Likkle electronics

So its down to the wire!! You only have 22 days before you leave for staging! So if you are like we were you're probable pretty excited by now. I hope you've gotten your stuff in order or are at least starting to. If you are wrestling with some questions, just comment and we'll write back to you. Some things I wanted to know: Should I bring my computer? I would say YES. For a variety of reasons. You will probably want it to do work on, as computers aren't always accessible from your job. You will also want it to keep in touch with family and friends. If you are concerned about theft you can always lock it up in safekeeping in the Peace Corps office until you have a site assignment in August. That way you don't have to worry about it at your host family's house.
Should you bring a digital camera? Sure, it's been great to be able to take pics of our life here and show them to people through our blog. If you have the money you may want to insure these items while in the states, in case they are stolen, even after you are at site.
What about your cell phone? This matter could be discussed at length, but what you really need to know is that even if you have a phone that claims to be compatible with international SIM cards, it probably wont work. None of the people who brought these types of phones were able to get them to work when they arrived. Only people with satellite phones had no problems, but they are expensive even in the states. Just bring a little extra cash, or save some from staging, to purchase a phone when you arrive. They aren't too expensive, and we are trying to get you the best deal on this end, as we feel we were overcharged when we arrived. In training I paid the equivalent of US$65.00. When my phone was 'lost' in Portland, I paid the equivalent of US$35.00 for a new phone, same model (actually a little newer and better model). So current volunteers are trying to get you a deal. Cross your fingers.
Overall, don't worry about electricity. All volunteers have electricity. This doesn't mean constant electricity but typically you have it for most of the day. Therefore all your electronic gizmo's will work, but it is important to unplug EVERYTHING if you see a dark cloud in the sky. Surge suppressors do not suppress Jamaican lightning.