twelve weeks from today

I'm putting together a packing list based on numerous packing suggestions that I've found online. I am trying to internalize very good advice that I am seeing everywhere about packing light and trusting that I will be able to purchase everything that I actually need while I am in country. A white American girl living in a Burkinabe village will be a spectacle no matter what, will be thought of as rich no matter what...is comparably rich no matter what. I'd like to minimize the amount of things that I bring along with me so that I can focus more on integrating into my community and less on having stuff. Easier said than done...but the process of narrowing down and being selective will be beneficial in the end.

That all being said, here's my deal:

The Peace Corps has a baggage limit of 2 checked pieces and 1 carry on. The combined dimensions of the checked pieces (length plus height plus depth) cannot exceed 107 inches, and the carry on can't exceed 45 inches. The checked baggage weight cannot exceed a total of 80 pounds, and there is a maximum weight allowance of 50 pounds per any one bag.


THE LIST
***last updated June 5th***

(Items in purple are things that I have/have specifically decided upon. Items with question marks near them are things that I'm not sure about or have seen a lot on other peoples' packing lists but don't know much about myself yet.)

Clothes

3-4 short sleeved cotton shirts
2-3 tank tops
1-2 nice shirts
1 long sleeved shirt
1 lightweight zip-up long sleeved shirt
1 sweatshirt
1 long skirts
1 pair jeans
2 pairs lightweight capris/long pants
3 underwire bras, 2 sports bras
15ish pairs underwear, 3ish pairs socks
1 lightweight PJ pants, 1 pair PJ shorts
1 belt
1 hat with brim, my blue hair wrap
1 swim suit
1 rain coat
2-3 pairs sunglasses
Chaco's sandals -- 50% off PCV discount
Chaco's sneakers -- 50% off PCV discout
2 pairs Teva's flip flops -- 50% off PCV discount
a few pairs of simple stud earrings, rings

Toiletries -- 3 month supply of what the PC does not provide/specific brands I like

my vitamins
heat wraps, Midol, Insteads
face wash, dr. bronner's liquid soap, 1 bar soap/soap holder, deodorant
1 toothbrush, 1 tube of toothpaste
nail clippers, nail file, tweezers, small mirror
a few Burt's Bees chapstick
some makeup/hair goop, bobby pins, hair cutting scissors

Household Things

can opener, plastic spatula/scraper
10'' lightweight non-stick frying pan
kitchen knife, knife sharpener, 3 cutting board sheets
small insulated lunch box, ziplock bags, plastic storage containers (various sizes)
taco seasoning, spices, powdered drink mixes, hot chocolate powder
1 pillow and pillow case, 1 flat full sheet
small travel sewing kit

Recreational Things

French books (Le Petit Prince, Le Petit Nicolas)
Catch-22, World War Z
Back to the Future DVDs
puzzle, frisbee
pens/pencils, colored pencils, pencil sharpener
paper, scissors, journal
world map
USA map, Africa map -- thank you, Odyssey!

Techy Things

ipod, headphones, ipod speakers
digital camera, funky weird mini tripod thing
shortwave radio
rechargable batteries (AA and AAA) and charger
solar charging backpack (listed below)
super tiny mini laptop (Acer Aspire One), USB card

Other Things

camping mattress (Thermarest)
screen tent (REI bug hut 2)
2 Nalgenes, head lamp, 2 caribeeners
Leatherman wave
duct tape, super glue, thermometer
durable clock with alarm
incense/candles
bike helmet, comfortable bike seat
photo album (personal and public)
TBD gift for host family

...And It's All Going To Fit In

Voltaic converter -- 35% off Peace Corps discount
...which will go in my old EMS backpack
Kelty Trekker 3900 external frame backpack