Info for Future PCVs

We recently met a number of future Peace Corps volunteers and told them about this blog.  First, congratulations!  We are insanely jealous that your adventure is just beginning.  Please click around the blog as much as you want-- but here are some links and information you will find most helpful as you prepare for your Peace Corps assignment.

Packing List #3 (with commentary)
Packing List #2 (with commentary)
Original Packing List Post
These lists may be a little outdated since Sierra Leone has fiber-optic internet cables running across the country and 3G service in many areas. Take the technology bits with a grain of salt.  When it comes to other areas, just know that we were living in a tropical country with a rainy season and a dry season, electricity only from generators and solar/wind projects at our site, and with a teaching assignment.  You will of course want to adjust your own packing list according to your own situation.

Care Package Wish List:
Here are some things that we asked for in care packages early on in our service. If you have family or friends asking what to send you, this list may help you out. Note that we were math/science educators and that for different jobs, different things might be nice to have. Also please tell your family/friends about flat-rate boxes, which ship internationally at the same (expensive) rate no matter how many cans of Skyline chili are inside!

• Candy/treats that won’t melt in heat (Must be well sealed- the post office has rats)
• Dried fruit
• Non-perishable food items (Skyline chili and fruit pie fillings, for example)
• Instant hand sanitizer
• Water flavor packets such as Propel or Crystal Light
• Plastic playing cards, other small games
• Printed photos from home (friends/family, buildings such as houses and schools, big events such as weddings, snow—We get a LOT of questions about basic aspects of home- what does a school look like, what does your house look like, what the heck is snow, etc. So any photos you have of relevance would be appreciated.)
• USA, Ohio, and World maps (laminated would be awesome but we know that’s tough. A lot of people we meet here don’t really know where the US is, let alone individual states and cities)
• Math/science teaching aids (things like a multiplication table poster, PEMDAS poster, periodic table, flash cards)

On Feminine Hygiene:

In our packing list we talked about the Diva Cup which Lara used for her whole 2 years of service.  There are actually a lot of options that she wasn't aware of when we left for Peace Corps, so here's a quick run-down:

• Tampons/pads in country: they are available, but in Sierra Leone in 2012 you had to buy tampons in cities (which for us would mean taking up space in our backpack or luggage and carrying a few months worth of tampons home each time) also, the trash situation in many countries is different from the US, as in, you burn your own trash in your backyard when it piles up.  A lot of PCVs noted that kids would dig through their trash looking for interesting things. I think you may see where I'm going from here.  If you are interested in looking into non-disposable options, see below.  
• The Diva Cup: This is a soft, silicone cup that you put in much like an OB tampon (no applicator, just place it-- this takes a little practice).  It can stay in all day, won't leak if you have it in right, and can be emptied and put right back.  You wash it with mild soap periodically and can re-use it for 1-2 years.  As we mentioned, Lara had a Diva Cup and loved it.
• Luna Pads: Lara just discovered these-- they're reusable fabric pads that can be washed with your laundry. If you are looking for a reusable option that you don't have to learn how to "install", this looks promising.  
• Thinx:  We've seen these advertised on Facebook but we know very little about them. This is "period underwear".  If you decide to buy these, we would recommend having twice as many as you think you need, as many clothes stretch out with hand-washing and line drying.
• Talking to your medical officer about continuous contraception: This is something Lara didn't do until returning from Peace Corps.  She now takes a 21-day pill pack of hormonal contraception and does not have a period.  We don't know if your PCMO (Peace Corps Medical Officer) will be on board, but it never hurts to ask. 
• More info on reusable options for your period can be found here.