Future PCV's

I loved reading PCV's blogs when I was applying to Peace Corps. I wanted to hear it all- the good, the bad, and the ugly- in the Volunteer's own words. So I made this tab for future PCV's to compile my tidbits of advice, ideas, and cautionary tales. Please send me an email at alexandriajoy@gmail.com if you have questions!

I'm so happy that I packed:

• Earplugs. The squishy kind that form to your ear drum. Count on roosters. 
• Sweatpants. Even if you're going somewhere hot! 
• Headlamp. You will need to pee in the middle of the night. Get one with a "red light" feature so bugs don't attack your face. 
• Washrags. Ice cold bucket baths are a little easier if you can just lap up with a rag. 
• Quick dry shirts. Because nothing ever dries. 
• Ziplock bags. Humidity will kill things!
• Water proof watch. 
• Nalgene water bottle. You'll want to put Peace Corps stickers on something, plus hydration is key!
• Swiss army knife. Mine was my grandfather's. I use to to open wine bottles and cut up apples. 
• Scissors and mini stapler. Really, any office supplies. You'll take a lot of notes in training. 
• Multiple pairs of headphones. 
• Chapstick. 
• Costco sized pack of lady products. You can't find them here!
• Same thing goes for razors. 
• Flippy floppies. Don't ever go barefoot. 
• Stickers for the kids. They'll love you!
• Clear page protectors. Great for the rainy season. 
• Photobook with pictures of my family and friends. It's good to show your host family. (Just be careful you don't put in pics of you in short skirts drinking beer............)
• 37 pairs of underwear. Every 6 months I switch out the worst threadbare, stretched out pairs for new ones. It's like shopping!

Now that I've been here a while, what I'm so happy I had sent to me:

• Teva's. They give you 50% off for being in Peace Corps! (You should really just buy these before leaving.)
• Comfort food. My personal favorite are Chili Cheese Fritos. 
• Running shoes. Shoes ware down fast here. 
• 555 Spanish Verbs. I probably should have read through this before coming to a Spanish speaking country... 
• Another Nalgene. Hydration, y'all!
• REAL coffee and a french press. Everyone drinks instant coffee here.

Things I ended up getting in country that I love: 

• Travel mug that doesn't leak. Might need to go to the capital's Startbucks for this one. 
• Extension cord. 
• Tupperware. 
• Opaque water bottle. 
• Leopard print umbrella. 
• Highlighters and whiteout. I'm an organization freak. 

I wish I brought more of: 

• External hard drive. Seasons of 30 Rock and Community will really perk up your day.
•  More earplugs. Sheesh. 
• Chicago Blackhawks hat. 
• Cute clothes. I actually get down to the beach fairly often, always looking like a dirty PCV!
• Dish towels. You can't find them here! 
• Maps. You'll have a general assembly to present yourself to the community. Maps of the US, your state, and your city are great visuals. 

Absolutely ridiculous things I brought back from the US, but genuinely make me happy:

• Lawn chair
• Almond Joys
• Mini-blender
• Large scented candles 
• My old lifeguard whistle (great for corralling children)
• Glass bottles to make sun tea
• Clorox wipes
• Really sharp knives

I think Peace Corps is going through a lot of good changes right now. I'm excited for you! Do your homework, really ask yourself if you can commit. Know that Carrie Hessler-Radelet is on your side.

For real, reach out to me! I'll send you a pro/con list.

An open letter I wrote to the new PCVs is both ridiculous and spiritual. Check it out!

Young and ambitious? Aspire to be a Peace Corps Volunteer? Not to be a downer, but I suggest you consider why they say it's the toughest job you'll ever love by learning about the Peace Corps Wormhole.

Your mood will fluctuate from "I'm on top of the world!" to "I want to crawl into a deep, dark hole forever" so fast that you will begin to forget what homeostasis feels like. It's totally normal though.

What's the best part of being a PCV? Feeling like one of the locals. Also, that lovey dovey feeling you get when you're with your fellow PCVs/best friends/family.

Peace Corps is a lesson in patience. Just accept it.

You will encounter bugs. Get used to it.

Writing a blog can be hard, even annoying. But you will be happy you have it. Start from take off and share with as many people as possible. You never know who's gonna read it and make your day!

People will inevitably die during your service. Be respectful and observe everything you can.

You will be asked for money, a ticket to the US, and to contact lost loved ones. Explain your role as a PCV and try to keep your cool, even after the 30000th time.