Ukulele

Hello Guest blogger Diana is writing this for Amy today. Amy has taken her Ukulele with her and had a request for me to pass on. When you write her a letter, which I am sure all of you will be doing, please include Ukulele or Guitar Songs that you like, or think she should learn to play. Amy can play songs with chords or Tabs. You can find lots of songs on the internet.

All my bags are packed; I'm ready to go

Tomorrow morning I leave my house at 5:am to go to the Seatac airport. My flight leaves at 8:30am and from there I'm off to staging. By mid-day Sunday I will be in Malawi starting off on the adventure of a lifetime. To say that I'm excited/nervous doesn't quite cover it. I am feeling every emotion you might imagine wrapped up in an awe of disbelief. We'll see what this adventure holds but I can only imagine how wonderful of an experience it will be.

To all of my friends and family, I would not be doing this if not for your constant support. You all mean more to me than I could ever explain.

Next time you hear from me I will have completed eight weeks of intensive language and job training.

For once, I'm at a loss for what to say out of shear anticipated exhaustion. Please write me letters and keep me updated on what is happening in your life. If you are feeling generous, send me candy (gummy things and chocolate, the darker the better). Also, send me pictures of you or us. I want to know how you are because I miss you already.

Amy Cross PCT
Peace Corps
P.O. Box 208
Lilongwe, Malawi
Africa

A Post for Packing

I'm losing energy on the packing front. Last week, packing was the most calculated/planned escapade I had ever embarked on; that being said, it has turned into this...

In other news, here is am mostly complete and deeply unorganized list of everything I am bringing:

• Glasses (2)
• Ukulele strings (2)
• Floss (5)
• Toothbrush (5)
• Chapstick (2)
• Hair-cutting scissors
• Comb
• Wind-up clock
• capo
• Swiss armyknife
• headbands (2)
• Calendar
• Inhaler
• Harmonica
• ork gloves
• books
• 3 Musketeers
• Hitchhikers Guide to the Galexy
• Pride and Prejudice
• The Bible
• Peter Pan
• Postcards for gifts (4)
• Stationary (some)
• Titanium spork
• Netbook
• External harddrive
• headlamp
• sleeping bag
• gortex poncho
• Inflatable Pillow
• solar charger
• ipod
• knitting needles (2)
• HIking boots
• chacos
• dressyshoes
• sneakers
• ukulele tuner
• tape measure
• cards (2)
• solar charger accessories
• mug
• tent
• sheets (full)
• sewing kit
• jewelry (cheap)
• hair pins
• kite
• toothpaste
• fishing line (to teach kids how to make kites)
• deoderant
• Colored pencils (presents)
• spices (Rosmar, Basil, Cumin, cayan pepper)
• Creole seasoning
• nutella
• chicken bullion
• underwear (23)
• seeds (11)
• mouthwash
• Shampoo/Conditioner (8 week supply of a 2 in1)
• plyers
• multi-head screwdriver
• duct tape
• ukulele
• inflatable globe
• Jeans (1 maybe 2 depending on space/weight)
• dress pants
• Tank tops (5)
• T-shirts(7)
• Blouses (3)
• Long sleep T (1)
• Bat6hingsuit
• shorts (for sleeping-2)
• capris spandex
• long underwear
• socks (2)
• skirts (2)
• hanky(5)
• bras (8)
• french press
• 8" cast-iron skillet
• metal spatula
• knife
• convertable pants
• towels (2 thirsty ones)
• thermometer
• bunjee cords (3)
• razor/refills
• sweatshirt
• flannel
• slinky

and there you have it! Things I will add: short wave radio and bananagrams. I think I'm pretty much set.

"Good Feeling" -Violent Femmes

Before I begin to ramble on again talking about myself and my preparations, here is a quick note to those of you who know me: My folks are throwing a going away party for me (they're a little excited to send me away) at my house. It's an open house this Saturday from noon-4, come hang out! There's no need to bring anything but an empty stomach (we all know how much my Mom loves to feed people). Hope to see you there!

Things I'm nervous/scared for:


Since I got my invitation in October, I've been looking through a lot of blogs and facebook photo albums of current PCV's in Malawi to get a better idea of what daily life will be like for me after I arrive. This has done nothing but excite me, except for one part...I can't even count how many 'toilets' or 'chimbudzis' I've seen which is something in and of itself; however, the part that scares me the most is the fact that will all of these pictures, from oh so many people, I have yet to see a single roll of toilet paper. Call me an American, but yuck! I refuse to accept the reality of what this means. I keep telling people, "maybe they're hiding them?" That's what I'm hoping. Hmm, we'll see!

I'm scared that I'm bringing the wrong stuff. I've been making some serious packing progress (that's new) so when I get everything together I'll put a list of everything I'm bringing (for those of you who are interested in that sort of thing).

More than anything, I'm scared that I'm going to get sick of the music I'm bringing with me...you would be too!

So, in the mean time, I've been spending as much time doing things I won't be able to do once I'm gone: hanging out with my family/friends, watching movies, talking to basically everyone I know on skype/cell phone, and packing (its kind of hard to pack when you're already gone to the place you were packing for).

Soon I'm going to post my little bloggy blog on the giant list of all peace corps volunteers' blogs (exciting). This.is.real.

Just More Pre-Departure Information

So, since I've been getting a lot of the same questions, I decided to take this opportunity to answer some of them. For those of you who read this often, you probably know the answers to all of these and will, therefore, find this entire post redundant. For those of you who don't read this often, you probably don't care, and will find this post pointless.

Here, my friends, is a list of (complete with answers) my FAQ's:

1. Are you nervous?

answer: Duh! Of course I'm nervous; I'm going to Africa! That being said, my excitement SERIOUSLY outweighs my nerves.

2. Can you get packages?

answer: Yes. Here is the deal on mailing me stuff, at least from what I can gather (more information will be posted when I get it). It is expensive, there is no way around it. For letters, the required postage is $0.98 and it will take 2-3 weeks to arrive to me. Make sure to write on the letter or package "Air Mail" or "Por Avion" or it will take up to 6 months to reach me. Packages: Flat rate boxes are cheapest, but it is still going to be pricey (isn't my love in return worth it?). Packages will take 5-9 weeks to reach me via airmail and 6 months for ground mail. As a Peace Corps Volunteer, I get 6 months of duty-free shipping. After that, anything that is sent to me that is valued at over $20, I will have to pay duty taxes on. (Hint: ship used goods *wink*) What are good things to ship? From what I read, it sounds like juice mixes (crystal light type things), candy, pictures of you, spice packets, ect are great. Anything that I wouldn't be able to get there that would make me happy, and ship well really. I'll put up my shipping address soon where the "about me" blurb is right now.

3. Will you have internet?

answer: Not for the first 8-10 weeks. After that, definitely every once in a while (monthly), possibly more. I will find out later in Spring.

4. Do you have a packing list?/ What are you bringing?

answer: Here is a copy of my packing list.....its overwhelming.

General Clothing

• Lightweight, all-weather jacket
• Hooded sweatshirt or fleece

• Sleeveless dresses and shirts (note that Volunteer teachers cannot wear these in the classroom)
• Swimsuit (one piece)
• Bandannas or handkerchiefs
• Sun hat (baseball cap)
• Good-quality raincoat
• Small umbrella (On principle, I refuse)
• Durable, easy-to-wash pants
• Shorts and other clothes like drawstring pajama pants for lounging around (doctor’s scrubs are ideal)
• Women can and do wear trousers for traveling and in the cities
• Teachers need lightweight dresses/skirts that go below the knee (no slits above the knee, and not tight-fitting)
• Cotton slips (waist to knee and waist to ankle)
• Very durable, practical clothes (not nice, dressy clothes)
• Some nicer clothes for in town (dancing, restaurants)
• Lots of underwear, bras, socks
• Heavy-duty sports bra
• Belt
• Money belt
• shorts (longer, knee-length shorts for women) for biking
• Sturdy work gloves (if you garden)

Overall advice: do not bring a lot. Just three to four outfits for staging and beginning of training.You can find just about everything in the markets. Malawians dress very conservatively, and will espect the same from you!

Shoes

Durable shoes are an essential investment

• Teva or Chaco sandals
• Sneakers and/or hiking boots (Boots are handy for rainy season)
• Shoes (close-toed and good to stand in all day; for anyone who teaches)
• You can get flip-flops in Malawi (but according to current volunteers they're all crappy and wear out so you have to buy a new pair every month so bring a pair from home)
• Dress shoes

Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items

• Favorite brand of tampon
• Face/hand/body lotion
• Deodorant
• Shampoo (just a 2-in-1 to get through training)
• A few toothbrushes
• Toothpaste (just one for training)
• Hand sanitizer
• Multivitamins
• Short supply of razors and blades
• Two pair eyeglasses if needed
• Hair-cutting scissors
• Tweezers
• Lip balm
• Prescription drugs (three-month supply)

Kitchen

• A sharp kitchen knife
• Rubber spatula
• French press (if you appreciate good coffee)
• Kitchen towels
• Send foodstuff to yourself before leaving: specialty/herbal teas; Kraft Mac & Cheese powder; Cliff,Luna or other energy bars.

Miscellaneous But Important Items For Serious Consideration!

• Sturdy water bottle (e.g., Nalgene)
• Lightweight, travel, waterproof tent w/ground cloth
• Leatherman/Swiss Army knife
• Compact sleeping bag for cold weather
• Laptop
• Bungee cords or backpack straps
• Fitted and flat twin sheets, or double if you need
• Flashlight or headlamp with extra bulbs
• Shortwave radio
• Solar-powered rechargeable batteries with recharger
• Duct tape
• Scissors
• Headlamp (very popular among PCVS!) and/or wind-up flash light
• Converter and adaptors (220V here. Small multi converters/adapters work well.)
• Good dictionary
• U.S. stamps (so you can send letters home with travelers)
• Flash drive!! We provide a 2 gig version, but you may want more of your own.
• Camera
• Field guide for flora and fauna of sub-Saharan Africa
• Seeds for herbs and vegetables
• Battery-powered alarm clock (I have a wind-up clock)
• A couple of thirsty towels (this one entertained me)
• English dictionary, Thesaurus
• Sunglasses
• Some zip-lock baggies
• Watch - think cheap
• Jewelry - like the watch
• Personal money (you can keep it in the safe at the Peace Corps office)
• Games (Scrabble, cards, chess, Frisbee, etc.)
• iPod/mp3 player (Please note that erratic energy, heat, humidity, sand and dust will do a number on all electronic devices)
• Musical instrument (harmonica, guitar, etc.)
• A few novels (to swap after reading) I'm brining The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galexy, The Three Musketeers, Pride and Prejudice, and Peter Pan
• Hobby materials like sketching pads and pencils
• Day pack
• Luggage (should be tough, lightweight, lockable, and easy to carry)
• Hiking backpack
• Sharpies
• Crayons, markers, colored paper, colored pencils and cheap paint sets
• Children’s books
• GRE prep materials
• Unbreakable French Press
• Misc pictures from home and calendar showing scenes of the US
• 
  

I'm not bringing everything on here, obviously. Also, I am bringing things not on here. This is just a general idea from PeaceCorps and previous/current volunteers to get an feel for what is needed. At least, because of the backpacking I've done, I already have a bunch of the basic things that would normally cost an arm and a leg (eg. Boots, backpack, sleeping bag, ect).

I guess that pretty much covers the questions I've been getting. I can't believe I have less than a month left. If you know me, and know where I live, or know me well enough to contact me and see where I live, I am having a going away party on February 6th. Stop by, eat food, hang out. I am going to try to cook some traditional Malawian dishes like nsima ....that might end badly but there will at least be an attempt.

Travel Information

I just made reservations with SATO travel to fly to Philadelphia on February the 25th. I'm going to be at my pre-training staging event one day early since it takes a 6 hour flight to get to Philadelphia from Seattle and I have to be there by 1:00pm on the 26th. That means one day less to say goodbye to family and friends but one day closer to my great African adventure! I think I'm starting the stage of my excitement where sleeping is going to be rare. If you all thought I talked about Africa a lot before, I'm at a whole new level now.

I guess this means that I am going to have a ton more little updates like this until I get in gear enough to be too busy with preparations.

There is no one in the house with me right now to listen so, WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!

Getting ready

As you can see (maybe), I've done some tweaking with my layout. New picture, also, check out this disclaimer required if I am going to publicize my blog once I'm in Malawi ------------------>

So, as of now, I'm doing little things to get ready to leave. I'm picking up this or that at the store, staring at my suitcases trying to decide if I would rather bring more stuff or a guitar, getting student loan stuff together, avoiding packing. It sort of hit me last night that this is coming up very quickly.

Yesterday I received an e-mail from Peace Corps with my international flight and staging event information. Here is what I know:

Staging will be in Philidelphia, PA (not D.C.) and it will last for about 20 hours.

Here is my schedule:

1:00pm- check in/registration
2:00-4:25pm-Who we are and what's expected of you
break
4:45-7:00pm-What you expect, What's next, and closing

1:30am- check out of hotel
2:00am- bus arrives for loading and departure for JFK airport, NYC
10:30am- Flight departs for Malawi

As for flight information:
On United Airlines, we fly from JFK to Johannesburg, South Africa. 15 hour and 10 minute flight. We arrive in South Africa at 8:40am (Johannesburg is in the same time zone as Malawi so there is a 10 hour time difference). At 10:00am I flight from Johannesburg to Lilongwe for 2 hours and 25 minutes. I arrive in Malawi at 12:25 pm.

In short:
10:30 depart JFK, New York
8:40am arrive Johannesburg, South Africa
10:00am depart Johannesburg
12:25pm arrive in Malawi

I am finally starting to get nervous but that is only because this has been 9 months since I graduated, but really a year waiting. This time last year I has already interviewed and was waiting to hear. Exciting times.

In other news, I am going to play around with different templates and feedback would be appreciated (that doesn't seem to ever be a problem). So, let me know what you like and don't like, you're the ones who are actually looking at it.