Stuff to Mali

2 suitcases, 1 carry-on

Each suitcase cannot be more than 40 lbs. I'm not sure about the carry-on. Hope it all fits! Bulk of stuff...

Tomorrow (Monday), my parents will take me to the airport at around 5 am. Currently, I'm still in the process of packing most of my stuff for storage and packing my stuff for the trip.

These past few days, I have been busy going to stores, getting things like medicine, face wash, long skirts, all-cotton loose shirts...

I'm headed to Philadelphia, PA for pre-service training from Monday to Wednesday. That's where I'll meet the Peace Corps staff and other volunteers. We'll be in training all day on Monday and Tuesday. Then on Wednesday, the 26th, we get our immunizations and head off to Mali.

Communication:

On my cell, you can reach me after 7:30pm on Monday and Tuesday. Perhaps you can reach me from 4pm until 6pm on Wednesday.

You can also email me. I should be able to check email often during the first 9 weeks. Afterwards, my access to a computer may become very limited.

Letters can also be posted at:

Patience Nyako, PCT

Corps de la Paix

B.P. 85

Bamako, Mali

*If you send postcards, they should be placed in envelopes or they might get stolen. Please number your letters so that I can see if I missed one. It can take 3 to 4 weeks for mail to arrive in Mali when posted. When I reply, it may take the same amount of time to reach you. Sending packages is not recommended because there is a high degree of theft and heavy customs taxes.

I may get a cell phone. I will get the word out if I have one in Mali.

~P