Packages & Love Notes? Check this out first!

Guidelines for Mail

Hey folks, there is no doubt that what I'm about to do is going to be hard. And there is also no doubt that your support has gotten me this far. And there is ALSO no doubt that your continued support, especially in the form of notes/packages will help keep the morale up when I'm feeling down. Please write often and send packages when you're feeling the love. In a place with few comforts, a box of things from home will seem like Christmas any time of year (and no matter how hot it is!).

Also note that I stole all of the following from one of my fellow G17ers (my "group") so thanks to Dorian for typing this.

MY ADDRESS:

Caitlin Mulligan, PCV
Corps de la Paix Americain
BP 1927
Conakry, Guinea
WEST AFRICA

The way mail works in Guinea is that the only place that actually has a mail system is the capital, Conakry. This is where our PC headquarters is located. All mail should be delivered to PC HQ, and then they do a monthly mail run out to my site to give me everything I have received. During training (12/4/08 – 2/6/09), I may receive mail more frequently.

Something you send could take up to six weeks to actually get to me, and outgoing mail is no better. But PLEASE send letters and packages as often as possible. They will keep up my morale!



LETTERS:

When you send letters, number them clearly at the top and put the date. Also, make a photocopy of the letter before you send it in case any get lost in the mail, so we will still have it if it never gets here. Cara taped a picture of OBAMA to her letter and I got it, because these Guinean's don't mess with The Man.

Good things to send with letters are photos, comics, and news clippings. NEWS ITEMS will be especially important, as I will have almost no access to news from the US (I will need to know how Barack is doing!!). Due to budget cuts, Peace Corps recently canceled the Newsweek subscriptions they have provided to volunteers since the beginning of the Corps. Do not send money or anything valuable as oftentimes the edges of letters will be clipped to see if there is anything of value inside.

If you’re sending a postcard, put it in an envelope. The pretty pictures are likely to end up posted on some Guinean’s wall instead of mine. Lame.

Be sure to write “AIR MAIL” and “PAR AVION” on the envelope.


PACKAGES:

1. Print the address label from a computer if possible to make it official-looking. I have read that packages with labels printed by hand have not made it to their destination.

2.

3. Number and date your packages so I know I am receiving them.

4. If there is something super-important you really want me to get, put it inside an empty tampon box – apparently no one will touch it.

5. Mail is less likely to be tampered with if it’s addressed in red ink. Them Guineans are superstitious.

6. It’s also less likely to be tampered with if you draw crosses and write religious phrases on it (in French) such as “Dieu regardez-vous” or “Dieu merci”. (meaning 'God is watching you' or 'Thank God'). I wouldn't bust up a package that told me Allah was watching me. Then again, I wouldn't bust up a package.

7. Please tape the box up really, really well after you seal it so no one can easily reach in and steal stuff.

8. If sending food, please wrap and double wrap in plastic bags (ziplocs preferably, since I can reuse them) to avoid rats and other wonderful creatures from sharing in on my treats.

9. You will also be required to fill out customs declaration form PS Form 2976-A. You can complete this form at the post office or online before you ship at https://webapps.usps.com/customsforms/. Indicate all contents as “Used” on the customs form to reduce the risk of theft.

10. On the Customs form, when listing the contents MAKE THEM LAME. For example, tell them you are sending me pencils or education materials and not expensive chocolate or soccer balls. Just downplay EVERYTHING. If you’re sending books, magazines, DVDs, things like that, you can mark it as “educational materials” (I would say you could even mark that for stuff like soccer balls and stuff for kids), as it is less likely to be tampered with.

11. If what you’re sending is relatively heavy, I suggest sending with the post office’s Priority Mail flat rate international box (same as the domestic box), as the weight restriction is 20 pounds as long as the stuff fits in the box. The rate is $38.95 for the regular box (11" x 8.5" x 5.5") and $49.95 for the larger box (12” x 12” x 6”). This rate is only good for parcels, so DO NOT include a letter inside as you may be charged the letter rate, not package rate, for the whole package. If you want to include a letter, it is suggested that you tape it underneath the address label or to the inside page of a magazine so it is unlikely to be detected. If what you are sending is light, you may be able to pay less than the flat rate. Ask your local post office.

12. If you wish to send money, ... don't send me money. I copied this post from someone else. I don't want yo' bills.

13. There is no method of disposing of trash or recyclables where I will be going (other than burning or throwing on the ground), so please minimize packaging or put things in containers I can reuse, like Ziploc bags, jars or airtight plastic containers/Tupperware.

Be aware that you can do all of this stuff online at www.usps.com, including ordering free flat rate boxes, printing postage, and scheduling a pickup. In fact, you get a 5% discount on the shipping fee if you do it online.


WHAT TO SEND:

I compiled this list based on things I might enjoy and the advice of current and past volunteers.

Short List:
-food (protein laden and dark chocolate will cause tears of joy)
-burned cds
-girly toilettries (not tampons, like fun ones. that smell good.)
-books

Long List from my good pal over here:
-Photos (of you, you with pets, places/vacations, etc…)
-Magazines/Newspapers (Time, The Economist, Cosmo)
-Secret or Degree Clinical Strength Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant
-Body wash/lotion
-Aveeno Positively Radiant Face Wash & Moisturizer
-Q-tips
-Crossword puzzles. Wash Post are awesome. Double points for DiamondBack ones.
-Duct tape
-A jump drive with music and podcasts (even TV shows and movies!) on it (if from iTunes,
include your username and password so I can authorize use)
-Movies/TV Shows on DVD
-Music on CD
-Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap (Trader Joe’s sells this cheap) or other, fancy soap
-Hair shampoo/conditioner (weak shampoo is available in-country, but conditioner is elusive –
try to make it something natural/herbal, as scents can attract more mosquitoes!)
-Foot care items (my feet will get trashed!)
-Undies
-Hair clips/claws/ties
-Stuff kids would like: stickers,
glue, tape, kids safety scissors, colored pencils/pencil sharpener, paper, picture
books, inflatable beach ball world globe, etc…
-Pictures drawn by you for me to hang on my hut wall
-Books (good novels will be appreciated)
-Hand sanitizer
-Vegetable/tree/flower seeds (make sure it’s something that does well in Guinea’s climate)
--Fantastic Foods Vegetarian Sloppy Joe’s Mix (comes in a red box near the Pasta-Roni, but I feel
like you might only be able to find this someplace like Whole Foods – MOM!)
-Dried veggies (http://www.harmonyhousefoods.com/Dehydrated-Vegetables_c_1.html)
-Dried faux-meat (http://www.harmonyhousefoods.com/TVP-Meat-Substitute_c_6.html)
-Dehydrated vegetable soup (http://www.harmonyhousefoods.com/Vegan-Soup-Blends_c_7.html)
-In fact, just check out www.harmonyhousefoods.com in general!
-Soy protein powder
-BeneFiber or other fiber supplement
-Supplements: Acidophilus, iron, Echinacea, etc…
-Peanut M&M’s and other candies and chocolate
-Sugar-free gum (Orbit Spearmint is my fave)
-Hot cocoa mix
-Nuts/Trail Mix (no peanuts please! there will be lots there)
-Emergen-C (vitamin section), Crystal Light, or other drink mix (preferably sugar-free)
-Jiffy Pop popcorn (you know the kind you put on your stove and it pops into this big bubble)
-Granola bars
-Energy/protein bars
-Nutella
-Non-refrigerated cheese (Velveeta, parmesan, Hickory Farms, www.barryfarm.com sells
powdered cheese to make sauces)
-Non-perishable condiment packets (Taco Bell sauces, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, crushed
red pepper, etc..)
-Spices (garlic salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, taco seasoning, pesto sauce, Ranch powder, etc…)
-'Just add water' cookie mixes
-tea! Esp. Yogi Teas ...
-Any kind of food that will keep and is easy to prepare (i.e. add water, milk, eggs, oil)

Please think of this list as guidelines and suggestions and send anything you think will make it up to 6 weeks en route, as I’m sure whatever you send will be MUCH APPRECIATED! Also, check my blog for any special requests!


EMAIL/INTERNET:

Please send ALL email messages to caitlinmulligan@gmail.com. I will probably only have enough internet access to check one box, so make sure whatever you send goes here. You can also read my blog at www.YOLOinGuinea.blogspot.com.

Please know that I will do my best to answer personal emails, but my internet access will be spotty and limited (most likely, I will only have access to internet when I make it into the capital, Conakry), so my replies will likely be few and far between. Please feel free to share the blog with any other family or friends as well. I will post stories, pictures, package requests, times I will be in phone service, etc…


PHONE:

You can buy phone cards to call or use Skype on your computer, which will allow you to call international cell phones. Go to www.Skype.com and sign up for a free account. You will be using your computer/internet connection to make the call (so you will need a microphone and speakers). It will cost about $.20/min. You put a certain amount of money on there and it will debit from that each time you call.

I look forward to hearing from all of you happily and often! Y'all are amazing.

Here's how to reach me: 011-224-67-20-99-68
Call me please. I can't afford to call any one for even a 5 minute phone call. It's sad really, because even if it was mildly affordable I'd be blowing all my money just to talk to you guys. But I can't. C'est la vie. On the plus side, I always have cell service.

Frat Party!!!

I feel like I'm pledging a fraternity with this Peace Corps thing. It's something I've been researching for a while, and finally, I decide I want to go ahead and join, join this network of people across the globe. My (soon to be) fellow PCVs. My brotherhood. So I submit my application, and I "rush" SubSaharan Africa, hoping to get accepted. Bid day came along in the form of an invitation, and now is the pledging. Community is building already online between people in my pledge class (G17, for future reference) and hazing has already begun. No, not hazing in the form of no electricity or rice for every meal. That's a frat-perk. Hazing in the form of emails like "Congrats! Pack everything you need for 2 years in 2 restricted suitcases weighing less than 80 lbs!" and then the follow up email: "Can't wait to see you in Guinea! Don't forget to pack a DICTIONARY and a BIKE HELMET!"

Right, becuase I have room for that? O, tricky tricky.

No worries though, I've seen my friends go through pledging and hazing and all that jazz before in Maryland's greek system, and I've picked up on all the good techniques. I'll pack my helmet, my dictionary, AND a few extra bulky items just for kicks. I've got this one in the bag. Literally.

9 Days!

October was such a slow month is comparison to November ... how is it already the 21st?! Anyways, I am more excited today than I was yesterday. I don't feel like I've ever been so excited about anything before, not even Paris. Usually I don't stray from my "go with the flow" rhythm, but I think not knowing anything at all about what's going on is probably what has me thinking about this nonstop! I mean, I don't know what my job will be, where I will live, if I'll have a hut, if I'll have electricity or running water, who my friends will be, what food those crazy Guineans eat, what clothes I'll wear, what kind of family I'll be living with during training, what language I have to learn  ... it's all completely unknown. But that's how I like things. You know, keepin' it interesting. 

A big group of my fellow PCers found me online (incredible stalking skills, I like them already). So to all of you, 'hi' and I enjoy reading all of your messages between each other. See you in a few days!

The funniest thing though, is that at this exact time in 2 weeks I am going to be sleeping somewhere with an African family. haha just thinking about it cracks me up! How do I always get myself into these things?

To everyone who has been sending me CDs, THANK YOU! I love each and every one of them. A lot. I never imagined that I'd get such a positive response, y'all are amazing. It's also been really fun opening the mailbox and getting fun packages on a near-daily basis. Really, I love you all. 

18 Days.

Eighteen days. One-eight. Eighteen days ago I had just finished my backpacking trip with Darchuk (involving a 40 degree sleeping bag in 20 degree weather) ... and that feels like only a few days ago. Maybe because it was. So I am leaving in only a few more days. And the question I keep hearing is "how are you feeling?" My answer, for all to hear ... I am EXCITED!!!

I am beyond excited. I am also beyond ready. I feel like everything that's been going on here at home has been directing me out the door for the next few years. Things like 2 speeding tickets in the same week (when I have never had one in my life!) are God's way of saying "Caitlin, see? Riding a mountain bike on dirt roads for the next two years is the way you should be getting around." So I take these not-so-subtle hints that I'm where I should be. And after a rough two months I have reclaimed my normal happy place in life. I am finally content in Ijamsville, with the way things are with work, friends & family, but am not tied down enough so that I think I'll regret picking up and moving. 

What am I most sad about? Leaving behind family and friends. But I know that my relationships are secure enough that 2 years isn't enough to change anything.

What am I most excited about? All the new people I am going to meet! A new country to call home, a new culture to integrate into, and the language. I love French, speaking it carries me to a new level, brings me this cheese ball sensation of happiness. Now, I'm not counting on Guinea-style French to be the same as what I fell in love with in Paris. But, French is French, right?

Packing hasn't really started yet. There's a giant box of "Africa stuff" downstairs, including my backpack, a headlamp, and 3 long dresses. No doubt this will be a night-before packing job.

I also found out a few days ago I'm leaving from Philly. I love the idea of that. To me, Philly was the beginning of America's greatness. It's where America asserted (with the signing of the Constitution, for those that don't follow) her rock-star status and secured her prominence & success in comparison to the other nations in the world. I like to think that Philly, being the beginning of my journey, will be where I assert my rock-star status for the rest of my days.

Also, I have begun receiving CDs as requested from the Peace Corps Jams facebook group. Much love & thanks to those who have sent some ... and for those of you who haven't sent them yet ... please do!! For those of you who don't have facebook, I'm asking that you mail me a CD you make of your favorite music. You see, I'm going to leave behind the beloved ipod since I'm not counting on having electricity (and if I did, dealing with converters/expensive electronics as a white American girl in Africa are things I wouldn't want to deal with anyways) so I'm kicking it circa 1997 with a disc man. So not only are you giving me a music selection, but by sending me a CD I'd have a great way to think about & feel connected to you as I jam out in my hut. So please, mail me a CD this week!!  

Home address: 

11700 Fairmont Place

Ijamsville, MD  21754

And my Guinean address for all love sent from December 3, 2008 to March 2011 is:

Caitlin Mulligan

Corps de la Paix Americain

B.P. 1927

Conakry, Guinea

West Africa

**and if you send a package, mark it "educational materials" and make it look as boring as possible. Please, no glitter or bedazzles. I mean, even I would steal a package with pink rhinestones on the outside, and I'm not a corrupt postal worker.