Have you ever waited for something for weeks or months? A letter of acceptance from your first choice college, a call for an interview at a dream job, and so on…

I have a job right after graduation: to serve as a Peace Corps Community Health Volunteer in Cambodia for 27 months. However, my actual departure for work depends on my medical clearance. This is something I have been waiting for since the end of February.

To those who are unfamiliar with Peace Corps:

“The Peace Corps is a volunteer program run by the United States government. Peace Corps’ work includes providing technical assistance, helping people outside the United States to understand American culture, and helping Americans to understand the cultures of other countries.”

I was accepted as a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) since December 2016. My departure date is July 14th, 2017.

Today is June 19th, which means I have less than a month to pack my life away for 27 months, defer my loans, figure out my payment plans, say goodbye to people, etc.

Since I don’t know if I will receive my medical clearance or not, I can’t start packing or start looking for other jobs.

If I start packing and purchasing things I may need for my time in Cambodia, it would be a waste if I don’t end up going. If I start looking for jobs in the US, I may lose time that I could be spending with my family if I ended up receiving my medical clearence.

Not receiving medical clearance would make me sad, but I would try to move on right away. Receiving medical clearance means I can start preparing for my departure. Either option would be fine with me.

It’s just that this “unknown” stage of “Will I receive clearance or not?” is the most frustrating part for me because I feel like my life is paused. I feel even more stressed because I don’t know where my life is headed.

I started to look for silver linings, and I found a few. Whether I’ll leave in July or not, I would still become busy through the Peace Corps job or looking for jobs. This is my time to relax, unwind, read some books, catch up with friends, and spend time with my loved ones. This is truly the first break I’ve had from school since I started kindergarten, and I have now planned to make the best out of it.

To those stragglers out there like me, don’t lose faith! I personally believe that things will fall into place and work out for the best. That one thing you really want? It will come if you’re meant to have it.

Meanwhile… embrace the unknown and try to see the silver lining! 🙂