|
|
|
|
CLOTHES:
* Long skirts (below knee)
* Button-down shirts
* Collared shirts
* Tank tops
* Khakis
* Jeans
* Cargo/Capris
* Raincoat
* Fleece
* Warm-up pants
* Hoodies
* T-shirts
* Shorts (not in public)
* Long-sleeve t's
* Undies/socks/bras
* Bandanas/Hat
* Chacos/flip-flops
* Running shoes
* Waterproof shoes
STUFF:
* Sleeping bag
* Sleeping pad
* Tent
* Headlamp
* Flashlight
* Umbrella
* Swiss Army Knife
* Shortwave Radio
* Nalgene bottles
* Digital Camera
* Sport watch
* IPod w/ speakers
* Journal
* Sheets
* Maps/Pictures
And this is only a glimpse at what all I'm cramming into my hiking pack, small suitcase, and backpack! There's a ton of little things I'm also taking, but the page may never end if I type it all. Ridiculous isn't it?!
As of January 22, 2006 - Heather Barron, Peace Corps Trainee is my official title for the next three months. Once I finish the 9 weeks of training, I'll be sworn in as an official Peace Corps volunteer and begin work on my project (LTM) for the next two years!
I'll meet up with a group of about 30 PCTs in Philly on the 22nd for staging. Basically it's an introduction, do-you-know-what-you're-getting-into, and shots kind of deal. One of the really cool things is that I've already been able to "get to know" quite a few people going through a Yahoo Group . About half of our group is made up of people involved in the LTM project the other half will work on rural health projects.
Training consists of learning about the culture, my program, health and safety issues, and my new language. Hmmm...the language. That is still to be determined. Once we arrive, current volunteers will give presentations on the province they work in and what language they speak. We will then pick our language based on their presentations.
The most exciting part of training, however, will be living with a host family! Each trainee is taken in by a family so we have a better understanding of culture and are really able to practice our new language. I can't wait for this!!
So provided that I survive the oh-so-long flight there, the initial culture shock, and whatever else is thrown my way - I will be sworn in as an official Peace Corps Volunteer in April. Then they'll send me off to my own village to start working on my program (which sounds amazing!). There are a few in-service trainings over the next two years as well, which serve as a chance to increase my new project development and language skills and be able to share our experiences with the other volunteers.
More details on all of this to come soon...
Daneen, LTM
http://www.geocities.com/daneen526/PeaceCorps.html
Erin, LTM
http://erinwolf.bravehost.com/
(my inspiration for this site)
Victoria
http://www.victoriaseyes.blogspot.com/
Kristin, CAHP
http://www.livejournal.com/users/pckristin/
Inspired?
http://peacecorps.gov/
Zambian Village
HOUSING:
Mud brick hut with a grass thatch roof. No running water or electricity. Water could be from a well up to a 30 minute walk away. Outdoor pit latrine, shower area, and cooking area. Meals cooked over wood or charcoal.
FOOD:
Nshima is the staple of Zambian life. It's a cornmeal porridge eaten with your hands, usually a communal dish. It's generally balled up and then flattened to serve as a spoon to eat whatever it is served with: leaf sauces, vegetables, or fish.
Making Nshima
TRANSPORTATION:
Mountain bike and helmet! I've heard a lot of stories about the roads and am very thankful I have a few mountain biking experiences under my belt. The nearest PCV may be 40 kilometers or more away. At least I'll get a workout!
MONEY:
Yes, I am paid to do this! I'll just be cashing in kwacha instead of greenbacks. I'll receive a settling-in allowance, vacation allowance, and readjustment allowance in addition to the monthly living stipend. I'll probably earn around $200/mo, which may not sound like much, but my peers in Zambia usually only receive about $90/mo.
bravenet.com