je suis ici

The title of this blog would have an exclamation mark if I actually knew how to work this french, african keyboard....

But I just wanted to update my blog to let everyone know that I am here in Cameroon safe and sound.....life is good. We go to the Country Directors house tonight for a welcome dinner should be fun.

Will write more when I can exclamation point.....

A Bientot

Philly!

So, as I write, I am sitting in the lobby of the Holiday Inn in Philly, PA surrounded by a bunch of other volunteers all powwowing and cherishing the last few moments of wireless internet access on our laptops.

In one hour time, we will be on a bus on our way to the airport and as of 6:45 pm this evening we will be en route to Paris and then onto Cameroon.

The last few days have been a whirlwind of getting to know people and taking in information. I don't have much time to write as a few of us are going to grab lunch before we have to leave - gotta take that first of two years worth of malaria pills on a full stomach, woohoo.

Will try to write more as soon as we touch down on African soil!

Courtney

Mailing Suggestions

Apparently, receiving mail/packages is as good as crack while in the Peace Corps...so in order to help me facilitate my addiction, please send me something :)!!

To help you do so, here are a few tips/suggestions...

1. My address: Courtney Maloney

Peace Corps Trainee

Corps de la Paix

B.P. 215

Yaoundé, Cameroon

2. Mail should be sent directly to the Yaoundé address, OR directly your Volunteer's post address once training is finished.

3. Both Volunteers and family members should number letters sent so that the receiver can determine whether any letters did not arrive.

4. Packages should be sent via air, not surface mail (surface mail has been known to take longer than two years to arrive.)

5. Sending packages to Cameroon is a risky proposition. Theft of packages is common. It may help if you insure the package, mark the package in red ink, put religious symbols on the package and/or address it to 'Sister Courtney Maloney'.

Packing List!

Here's my packing list...will likely change (read: shrink...) when I evaluate just how much will actually fit into my backpack/duffle :)....... Thanks to all of the current/future/returned volunteers who've helped me create this list by sharing their lists and suggestions!!

Toiletries

Eyemask
Earplug
Nail Stuff (File, Polish, Remover)
Tweezer
Nail Clippers (2)
Hair Brush
Q-Tips
Body Spray
Lotion
Body Wipes
Hair Clips
Hair Bands
Bobby Pins
Face Lotion w/ SPF (2)
Hand Sanitizer
Deodorant (3)
Body Wash
Shampoo
Conditioner
Travel Toiletries for Philly
Kleenex
Foot Powder
Toothbrush (2)
Toothpaste
Face Wash (2)
Dental Floss
Sunscreen
Razor
Razor Blades
Tampons
Pads
Panty Liners
Hair Gel/Product
Bar Soap
Medicine
Make Up
Insect Repellent (Spray and Wipes)
Wash Cloth and Hand Towel
Chapstick

Electronics

Shortwave Radio
French Correction Software (maybe also SysTran)
Ipod
Ipod Speakers
Flashlight (2 – 1 Maglite)
Adapter/Converter Set
Cell Phone and Charger (taking my Egyptian phone)
Headlamp
Travel Alarm Clock
Extra Memory Card for Digital Camera
Digital Camera
Battery Recharger
Rechargeable Batteries (Duracell NiMH/NiCD)
Batteries
Reliable Watch
USB Flashdrives (2)
Dell Laptop
Dell Laptop AC Adapter
Computer Sleeve
LAN Card/Wires
DVDs
Solio Solar Charger

Miscellaneous

Umbrella (2)
Sunglasses and Cases (2)
Sunglass Cord
Moneybelt
Cards (2 decks)
UNO
Sodoku
Mosquito Repellant Coils
Mosquito Repellant Candles
Sleeping Bag
Duct Tape
Luggage Locks
Stain Remover (Pen and Stick)
Nalgene
Sewing Kit
Superabsorbent Towel (2)
Mirror
Scissors
Extra Fold Up Duffle Bag
Passport Photos (12)
U.S. Stamps
Stationary/Greeting Cards
Writing Utensils
Art Supplies
Books
Project Books/Articles
French Dictionary
Map of Africa/Cameroon/U.S./World
Photo Album with Pictures
PC Paperwork and Organizing Folders
Loan Paperwork
Journal
Address Book
Decorations
Receipts for Electronics
Cash
Compressible Pillow?

Clothing

Rain Poncho
Rain Jacket
Bathing Suit
Hats
Bandannas
Durable Jacket
Fleece/Sweatshirt
Linen Pants
Athletic Shorts
Button Up Shirts/Blouses
Dark Cotton T-Shirts
Underwear
Bras
Sports Bras
Socks
Shorts (1)
Tanktops (2)
Jeans (1)
Bike Gloves
Dress Pants
Long Skirts
Below-Knee Skirts
Belts (2)
Capri Pants
PJ/Lounge Pants
Khakis
Sleepwear
Slips
Paschmina (2)
Jewelry

Kitchen

Ziploc Bags
Plastic Containers
Measuring Spoons
Measuring Cups
Can Opener
Potato Peeler
Kitchen Knife
Knife Sharpener
Swiss Army Knife
Recipes
Packaged Mixes (e.g. sauces, soups, salad dressing, drinks - lemonade)
Spices (chili, curry, cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano, cayenne pepper, rosemary, thyme)
Maple Syrup
Parmesan Cheese
Vegetable Seeds
Snack Food Ideas (Clif Bars, PB, Granola Bars, Dried Fruit, Nuts (Almonds, Pistachios), Gum, Ramen Noodles, Candy, Beef Jerky, Cheez-Its, Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix/Chocolate Chips)

Shoes

Running Shoes
Hiking Boots
Dress Shoes
Black Work Sandals (Chacos)
Brown Work Sandals (Tevas)
Casual Sandals (Tevas)
Flip Flops (2)

Gifts for Host Family

Crayons
Magnetic Maps of US
Perfume Men and Women
Pencils/Pens
Michigan Stuff
CDs
Hot Sauce

Update!

Sooo…I haven't updated my blog in quite awhile, but that's mainly due to the fact that I am LEAVING FOR CAMEROON ON JUNE 4TH!!! It's been quite the whirlwind since receiving my invitation on April 23rd. After a brief scare on the 22nd where my Placement Officer communicated that neither the region or departure month included in my nomination would likely come to pass, I received my invitation the next day. It made me realize just how bummed out I would be if this whole process never came to fruition - if I wasn't able to go to francophone West Africa or leave this summer - not to mention wonder why the hell I'd been back in Michigan for the past 6 months. So now, no matter the nervousness I am experiencing (only 2 weeks left now!!) or the financial challenge it's been trying to swing such an early departure date, I feel completely confident in my decision. Funny how sometimes it takes a pendulum of emotion to finally steady things out. Currently, I am trying to get all of my packing needs in order, wrap up some loose ends, and connect and learn from the communities of RPCVs and my class of entering Cameroon Peace Corps Trainees out there. Life's crazy, but good!

I've included my timeline below, as I know I enjoyed reading through those of other current, future, or returned PCVs and found them helpful as I was navigating through the application process.

Timeline:

Sept. 19, 2008: Submitted Online Application

Sept. 26, 2007: Interview

Oct. 1, 2007: Nominated for Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa, June 2008

Oct. 12 - Dec. 23, 2007: Traveling in Middle East, Put Med. Process on Hold

February 12, 2008: Started Medical Process

March 5, 2008: Mailed Completed Med. Pkt

March 14, 2008: Dentally Cleared

March 21, 2008: Additional Medical Info Requested

April 3, 2008: Medically Cleared

April 7, 2008: Contacted Placement Officer. Told that the country I was originally nominated to was full (note: my fault given my delayed medical clearance), but will see if they can still add me. If not, many other programs leaving in the summer….

April 14, 2008: Told my initial Placement Officer's last day was the 11th and will be reassigned.

April 16, 2008: Given new Placement Officer's information. Left message for new Placement Officer.

April 20, 2008: Placement Officer contacted me. No new information - original country nominated to full, but still trying to add me. Will contact me later in the week.

April 22, 2008: Contacted my Placement Officer. Told me that my original country of nomination was indeed full and is not accepting anymore people. Given my specialized program - NGO Advising - they will need to look outside of Africa for a placement and my departure date may be substantially deferred. Bummersville………..

April 23, 2008: Received a lively call from my Placement Officer the next day……..she said they reviewed my application and, if I was still interested, they would be able to add me to the program/country I was intiially nominated to afterall!!!! E-mailed invitation instantaneously . CAMEROON, JUNE 4 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO EXCITED!!!!!!

April 25, 2008: ACCEPTED INVITATION TO CAMEROON!!!!!! And so started the whirlwind of packing/planning, etc with 6 weeks and counting…..

Oh, the application process...

Sooo....as of now, I've sent in my medical information and am awaiting a response so that I may start the placement process. I've been dentally cleared and now just need to be medically cleared. Not sure how long it will be until that happens, but here's hoping it will be soon!! It's hard to keep my energy and excitement up in this long process...it's so easy to forget why it is that I'm here living with my parents once again in Michigan, working a job that is so far from my career goals, missing my friends in NY. But there will be a pay off in the end in the form of West Africa, j'espere...so strong I will stay. In the meantime, I've been enjoying meeting new people from France, Belgium and even Korea in an effort to study up on my French - reminds me of how much I love learning about people and different cultures...and why Peace Corps is perfect for me.

Check

Check 1...2...3....just checking to make sure my blog's up and running!