"Fingers Crossed"

The Office of Medical Services messaged me this afternoon:

Rick,

It looks like you will be able to serve in Madagascar.  The Medical Officers there would like for you to be aware that they may not be supportive of you doing extensive travel far distances from your work site as they will not have medical capabilities to provide care in remote areas. 

Please send a statement to acknowledge that your travel may be limited.

Thanks,
Lisa

My Response:

I am 100% fine with whatever restrictions they need to place on me. My main hope is the opportunity to serve and am happy to do so in whatever capacity the powers that be, deem necessary. I also release the Peace Corps from any responsibly regarding my health.

Personally, I am surprised as I am extremely fit. I have lived off-grid for the last 18 months and just yesterday returned from my off-grid cabin where there is 6 feet or more of snow that I need to snowshoe in and out of 3 miles each way pulling a sled with 40 pounds of supplies. There is also an elevation gain of about 1000 feet. While up there I spent the better part of the day shoveling 4 feet of snow off the roofs of the buildings I constructed over the course of the last year.

But yes, I absolutely support the Peace Corps to utilize and restrict me in any way they see fit. And will do so gladly.

Thank You,
Rick Porter

And a follow-up thank you note:

Just a note to thank you Lisa. I have heard so many people who have difficulty getting through this process, some of which don't make it through for a multitude of reasons. Often people such as you are our only contact with the process.

I wanted to thank you. And likely I would still want to thank you even if I was rejected - here's why. I can tell by a few small comments that I am working with a person who really does care. I am sure you can't say much but some of your human touch still shows. For example - just recently you closed your instructions with "fingers crossed". You have no idea how much that small phase meant to me. I knew you cared. You likely understand what the process costs us and how often our future and hopes are so tied to making it through.

Thank You again for your doing what I can only imagine is a less than appreciated job. But I appreciate you. You have been nothing but professional and have shown a sense of humanity in this process with me.

Rick