Resources
First, here is a list of resources I used when preparing for my service and during my service.
The Peace Corps Website
https://www.peacecorps.gov/
This should go without saying, but the Peace Corps website is a wealth of information, and should be the first stop for anyone even considering the Peace Corps.
The Peace Corps Reddit Page
https://www.reddit.com/r/peacecorps/
Before beginning the application process, I had never been on Reddit (I don't know how I avoided it for so long). However, the Peace Corps Reddit page is amazing. Everyone who has responded to me has been incredibly kind and helpful, and I am glad to have found this resource.
The Peace Corps Forum
http://peacecorpsforum.com/
The forum doesn't seem to be as frequented as the Reddit page, but it is still incredibly useful.
https://www.peacecorps.gov/
This should go without saying, but the Peace Corps website is a wealth of information, and should be the first stop for anyone even considering the Peace Corps.
The Peace Corps Reddit Page
https://www.reddit.com/r/peacecorps/
Before beginning the application process, I had never been on Reddit (I don't know how I avoided it for so long). However, the Peace Corps Reddit page is amazing. Everyone who has responded to me has been incredibly kind and helpful, and I am glad to have found this resource.
The Peace Corps Forum
http://peacecorpsforum.com/
The forum doesn't seem to be as frequented as the Reddit page, but it is still incredibly useful.
Timeline
One of the primary posts I see on other Peace Corps blogs is the timeline from application to invitation. Each Volunteer's timeline is unique, and it's an extremely nerve-wracking process. So, for the record, here is my timeline:
November 10th-11th, 2016- Submitted Application/Country Preferences/Soft Skills/HHF
November 22nd, 2016- UC for Rwanda (3rd choice)
December 15th, 2016- Interview Request
December 21st, 2016- Interview
January 3rd, 2017- Invitation
January 11th, 2017- Mailed in legal clearance information and passport info
January 23rd, 2017- Background check started
March 3rd, 2017- Medical Tasks opened
April 4th, 2017- Submitted last medical task
April 25th, 2017- Received legal clearance
July 24th, 2017- Medical clearance process started
August 15th, 2017- Received medical clearance (after several follow-up tasks)
September 17th-18th, 2017- Staging in Philadelphia
September 19th, 2017- Leave for Rwanda
December 12th, 2017- Swear In
And here my reinstatement timeline after I broke my ankle:
August 28th, 2018- Fell and fractured/sprained my ankle
August 29th, 2018- Taken to Kigali for x-rays
August 30th, 2018- Got a soft cast
September 1st, 2018- MRI
September 11th, 2018- Soft cast removed and given a boot
September 17th, 2018- Medically Separated to the US with the intention to reinstate
September 20th, 2018- Met with orthopedist in Memphis/Submit claim to Department of Labor
September 25th, 2018- Started physical therapy
October 5th, 2018- Sent reinstatement request to Peace Corps
October 15th, 2018- Received claim approval from Department of Labor/Start refund process
October 18th, 2018- Cleared by orthopedist
October 23rd, 2018- Last physical therapy appointment
October 31st, 2018- Reinstatement request approved
November 21st, 2018- Request for medical documents
November 27th, 2018- Received medical clearance (after much jumping through hoops)
The Offical Peace Corps Rwandan Packing list
https://gretchencain.wordpress.com/peace-corpsrwanda-packing-list/
https://aneducatorabroad.wordpress.com/peace-corps-packing-list-rwanda/
https://sepplin.wordpress.com/my-packing-list/
http://sojolog.blogspot.com/p/packing-list.html
List posted on our Facebook page by current volunteers
Clothes
3 pairs of leggings- Used for cleaning the house days, running outside, etc.
3 pairs of shorts- Used for working out, as pajamas, lounging, etc.
3 long dresses- Great for work days, training, and church
4 long skirts- Same as dresses
3 tshirts- Used for working out and cleaning days
4 pairs of nice jeans- Great for teaching
6 nice shirts/blouses- To pair with said jeans and skirts
2 swimsuits- For hotel pools and vacation
Rain Jacket and Sweatshirt- Very important for rainy season and cooler nights
Undies, bras, socks, and tanks/camis- All I could fit
I've had several pieces of clothing made here (some shirts and skirts, a dress, etc.), so there's always options!
Shoes
I essentially switch between Chacos/Birebstocks, tennis shoes, and flip flops. However, I also brought a pair of nicer sandals and 2 pairs of TOMS for special occasions. And don't forget shower shoes!
Luggage/Bags
65L Opsrey
30L Opsrey
Rolling hard case
Jansport Backpack
Collapsible Duffel Bag
A few reusable grocery bags to use at the market
Electronics
Laptop w/charger
Older iPod for runs
DSLR Camera w/charger and extra memory cards
iPhone w/ several chargers
Hard drive and multiple flash drives
Kindle
2 adapters/converters (you can buy more here)
3 flashlights for late night latrine runs (one is solar powered)
Solar powered, inflatable light found on Amazon
Misc.
Duct Tape
Leatherman
Screwdriver
Portable radio/flashlight
Cards and Uno
Pens
Pencils
A few notebooks/journals
Folders/Expanding File
Stickers
Chef's Knife
Potato Peeler
Measuring Cups
Sheets (full size just in case)
Towel
Hand Sanitizer
Baby Wipes
Ziploc Baggies (all sizes, super useful)
Toiletries (bring extra deodorant, I haven't been able to find any!)
November 10th-11th, 2016- Submitted Application/Country Preferences/Soft Skills/HHF
November 22nd, 2016- UC for Rwanda (3rd choice)
December 15th, 2016- Interview Request
December 21st, 2016- Interview
January 3rd, 2017- Invitation
January 11th, 2017- Mailed in legal clearance information and passport info
January 23rd, 2017- Background check started
March 3rd, 2017- Medical Tasks opened
April 4th, 2017- Submitted last medical task
April 25th, 2017- Received legal clearance
July 24th, 2017- Medical clearance process started
August 15th, 2017- Received medical clearance (after several follow-up tasks)
September 17th-18th, 2017- Staging in Philadelphia
September 19th, 2017- Leave for Rwanda
December 12th, 2017- Swear In
And here my reinstatement timeline after I broke my ankle:
August 28th, 2018- Fell and fractured/sprained my ankle
August 29th, 2018- Taken to Kigali for x-rays
August 30th, 2018- Got a soft cast
September 1st, 2018- MRI
September 11th, 2018- Soft cast removed and given a boot
September 17th, 2018- Medically Separated to the US with the intention to reinstate
September 20th, 2018- Met with orthopedist in Memphis/Submit claim to Department of Labor
September 25th, 2018- Started physical therapy
October 5th, 2018- Sent reinstatement request to Peace Corps
October 15th, 2018- Received claim approval from Department of Labor/Start refund process
October 18th, 2018- Cleared by orthopedist
October 23rd, 2018- Last physical therapy appointment
October 31st, 2018- Reinstatement request approved
November 21st, 2018- Request for medical documents
November 27th, 2018- Received medical clearance (after much jumping through hoops)
November 29th, 2018- Leave for Rwanda
Packing List
Another common post I see for volunteers is their packing list. To compile my personal list, I sought the advice of others. Here are a few I consulted:
The Offical Peace Corps Rwandan Packing list
https://gretchencain.wordpress.com/peace-corpsrwanda-packing-list/
https://aneducatorabroad.wordpress.com/peace-corps-packing-list-rwanda/
https://sepplin.wordpress.com/my-packing-list/
http://sojolog.blogspot.com/p/packing-list.html
List posted on our Facebook page by current volunteers
Clothes
3 pairs of leggings- Used for cleaning the house days, running outside, etc.
3 pairs of shorts- Used for working out, as pajamas, lounging, etc.
3 long dresses- Great for work days, training, and church
4 long skirts- Same as dresses
3 tshirts- Used for working out and cleaning days
4 pairs of nice jeans- Great for teaching
6 nice shirts/blouses- To pair with said jeans and skirts
2 swimsuits- For hotel pools and vacation
Rain Jacket and Sweatshirt- Very important for rainy season and cooler nights
Undies, bras, socks, and tanks/camis- All I could fit
I've had several pieces of clothing made here (some shirts and skirts, a dress, etc.), so there's always options!
Shoes
I essentially switch between Chacos/Birebstocks, tennis shoes, and flip flops. However, I also brought a pair of nicer sandals and 2 pairs of TOMS for special occasions. And don't forget shower shoes!
Luggage/Bags
65L Opsrey
30L Opsrey
Rolling hard case
Jansport Backpack
Collapsible Duffel Bag
A few reusable grocery bags to use at the market
Electronics
Laptop w/charger
Older iPod for runs
DSLR Camera w/charger and extra memory cards
iPhone w/ several chargers
Hard drive and multiple flash drives
Kindle
2 adapters/converters (you can buy more here)
3 flashlights for late night latrine runs (one is solar powered)
Solar powered, inflatable light found on Amazon
Misc.
Duct Tape
Leatherman
Screwdriver
Portable radio/flashlight
Cards and Uno
Pens
Pencils
A few notebooks/journals
Folders/Expanding File
Stickers
Chef's Knife
Potato Peeler
Measuring Cups
Sheets (full size just in case)
Towel
Hand Sanitizer
Baby Wipes
Ziploc Baggies (all sizes, super useful)
Toiletries (bring extra deodorant, I haven't been able to find any!)
