Last night at home :(

I'm all packed (except for this laptop) and both bags are the appropriate weight (although the duffel is pretty big; I should check to make sure it falls within the appropriate length and width measurements, but it is 50 lbs. and my backpack is 30. go me!)

Just wanted to quickly update before I go to bed (I have to be up at 4 in the morning) as I probably won't be able to write much in the first few weeks; it sounds like they are going to keep us pretty busy!

I'm excited one minute, nervous as hell the next. It's really exhausting. I didn't think I'd be nervous when I got to this point, but now that its actually happening, I am. Monica said its good I'm nervous; there'd be something wrong with me if I didn't feel at least a little of that.

Here's my address; I'd love to get mail, even if its just letters on how life is going in America:

This will be my address during training; it will change after I officially swear in as a volunteer in December:


(My Name)
Corps de la Paix
B.P. 10537
Niamey, Niger

Instructions
1.Write “air mail” or “par avion” on letters and packages. They should take anywhere from two to six weeks to get to me.
2.Number letters so I’ll know if one goes missing.
3.Write the address in red ink; people are superstitious about it and will be less likely to open it or steal it. Also drawing religious symbols on it or Bible verses; you could also put “Sister” in front of my name (haha). All of this will make people less likely to open it. However, don’t overdo it with the religious paraphernalia; otherwise I may get in trouble with the embassy.
4.Tape the corners of the packages so they will endure the trip. Also, putting tape or stickers on the inside of the flaps will make it easier to tell if someone tried to open it (and it may deter people from doing so in the first place).
5.Use padded envelopes whenever possible, as they are cheaper for both you and me. I may have to pay a tax on boxes, especially if it’s big or its contents are expensive. So don’t declare the items as expensive; keep it under $20.
6.When declaring the contents, keep it vague. Write “educational materials”, “personal hygiene items”, or “nutritional items” (for food), etc. If it doesn’t sound exciting, people will be less likely to open it. If you are sending me batteries, you have to “forget” that you packed them, as the U.S. won’t ship them overseas.


Next time I post I'll be in Niger!!