Saturday, November 8, 2008

Change of plans

To avoid explaining my current situation multiple times and creating multiple versions of it, I am pasting an email that I wrote to my fellow PCVs.



As many of you know, I have had some increasing trouble with my back over the past four weeks. I have had trouble in the past with my back and I was beginning to feel all too familiar sensations in my legs and back. ( A little background info: 3.5 years ago I herniated a disk while in Costa Rica. I had surgery went back to Costa ica and applied for the Peace Corps. Five months later, it herniated again. I had to
withdraw my PC application and have a second surgery. I went to graduate school instead of Peace Corps and was hernia free for about 3years). Last Friday I had an MRI and I was on medical hold in the capital waiting on the results to come back. On Tuesday the MRI results showed that the disk had herniated again. The neurosurgeon that I saw here seemed to think that waiting on an operations would be my best option, so it seemed like there was a possibility for me to stay. On Wednesday we sent a consult to Washington to see if I should be medically evacuated to see a doctor in the states or if they agreed with the doctor here in the DR. They replied on Thursday that it would be best for me to be medically separated. Yesterday I went to Batey 9 and gathered my things and said good bye to my community. Tomorrow
(Sunday) I will fly back to the States.

Needless to say things have been a crazy whirlwind and quite overwhelming. I still have not completely processed the fact that I have herniated this damn disk for the third time, let alone that I am leaving the DR and the Peace Corps. However, it is in many ways relieving to have a clear answer and to know that this is the best route for my longterm health. I am ready to fix this thing and be done with it!

I wanted you all to know what a priviledge, honor, and blast it has been to know you all and share these past 12 weeks with you. In addition to being terribly fun and delightful people, every one of you are also incredibly admirable and inspiring individuals. I am very sad that I am unable to continue with you. However, I feel quite positive and bright about what lies ahead and hopeful to find a way to serve that is fitting with my health. I am truly grateful for having this time in the Dominican Republic. I mean my Spanish, bachata, and merengue skills are at an all time high and I can make my own tostones and pollo. What else did I need to learn in the DR???

I hope to return for vacation within the next two years and I would love to see you all then!

Best of luck, hang in there, and keep up the good work!

Katie Massey


P.S. If anyone knows of fun job opportunities in the states, please let me know.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Officially PCVs

Pictures from our swearing in ceremony.