Chapter 2: The Preparation

The PCH roadtrip: Brixby Creek Bridge

As the date of my departure slowly approached and the pressure to pack kept piling, I felt less and less prepared to spend 27-months in a new country. I was constantly conflicted whether to spend the remaining two weeks staying at home and relaxing with my family or catching-up and saying my good-byes to my friends or organizing travel plans to places I've always dreamed of visiting. After scribbling-in important events and scratching-out unrealistic plans, I can happily say that I was able to pack everything into my schedule from wine tasting with my favorite grannies, drinking and singing my heart out with my childhood friends, celebrating birthdays and engagements with my high school friends, stuffing my face meal after meal with more friends and family, and even squeezing in a short trip up the beautiful coast of California. 

Then came the challenge......How in God's name did Peace Corps expect us to pack 2-years worth of luggage into two 50lbs check-in bags, a carry-on, and a personal purse/backpack? The remaining week before my departure, I restlessly scrambled to research and purchase the bare essentials that were going to be necessary for my survival in Belize. Luckily, after reading a multitude of volunteer blogs and posting endless questions in the Peace Corps Belize Facebook group (composed of former/current/incoming volunteers), I was able to compile a basic packing list that was derived from a master list created by thoughtful BH2 volunteers. I will generously include the packing list below so that future Peace Corps volunteers, who will most likely be in my shoes before their own departure, can reference it when the time comes.

The packing list includes (brace yourself, this list is quite extensive):

Luggage

- hiking pack

- day pack

- suitcase/dufflebag 

- fanny pack

- side purse

- dummy wallet

Clothes 

- nice clothes (for swearing-in ceremony)

- business casual outfits

- casual shirts/tanktops

- blouses

- skirts/pants

- workout clothes

- swim suit/clothes
- hats/headwear
- additional cute outfits for to use during your annual leave

Shoes

- sandals (teva/keen/chacos)

- bath slippers

- heels/nice shoes

- 2 flats/closed-toes shoes

- 2 running shoes

- rain galoshes  

Toiletries (get 3-months worth and buy everything else in-country)

- shampoo/conditioner

- face/body soap
- deodorant
- chapstick

- pads/tampons/diva cup

- floss, toothbrush/paste
- Kleenex
- sunscreen

- bugspray, TONS OF BUGSPRAY!!!

Technology/Miscellaneous

- waterproof watch
- rechargeable batteries
- flashlight/headlamp

- multi-tool

- laptop/tablet

- GoPro/waterproof camera

- Kindle

- speakers

- external hard drive

- sewing kit
- nail clippers

- french press

- duct tape

- stationery&pens

- entertainment (books/cards/games)

When we were given the two suitcases/duffle bags maximum, to say the least, I thought it would be impossible to make it work. I remember I had to constantly pack, weigh, repack and modify everything in order to perfectly allocate the weight of my baggage. Although I had to sacrifice and leave out about 1/4 of my original baggage (such as the French Press, waterproof camera, exquisite stationery, colorful markers, certain snacks and clothes), I managed to successfully force the remaining of my belongings into different compartments while sparing about half an hour to sneak in a short nap before heading out to the airport for staging in Miami. 

In any case, if anyone wants to send me a package whether it is filled with any of the items listed above or specific items that you think I will need that aren't listed or snacks/food that I won't have in country or even just a letter to update me on your life, please send it to this address below (until further notice, might change once we move to our permanent sites):

Attn: Grace Hwang

Peace Corps Office

6130 Iguana St. Ext.

Belmopan City, Belize

**Reminder: Send packages with US Postal Service via flat rate or weight. You will get overcharged if you use UPS or FedEx. Also, write "GOD IS WATCHING!" on the box. I will be looking forward to getting some mail!** 

PS. If any of you want letters from me, please please please email me your address!

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"All things are ready, if our minds be so." - William Shakespeare

"Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul, there is no such thing as separation." - Rumi
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