The Peace Corps

Even with all of my school loans, car payment, and credit card debt, I know that I have a pretty awesome life. I live in the beautiful rocky mountains and work for a company that allows me to ski for free anytime I want. I have my health, a working car, and a loving family. Knowing all of these things, all I can think about lately (before the earthquake in Haiti) is helping people in 3rd world countries.

I have been looking into some new options that I could do in the near future. One thing I have always wanted to do is volunteer my time in Africa by helping build a school or help educate children. A friend of mine that I went to high school with started working for a company called Come Let's Dance. She was building orphanages in Uganda for several years and loved every minute of it.

I started looking into the Peace Corps. After looking at their website and researching my options, I stumbled across a section titled, "Who Volunteers?" On this page, there is an area that says, "Between careers? Unsatisfied with your job? Ready for something truly different?...See the world, and give something back while you're at it?" This is exactly where I am in my life.

There are a lot of really awesome benefits as well. My studen loans would be deferred, medical and dental care, and the most important part, I would get to live in the same environment that the local people are living in. This is truly the opportunity of a lifetime!

Here are the issues: I have a dog and the Peace Corps requires you to live overseas for 27 months. The application process takes anywhere from 9-12 months, almost a year of waiting, so planning ahead isn't an option. I have credit card debt and other bills that I wouldn't be able to pay while away.

I'm kind of in a pickle with this one. It's the perfect time in my life to do this, but there are too many other things that are holding me back.

I need a sponsor. Who's up for it? I take cash or check!