Ello everyone! I'm hoping their might be someone headed to northwestern Africa. I've been reading posts about what to pack for other countries and want to know if anyone has tips for Africa. From my understanding I will be anywhere from 4 hours to two days away from large cities and electricity. Is it even worth trying to pack and maintain a laptop / IPOD / anything electronic, being so far away from any place to use it.

 I've been asking around and I'm pleasantly surprised to know that I have some connection to several people who know people who have served in Africa, specifically Mali and I'd like to hear a second word on some advice they've given.  Any suggestions are welcome.... I've read through suggestions implied for other countries and am definitely bringing duct tape (which is great for blisters, by the way), a mosquito net for sleeping, and the zip locks I wouldn't have thought of, but remembering back to my camping and hiking days, you definately cannot have enough. 

Also, I'm wondering about how rigid the dress code actually is. I've heard a little of everything. It's predominately muslim and the Peace Corps is recommending long dresses and skirts-- especially lose fitting, however, I was wondering if there are occasions when pants are acceptable for women or are they absolutely never acceptable?

Thank you for reading!
BE WELL ALL!

I'm headed off to Mali in July... looking for anyone else along for the ride or even better someone who has gone before, I'd love to learn from your experience-- especially with questions regarding mail/ underwear/trash etc.... I actually have a ton of questions. I've heard a lot about volunteering in Africa, comparing and contrasting info would be great! Talk to me.

Hola friends. 
First and foremost, I joined this site to be in communication with other Peace Corps hopefuls/volunteers/whatever else. I respect you all so much. I am proud to say that I recently turned down a supervisor position at the laboratory where I am interning in hopes of joining the peace corps. This year has been quite an adventure for me. Working towards a Masters in Forensic Science and busting it  for peanuts at a Reference Laboratory seemed to have been taking its toll, not to mention that everyday driving to work I knew where I was going, but I certainly didn't think I belonged there.

I've always wanted to travel and have never been big on settling down too soon, or even staying in the same place too long, so you might imagine how accepting I was of a fate involving 9-5/M-F.  As the time got near for me to get a job and settle down I felt more anxious everyday and nervous of never living the life I wanted for the sake of keeping up with expectations. Recently I began the application process for the PC and wrote my first of the two Essays.  

I like my motivation statement, but the part that got me really thinking was the reference to a "LIFE GOAL." I've always associated the word goal  with "mile markers", or points in our lives that we hope to achieve by a certain age, of which mine are very vague, if even existent.  I summed it up as best as I could talking about how I've never really been concerned with where or who I am, as long as  I'm happy  and looking forward (of coarse I was more descript and a little less Idealistic.) Then yesterday I went with my roommates to Chipotle and there on my cup (half full might I add) in its infinite wisdom, was exactly my thoughts on the subject--  "If your life's work can be accomplished in your lifetime, you're not thinking big enough."  

Nothing has ever rung so true for me than this statement at this time because I've finally realized that life, for me, is not about materials or goals; life is more so a collection of experiences, the good, the bad, the unexpected, etc. Typically goals are expectations and are at the mercy of so many factors. My goal in life, and I use the term loosely, is is that wherever I am, whatever I'm doing I want to know that I am learning and teaching, growing and enabling, inspired and inspiring-- in short, these words, this goal, is why I am so inspired by all of you and can't wait to be out there myself, experiencing other cultures first hand. You should all be so proud. You are my heros!

Light, Love, and Peace

Shelby