And I am off. . . .

Well Three weeks left. I have my plane ticket, I have quit my job, and my travel itinerary. Scary to think that I am really leaving. I mean, I have always wanted this, and I know I would be devestated if I didn't get to do this, but the reality is totally sinking in. Before I got my ticket, it was like surreal. Like I would never get to this place that I am at now. But here I am. I still feel like I have a million things to do, a million people to see. My room still needs to be cleaned out (forever the procrastinator) and the more I think about packing, the more I don't want to take. Such limited amount of space to pack. I feel crazy thinking about it! I am a big box of emotions too. Sometimes I want to cry, because, no matter what, two years is a LONG time to go without seeing one's family. And I worry about things happening to my family when I am gone. And what everyone is going to look like. . . okay, I am sure everyone will be the same, but still. Then I worry about whether this is real or not. Like I am going to get to DC and they will be like. . . hahahaha, just joking. I have constantly been reasured that this is not likely to happen, but since I have waited for so long, it seems like it could happen.
On the other hand, I am so excited. I can' wait to meet all the new people, and actually see what the people I have chatted with on-line really look like. . . .hmmmm. I so can't wait till I get to Kenya too. Everything I have heard about it, makes it seem so exciting. All the animals, the history, the people, everything. I can't wait.
On a side note, I am so excited, because next week (already?) I am going to one of my best friends college graduations. Another BFF from high school will be comming in from florida. I am so excited to see them. I am so proud of everything they have accomplished and am very much looking forward to seeing them (and hanging out with) them again.
Then the next week my sister gets married. I can't believe it. . . hopefully she won't have any kids till I get back (sorry mom, you will have to wait for grandkids:)
So much going on.

The List

Okay, I decided to post a "rough draft" of my packing list. . . not quite the PC list, but my list. Any sugesstions, gifts, or otherwise would be very helpful.

Clothes
2 nylon slips
1 nice dress
4-5 long skirts
3 tee shirts
4 button down shirts
2 pairs of jeans (hoping to get the chance to wear them)
2 pairs of nice sandals (Teva/Chaco type)
15-20 pairs undies
8 bras
1 sweat shirt
1 rain coat
2 pairs of socks
1 pair of sneakers
1 pair PJ bottoms
1 pair shorts
1 pair of nice dress shoes
1 baseball cap
1 visor
2 bathing suits

Hygene and Personal Care
Tampons
3 month supply of hair prouducts
soap
sunscreen
lotion
toothbrushes
toothpaste
dental floss
mouthwash
deoderant
comb
hair ties
3 nail clip
nail file
nail polish (okay, not necessary, but I NEED it for my sainity)
razor
Chapstick (tons)
solar shower (just to be on the safe side)

Entertainment
CD player
CD's
shortwave radio
8 or so of my absolute favorite books
deck of cards
art stuff (paints, brushes, paper)
2 cameras and film
2 journals
tent (for camping)

Other stuff
sleeping bag
favorite blanket
2 fitted full size sheets
favorite pillow with case
sleeping pad
1 nalgene bottle
1 camelback
potato peeler
1 nice knife
2 non stick pans
spices (including red chili powder)
mesuring spoons and cups
leatherman
bateries
head lamp
flashlight
2-3 pair sunglasses (I lose them so quickly)
duct tape
ziplock bags
herbs and vitamins
alarm clock
address book
US stamps
towels
fleece
money belt
prepaid credit card
debit card from us account
seeds
herbal remedy first aid kit (if I can get it together in time)
gifts for host family
salt and pepper in grinder
calender
poster or two
tape recorder and cassets (good to help learn the language and send home)world map
map of africa
map of us
english dictionary and thesarus
stickers (for the kiddies)
scissors?


I hope that is everything. . . I also hope this is equal to or less than my eighty pound limit. But than again this is my "Rough Draft"

Strange Dreams

They're back. All of those strange dreams I was getting when I first accepted my invitation are back. Mostly they are dreams where I forget things or luggage or packing altogether. Last night I had this dream where I went into this room and had to change into a bathing suit and while I was changing I realised that I forgot to pack and bring my luggage. I think that the dreams are stressing me out more than anything else. . . Five weeks...breathe...five weeks...breathe.

Waiting: Life of a Peace Corps Volunteer

I can't believe that I have only One month and One week left until I leave for Kenya. It seems so surreal. I have put in my two weeks notice at work, however, it doesn't seem as though I will ever leave :) In a way time seems to go by so quickly, yet so slowly. I feel like I have a million things to do, and at the same time I have nothing to do but wait. It doesn't seem that it is humanly possible to carry around so many contradictions. I have all these worries, all these fears, and I feel as though I am powerless to fix them. I just have to wait until I leave. Wait. Wait. I swear, I am writing a book when I get back. I believe I will call it Waiting: Life of a Peace Corps Volunteer. I feel bad too, because, I want to spend time with all of my family and friends and all that, but life has me so stressed out right now that I just want to sleep and veg out in front of the television. There are so many people I need to call, but as I say every week, "I'll do it on my day off".

Packing list

Here is my official PC packing list. . .for those of you asking if i need anything. I am quite surprised that i have aquired so much. how this is going to fit in my suitcase and how it is going to be under 80lbs, is beyond me. if anyone has any packing ideas let me know. anyway to the packing list. . .



Packing List Suggestions

Astrix (*) means you can find these things in country. However, they may not be good quality, selection or they may just be really expensive. So, if you are particular about something (you can only use Pantene extra body conditioner), bring lots! If you are not particular or are poor (you are volunteers, we understand), know it is not the end of the world. Take a deep breath. Do what you can. Remember, you are not going to an uninhabited island. You will have everything you NEED to make it through your Peace Corps service in country. ( I have put a ~ by the things I have)

Necessities
Tampons * ~
Water bottles (2 recommended-Nalgene) or camelback ~
Batteries (rechargable are a good idea)* ~
A nice dressy outfit for first week dinner with officials ~
Headlamp with batteries and replacement bulb
Bathing suits (2-your size may change while here)~
Glasses/sunglasses (2 pair)~
English dictionary ~
Nice comfortable shoes (think nice sandals, Tevas, Chacos)~
Professional clothing in breathable fabrics ~
Good bras (tons!)~
Good underwear (they have these in country, but quality is poor)~
Good pair of tennis shoes~
Nice flip-flops*~
Pictures from home~
Camera and film (lots!)*~
Duct tape
Sweater, sweatshirt or long-sleeve shirt~
Medium book bag (for 3-4 day trips)
Toiletries for three months (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, razors)*~
Hairbrush or comb~
Three month supply of prescription drugs~
Watch
Portable alarm clock*~
Leatherman or swiss army knife
Towel (travel/camping ones work well because they dry quickly)~

Not necessary but useful for some volunteers (not all, don’t go buy all of this)
Shortwave radio*~
Wall calendar*~
Solar showers~
Cookbooks (Better Homes and Garden, Fanny Farmer, Joy of Cooking, CD rom cookbook, ethnic or vegetarian cookbooks that use natural, non-processed ingredients)~
Favorite recipes~
Adaptor (if bringing electrical appliances)
CDs or tapes (lots! You will be listening to them for two years)~
CD player and/or tape player (portable with speakers or small "Walmart" battery operated one*)
Tupperware*
Ziploc bags~
Raincoat/pancho~
Travel/Camping towels~
Money belt~
U.S. stamps (can easily be sent to you by mail)
Beauty products/ pampering things for de-stressing (if you use them)*~
Money (in large denominations, $50, $100, traveller’s cheques, Euros)
Your favorite pillow (if you’re picky about that)*~
Spices/spice packets*~
Good exercise pants~
Linen/ cotton clothing (you can find linen and cotton here and get clothing made)*~
Measuring cups/spoons (a must if you bake or cook)~
Tea tree oil (great antiseptic for those skin infections and mosquito bites!)
Catalogue of clothing (to show to tailor to get copies made)~
Good pens (if they are important to you, bics are available)*~
Bandanas*~
Games
Sports bras~
Pepper/ pepper grinder*
Good flashlight*
Seeds (spices, veggies, etc.- can be purchased here or sent later also)*~
Wet wipes~

Education Specific (also not necessary, just suggestions)
Art supplies (markers*, crayons, paints, construction paper, rubber cement, etc.)~
Children’s books
World map/ map of Africa (can get free from AAA if member)
Calculator*~
Stapler*
Appointment book*
CD books (there are computers at work stations and in some schools; they are smaller than books, packable, and can be useful, ie encyclopaedias, journals, etc.)
Stickers (can be easily sent here, too)~
Blank cassettes (for making listening comprehensions)
Tape player/ recorder

Gift Ideas for Host Families (not necessary, can be bought here, too)
Coloring books
Dollar store stuff (tacky is good here!)
Candy*
Pocket knives
T-shirts
Flashlights*
Karate/ Action movies on VCD (not regular DVD!)*
UNO

Don’t Bring
Too many books (all classics in country)
Short skirts (above the knee)
Too many shorts (can only be worn indoors or when exercising)
Too many white clothes (they turn brown)
Tight clothes (culturally inappropriate)
Spaghetti strap tops (unless used as PJs)
Too many socks (1-2 pairs)
Over the counter medication (Tylenol, allergy meds, eye drops, etc provided by PC)
Too many electrical appliances (you may not have electricity)
Mosquito repellant (provided by PC)

Family letter

Okay here is the Family letter that everyone gets to read. . . I stole it from steve, who stole it from misty. I am kinda sad and feel left out because i haven't recieved it yet :( I guess that is because I just recently recieved dental clearance. I hope. I guess when it takes one year from nomination to invite, one (myself) becomes scared that they are going to take this away from me. anyway the letter

March 2005

Dear Families,

Greetings from the Kenya Desk in Washington, D.C. It is with great pleasure that we welcome your family member to Peace Corps. During the past year we have received many requests from Volunteers and family members alike regarding travel plans, sending money, relaying messages and mail, etc. As we are unable to involve ourselves in the personal arrangements of Volunteers, we would like to offer you advice and assistance in advance by providing specific examples of situations and how we suggest they be handled.

Irregular Communication
The mail service in Kenya is not as efficient as the U.S. Postal Service. Thus, it is important to be patient. It can take three to four weeks for mail coming from Kenya to arrive in the United States via the Kenyan postal system. From a Volunteer's post, mail might take 1-2 months to reach the United States. Sometimes mail is hand carried to the States by a traveler and then mailed through the US postal system. This leg of the trip can take another several weeks, as it is also dependent on the frequency of travelers to the U.S.
We suggest that in your first letters, you ask your Volunteer family member to give an estimate of how long it takes for him/her to receive your letters and then try to establish a predictable pattern of how often you will write to each other. We would also like to suggest that you consider the use of "aerograms," generally a blue sheet of paper which folds into an envelope. These are available in most stationary stores or at post offices. Volunteers have had good success in receiving their mail in this form. Also, try numbering your letters so that the Volunteer knows if he/she has missed one. Postcards should be sent in envelopes--otherwise they may be found on the wall of the local post office!Volunteers often enjoy telling their "war" stories when they write home. Letters might describe recent illnesses, lack of good food, isolation, etc. While the subject matter is good reading material, it is often misinterpreted on the home front. Please do not assume that if your family member has been ill that he or she has been unattended. Peace Corps has a doctor and two physician's assistants on staff in Nairobi. Through regular contact, they monitor the health of the Volunteers. In the event of a serious illness, the Volunteer comes to Nairobi and is cared for by our medical staff. If the Volunteer requires medical care that is not available in Kenya, he/she will be medically evacuated to South Africa or the United States, depending on the medical care required. Fortunately, these are rare circumstances.
If, for some reason, your communication pattern is broken and you do not hear from your family member for three months, you should contact the Office of Special Services (OSS) at Peace Corps Washington at 1-800-424-8580, extension 1470. OSS will then contact the Peace Corps Director and ask her/him to check up on the Volunteer. Also, in the case of an emergency at home (death in the family, sudden illness, etc.), please do not hesitate to call OSS or our weekend and off hours Duty Officer (202) 638-2574 immediately so that the Volunteer will be informed as soon as possible.

Telephone Calls
The telephone system in Kenya is relatively good. Service to the United States is somewhat reliable, phones exist in most larger towns and Volunteers can often plan to be at a phone on a certain date to receive calls from home. This usually works, but there are also innumerable factors that can make the best-laid plans fall apart.The Kenya Desk communicates the Peace Corps office in Nairobi daily. However, these calls are reserved for business only and we cannot relay personal messages over the phone. All communication between family members and the Volunteer must be done via international mail.

Sending mail during Pre Service Training(PST)

your name, Peace Corps Trainee
P.O. Box 30518
Nairobi, Kenya

Sending packages
Both parents and Volunteers like to send and receive care packages through the mail. Unfortunately, sending packages can be a frustrating experience for all involved due to the possible theft and heavy customs taxes. You may want to try to send inexpensive items through the mail, but there is no guarantee that these items will arrive. We do not recommend, however, that costly items be sent through the mail. Even though Volunteers choose to get local post office boxes, you may use the following address to send letters to your family member at any time during his or her service:

John Doe, PCVU.S. Peace Corps
P.O. Box 30518Village Market, 00621
Nairobi, Kenya

We recommend that packages be sent in padded envelopes if possible, as boxes tend to be taxed more frequently. Custom fees can be quite expensive. For lightweight but important items (e.g. airline tickets), several services, such as DHL, FedEx, TNT, and UPS operate in Kenya. These services however, are very expensive, and can cost as much as $70 for a letter. If you do choose to send items through them, you must address the package to the Country Director, c/o Peace Corps, Nairobi, Kenya. (The street address of the Peace Corps office in Nairobi is: Grivellia Groove, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya). If you send the item to the Country Director, no liability can be assumed.Sending airplane tickets and/or cash is not recommended. Certain airlines will allow you to buy a pre-paid ticket in the States; they will telex their Nairobi office to have the ticket ready. Unfortunately, this system is not always reliable. Several European carriers fly to Kenya. Please call the airline of your choice for more information. You could also send tickets via mail services as mentioned previously. However, Peace Corps will assume no liability in the event of a lost/stolen airline ticket.Trying to send cash or checks is very risky and is discouraged. If your Volunteer family member requests money from you, it is his/her responsibility to arrange for its receipt. There is Western Union service available in Nairobi, although there are many charges involved in the sending and exchange of money. Bear in mind that Volunteers will be aware of people visiting the States and can request that they call the Volunteers' families when they arrive in the States should airline tickets or cash need to be sent back to Kenya.We hope this information is helpful to you during the time your family member is serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kenya. We understand how frustrating communication difficulties can be when your family member is overseas. and we appreciate your using this information as a guide.
Please feel free to contact us at the Kenya Desk in Washington, D.C. if you have any further questions. Our phone number is 1-800-424-8580, ext. 2324/2323 or locally, 202-692-2324/202-692-2302