The (unconventional) Packing List

Looking back over the last (almost!) year I have been a Peace Corps volunteer, I realize that I have learned to live a heck of a lot simpler. Goodbye red wine and cheese..no, I wouldn’t consider Nica “queso” cheese. But, I have been very lucky to have had some excellent care packages sent along the way. Thank you everyone for thoughtfully taking the time to send me surprises and once in a blue moon a body bag of goodies to keep me going.

While this experience has yet to improve my staying in touch skills, know that your letters, emails and news of the new in life  absolutely make my days and sometimes weeks.

It is hard to imagine that the next group of business volunteers come May 9^th and somehow, I am now supposed to be one of the old and wise ones.

I think back on those last couple of months in the States and the frequent question of my Mom being, “well how many pairs of shoes are you going to take?”  I remember reading and re-reading the packing lists on other Peace Corps blogs reassuring me that I’m not camping for two years (at least not the entire time). I thought I would try to help out the incoming group with a list of the 15 things that I’m most grateful I brought (or eventually figured out I missed and had sent). It does sound a little ridiculous I’ll admit, but you have to remember you will be here for two years and need to be as happy as possible. These are unconventional suggestions and perhaps frivolous but made the cut:

1. Music, music, music.. without it I don’t know where I would be.
2. my Bunny. He is much more than a stuffed animal but I guess I will describe him as that to those that haven't had the pleasure to meet him.
3. French Press
4. Headlamp
5. Sriacha
6. Day pack (backpack)
7. Stuff for hobbies (jewelry making for me)
8. Spring roll wrappers and vermicelli noodles
9. Tea (chai, green, earl grey) and hot chocolate, damn is that 2 things?
10. Baby wipes when there is no water.
11. Spices (thyme, sage, powdered ginger, curry paste)
12. Face sunscreen. Get something that you like so that you will actually where it and age 5 instead of 10 years here.
13. Incense
14. Dr. Bronners all in one soap.. For everything.
15. Vegetable peeler