A Leatherman, Goal Zero solar charger, Gorilla Tape, and a Black Diamond headlamp. I never thought those would be the important items in my suitcase, but apparently so. Peace Corps packing is quite different from vacation packing.
I have no idea what I truly need in Lesotho for the Peace Corps, but I’m following the advice of other (PCVs) Peace Corps Volunteers.
I packed my solar panel, “Goal Zero” for charging my cell phone, as we shall not have electricity. I’m not sure how to use it, but I’m sure I’ll figure it out. What about my “LuminAid” solar light, to read in my hut at night.
I also purchased a “Leatherman, Wingman” as I shall need pliers, a screwdriver, bottle opener (crucial) a wire stripper (maybe) and more.
The “Black Diamond” Spot Storm headlamp will help me find the outdoor toilet in the middle of the night, and gorilla tape, to block the icy cold air from gaps in the windows when it snows in the winter, and I’m tucked inside my sleeping bag with layers of clothing.
Half my suitcase is filled with exercise equipment, like the TRX, and exercise ball and bands that I’ve been training with at my gym; my school supplies, my hair coloring products (yes, I’m bringing that with me,) and my face creams and sunblock.
We have to dress professionally, which means no jeans, T-shirts, shorts, or dresses above the knee. I have no idea how to wash my “professional” clothes in very little water, especially cold water, but that is part of our training, and adapting to a new lifestyle.
My suitcases (yes, we’re allowed two,up to 50 lbs each) are already full,and I still have all the other stuff like my sleeping bag, winter clothes, layering, hiking boots etc.
One solution is to have my winter clothes shipped later on, as it will be spring when we arrive in October, and summer in December.
Here is my address in Lesotho, if you’d like to send me a letter, or a surprise. I like surprises!
Sonia Marsh, PCV
U. S. Peace Corps
P.O. Box 554
Maseru, 100
LESOTHO
I leave on Sunday, October 4th for Philadelphia, for “staging,” and our group (30 PCVs- Peace Corps Volunteers) leave on Tuesday for Johannesburg, and then a 6-hour bus ride to Lesotho. I hope to have Internet after the first week, as I’m getting a SIM card in Lesotho, so please e-mail me and keep in touch.
I shall need your support.
Thank you to all my friends.
Sonia.
Best wishes for a successful launch into the Peace Corps.
Thank you Joan.Very excited.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..A Leatherman, Goal Zero, Gorilla Tape. Packing for Peace Corps
Sonia !
My wünder dog Zippy and my self will be living vicariously through your new adventures …. Enjoy !
Hi Stan,
Send a hug to Zippy for me.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..A Leatherman, Goal Zero, Gorilla Tape. Packing for Peace Corps
You are courageous! I will be back here in the states blowing wind in your sails.
Linda Luke recently posted..How to Bring More Joy and Well-Being into Your Life
Linda,
I need strong winds. Thanks for the help.
Sonia
Sonia Marsh recently posted..A Leatherman, Goal Zero, Gorilla Tape. Packing for Peace Corps
What an interesting variety of things to take. Be sure that you will find that you should have taken something you didn’t include. That always happens. I will write and keep you abreast on what is happening in my small world and look forward to hearing about your impressions and experiences in Lesotho.
Bon voyage, my friend, and have a wonderful, exciting, exhilarating, and educational twenty-seven months. I’m sure you will return a much-changed person. What’s that about taking along hair color products? Bet you’ll give up after a few months.
Penelope James recently posted..When Is Murder Not A Mortal Sin?
Pennie,
I’m sure I shall change, but as far as my hair color; not sure about that yet. 🙂
See you in San Diego when I return.
Get your memoir published so we can read it.
Love, Sonia
Sonia Marsh recently posted..A Leatherman, Goal Zero, Gorilla Tape. Packing for Peace Corps
Sonia,
Have a wonderful trip with great experiences! I am counting on you publishing your adventures. What a great collection of useful tools! Since I have traveled much I’d like to recommend “bring lots of good shoes.” It’s been my experience that you can buy the best and most suitable clothing for the region right there; if women’s clothing is too short you can always buy men’s clothing. Not so with shoes. Also, often the quality of shoes is not what we are used to.
Safe travels, I’ll be following your blog, Gisela
Gisela,
I have some good hiking shoes and Teeva sandals.
Thanks for the tip.
Sonia
Sonia Marsh recently posted..A Leatherman, Goal Zero, Gorilla Tape. Packing for Peace Corps
Hi Sonia,
I’m a missionary in Lesotho – I’ve lived here 5 1/2 years now and I stay in Maseru working with Mission Aviation Fellowship. I wish I had known sooner, I could have helped you with some of the things you might have wanted to bring, though it sounds like you are well prepared. A friend of mine has heard you speak and she sent the link to this blog. I’d be more than happy to be a friend to you and a place to hang out, at least while you are in the Maseru area. My number is +266 5951-9880 and I live in Lower Thetsane – that’ll make sense to you after you’ve been here a while. I look forward to connecting and hope you have safe travels.
Blessings,
Kimberly Baker
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Thank you Kimberly.
I shall contact you.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..A Leatherman, Goal Zero, Gorilla Tape. Packing for Peace Corps