretty transparent], I attempt to conceal disappointment. And finally, I imagine standing there, in front of God and everyone, receiving my Invitation to Serve, with tears in my eyes and joy in my heart.
What shall I do?
Midlife Awakening 
I say go!!! I too attended that event in April and was jealous of those receiving their invites and secretly wished that I was the one standing on that stage. Well, I’m planning to attend the event and I’m scheduled to leave mid-Feb, what a great birthday/Christmas present it will be. Your scenarios are all too real but how awesome it would be to receive you invitation in such a way.
Zuri, thank you for your heartfelt comment!! I’m considering my options… š
Go! What have you really got to lose? If you go and get your invitation, whether you are happy with your placement or not, chances are no one will really be paying attention to you that closely other than your friends that have come to celebrate with you personally. and you’ll tell them if you’re disappointed anyway! And if you don’t get an invitation that night, it could be a great opportunity to meet people who have at least one thing in common with you.
Hannah, when did you become such a grown-up? You’re right! How egocentric of me to think everyone would be looking at me for my reaction!@# Honestly, I’m more worried about being overcome with emotion and crying like a little girlie girl!!
OMG I can’t believe they just handed people invitations!! That is crazy!! I was thinking about going to this event to but my schedule isn’t really perfect for it, I would have to rush.. but I would die if I got my invite that way!! I’m not sure!! Let me know what you do! š
It was kind of surreal and I’m sure even more so for the nominees!! I will let you know what I decide to do! If we decide to go, let’s talk beforehand!!!
You will find yourself doing what you want to do.