I realized this was about the time I was seriously getting into my PC application process last year, and while I don't remember if I had stumbled across the blog pages yet I figure I can give any potential PC applicant some advice before they sign up officially.
TIPS:
1. If you are in any way adverse to using a hole in a hut as a bathroom or your hands as silverware...do not come to West Africa. (or do what I do and carry a spoon with you at all times)
2. If the idea of a 30 y.o. man, with an equivalent to a third grade education, telling you how stupid your idea is (even if said idea is backed up by millions practicing it's principles worldwide)...don't come to West Africa.
3. Don't bring socks or closed toed shoes...you will never you them.
4. Pack less clothes and stuff and bring more money. (despite the falling dollar)
5. BRING WIND-UP FLASHLIGHTS/RADIOS/CELLPHONE CHARGERS. (we all can't be SEDers, with their electricity and running water)
6. About 2 weeks before you go to pre-staging, send yourself a package to the 971 Cotonou address...i suggest somethings chocolaty or Cliff bars.
7. Know your daypack...it has to be big enough to carry a couple pairs of cloths but be small enough to sit on your lap in crowded conditions.
8. If being the only white (or any other color other than black) person within a 50 km radius, and being constantly reminded of that fact everyday by people with less than a third grade education...don't come to West Africa.
9. If your family is dead set against you contracting some sort of tropical disease...don't come to West Africa.
10. Finally, if you really want to do development work...look elsewhere. PC is not a development agency and most of those wanting out do so because they thought they were getting into something altogether different.
That said, if you finally do decide that PC West Africa is for you (I fail to see how, you could get a Pacific Island post for Christs sake) then PC Benin is a pretty good place to end up. More food available when compared to Niger or Mauritania, and less violence than say Ghana. The downtime can get fairly tedious, but if you want the work you can find it. At the end of the day, every volunteer is over here to make a difference and help a people and nation less developed than our own. That thought alone makes those days when groups of children and adults are laughing at you because the white guy just got off a bike wearing a helmet just bearable...just barely.
Top 5 things I brought to Benin:
1. Inflatable sleeping mat and pillow
2. Blue disaster tarp
3. pocketknife
4. Sharpies
5. wind-up falshlight/radio
notables include: hammock with mosquito netting, camel bak, kitchen knife, micro waterfilter
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7 comments:
What brand pocketknife has worked for you? Serrated, multifunction, or what?
Hey Son! It was good to hear from you. Where are you these days? I'd Like to send you a package of comfort foods (snacks) Sterling went off to his first paint ball
game at the Hi Tech. One more thing may be helpful to bring with you to a PC in Africa.-Your sense of humor. Love you! XOXO
Son, Sterling got back from his first paint ball experience and LOVED it! Can you suggest a good paintball gun. We are currently on e-bay looking at a Tippmann for
20.oo dollars is this good. Ryan, your input would be awesome and appreciated.
Candy, you can't get anything worth shooting for $20. i would recommend some type of spyder, new or like new, or if you want to get a great gun that will last for a couple years and not be hard to maintain, go with the smart parts ion. you can find one for $100 on ebay if you are patient.
Ryan, We purchased a titanium spyder. It should be arriving next week. We also looked up the smart parts and Sterling is watching bidding on a nice looking piece with a lot of extras, like a beam site, a belt that holds the air cannisters, extra stuff like that.
He plans on going to the hi-tec field again on Sunday.
Either gun should work well, and many people at the field will be able to help out, should problems arrive. i was actually at hi-tech on 12/27 for their mini scenario. he'll have a blast.
Who's a Birthday Boy this month????????????????????
A dozen days and counting.................
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