CoS Conference

...And then there were 37 (I am top right in orange shirt)

1 year and 11 months ago (almost as many as 4 scores and seven years), I started out on this marvelous, wacky, life-changing, experience along with 52 other individuals in PC Thailand Group 121. 23 months later, 37 individuals (soon to be 36) are still going it along with me. Our close of service (CoS) gave us the opportunity to take a moment and look down that long, steep path we've taken to get here and remember those we've lost along the way; to reflect on our experiences, successes and tribulations, give ourselves a little pat on the back (maybe reconcile some of our regrets) and look on to the future.

The whole CoS conference is something we hear about our whole service. It's a pretty big deal and feat to get to this point. After which, we can call ourself RPVC (Returned Peace Corps Volunteers--well, not quite yet). This year, it was also particularly extraordinary because our Country Director will also be ending his seven & 1/2 year service in as Country Director in Thailand.

Close of Service Conference was roughly 3-4 days spent by:

- Taking Thai Language Proficiency Exams (the last time we took this was almost 20 months ago--during which time I received an intermediate- mid rating but this time I scored advance-mid
-Listening and talking to RPCV's and working professionals in Thailand from various career paths (Foreign Service Officers, UN workers, NGO representatives, free-lancer, etc. )
- Eating a "thank you" PCV's Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by the Deputy Ambassador
- Sitting through sessions to reflect on our work in respective program areas and our lives as PCV's in general
- Talking about the necessary steps to leaving Thailand--writing a DoS (description of service), getting finances in order, reaching medical clearance, packing, leaving host communities (which, was all very odd to think about)
- Reminiscing and hanging out
- Talking about life after Peace Corps
- Toasting the Volunteers who've left us
- Attending a very sentimental "tying ribbon" ceremony in which we all had a chance to say something about our service here (along with Dr. John)
- Joining in on a final 'no-talent' talent show (to be honest, there's nothing but talent in this group!)


Reflecting back on the 3 & 1/2 days we spent during the CoS Conference, I'm filled with conflicting feelings of reverence for my time here and for the people I've come to know and love, accomplishment, some regret & guilt, melancholy, relief, apprehension for the future and and being altogether overwhelmed!

It's all a bit of a blur to me as I look to the future. As of now, I am unsure as to whether or not my career with eventually end up continuing here in SE Asia or if I will be Stateside/somewhere in-between for a while. My immediate plans include traveling to China, Japan, Bali, & India after I end my service at the beginning of April 2011. Then, off to the good old US of A for some catching up. Beyond that, I'm very much undecided. I keep reminding myself, I have to get to mile 26.2 of this marathon before I can begin to embark on a new race. Preparations are definitely in order but, it's hard to know now what life will bring beyond this. I've still got some loose ends to time up here! (ie: Daycare Project) Anyways, Life is unpredictable and maybe it's best not to know exactly what is to come...




Country Director, Dr. John gives an emotive speech


At the Deputy Ambassador's House about to enjoy a complimentary Thanksgiving Dinner


In front of the USA Embassy Grounds where the Deputy Ambassador resides


At Peace Corps HQ after our 3-day CoS Conference in Cha-am Thailand (near the Gulf of Thailand)


Not to ham it up but, I can't hide that I was pleasantly satisfied with my Language Proficiency Interview Results...maybe I could even do better!