Notes for New Trainees

Lumelang! We’re all quite excited to meet you and welcome you to Lesotho. It’s a pretty sweet country to serve in. We’ve got PCVs living rurally in the mountains and PCVs living more “urbanlly” in the lowlands. Some of us having running water and/or electricity, some of us don’t. You have no idea what you’re going to get, so be open and prepared. To each its own; this is your experience to make what you will of it.
Now, you might be packing for the next two years. Overwhelming right? You might be looking at the packing list with a puzzled look thinking “do I really need that? “ The answer is probably no. Here are some items me and other PCVs agree should be deleted or altered.
· Tapes and blank cassettes: it’s not 1992. Unless you’re into that kind of thing. Bring music: ipod, CD player, etc. But be sure to bring what’s necessary to keep the juice going: rechargeable batteries, solar charger, etc.
· Sheets/Bedding: you can buy them here in Lesotho. If you’ve got amazing sheets you can’t live without, then pack ‘em. If not, save the space.
· Professional clothes: a definite, BUT make sure they’re durable, not easily wrinkled and non dry-clean. DON’T FORGET CASUAL CLOTHES! You’ll have lots of chill time.
· Towels: same as sheets. You can get them here. Bring a face/small towel for the beginning. Pack a CAMP TOWEL! They’re thinner and you can bring ‘em anywhere.
· Shoes: Obviously, but know you might be walking 2+ miles in them. Bring a pair you can slip on on your way to the latrine (if you’ll have one)
· Card reader/USB attachment for you digital camera: again if you’re into that kinda thing
· Books: bring some good ones, but know we’ve got lots in the PCV library.
· Sleeping bag: make sure it’s very compressable. Mummies are nice and warm to cuddle up in; rectangular can double as a comforter. You’re call.
Here are some additions. Most are not entirely necessary but still wonderful to have.
- Dr. Bronner’s: a soap you can use for ANYTHING
- Pedometer: you might be walking a lot, and it’s nice to know just how much
- Yoga mat/book: if you’re into it, bring it
- Camp towel: I’ll say it again, pack one.
- Stationary/address book: you might be writing a lot of letters.
- Hand sanitizer: a lot of it
- Musical instrument: if you have one or want to learn, you’ll have lots of time to practice. Lots.
NOTE: You can buy most things in South Africa, but know you won’t be going there until 5 – 6 months after you arrive. Sucks, I know.
If you have any questions, you can email me at nora.jens@gmail.com. I check about once a week or two. No guarantees on quick replies.