On my way, or a brief history of the application process

What a whirlwind - already. The shiny blue packet of excellence (more commonly known as the invitation kit) arrived last Wednesday, just over eight months after my nomination. I promptly tore it open to discover my assignment:

Municipal and Community Development departing July 7th, 2010

Apparently the Nigerien government was completely centralized until about four years ago, so now that there are established municipalities, they need help creating/running non-profit-y type organizations to better meet the needs of community members. Basically government services. And clearly this is excellent for me, given my non-profitiness.

So I am simultaneously thrilled and scared to death. I completed my visa and government passport applications this weekend, though was slightly irked when my mom laughed at my visa photos. Who cares if I'm smirking?

Here, for Peace Corps Applicants of Tomorrow - or other interested parties who wish to be wowed by my patience and vigilance - is my application timeline:

mid-August 2009: submitted online application
August 24, 2009: interview with recruiter at Chicago office. I'm qualified for a few things and am asked to complete skill addenda for health extension, youth development (please God. No!), and business advising. Also instructed to take CLEP French exam to determine if I am proficient enough for west Africa.
Circa September 6th: Passed French proficiency test
September 15, 2009: Nominated for Business Advising in Francophone Africa for July 2010
October 15, 2009: Submitted medical paperwork
December 12, 2009: Medically cleared
March 5, 2010: Legally cleared
First week of May 2010: Am informed, following an email to the placement office, that my file is in preliminary review!
May 14, 2010: Phone call with Placement Officer. Given my non-profit background, she'd like to move me to NGO advising. Delightful, I say!
May 19, 2010: Invitation received via FedEx
May 20,2010: Accepted invitation
May 24, 2010: Emailed aspiration statement and resume to Niger Country Desk.