Life lessons I'm learning from Mali

Sometimes riding a donkey cart, having random dance parties, tying tall musoros (head wraps) or drinking a cold Coca Cola classic is the best form of stress relief. When it forces me to not take myself too seriously, I'm going somewhere.

After lunch naps are soul-rejuvinating.

The pride I feel at times for being American. We are a truly blessed nation, IF, we value what we have, stop the gluttony and work together.

Thank you taxpayers. You get a high national literacy rate. Peace Corps volunteers like me :) Educated citizens. Paved roads and traffic signals to keep us safe. Police officers. A government that may not be perfect, but it does its job. Regulation agencies for food/drinks/etc. We have it really good.

Bob Marley, Michael Jackson and Barack Obama can transcend all educational levels, social classes and even oceans. Music and words as art can be powerful. And unite.

The importance of art and learning creativity. I haven't seen art in the schools here. It doesn't mean it doesn't exist, but Malian culture definitely encourages oneness - which has its pros and cons. It's hard to be creative and uniquely creative when you're trying to be just. like. everyone. else.

But, at the same time - We are all one big family. Love this about Mali.

This is a big one - Our actions, our thoughts, have tangible and invisible consequences. But they all have consequences. When I don't wash my hands with soap - that reinforces that soap isn't necessary. And little kids die here because of dehydration. Because of diarrhea. That they got from dirty food or hands. Every time I feel like I want to have a baditude, I have to check myself - because every action I make, represents all Americans to an entire country of people. That shit has consequences.

Nothing is "Mine" anymore. Malians share absolutely everything - and if they can do it without literally a cent in their pocket, or the CFAs equivalent, I can share everything I have too.

The most touching and life-altering moments usually happen with very few words at all.

No, I cannot do everything by myself.

Absence definitely makes the heart grow fonder. Hand-written letters are a good way to mend it.

How much I appreciate my journalism education and my ability to write. Not write, as in for newspapers or stories, but the fact that I can WRITE. A sentence. Or a word. I keep saying this, but 70% of this country cannot do this. Can you imagine? Now, thanks to Peace Corps, I can.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions. This is why I love the Peace Corps approach - get to know Malians on their level. Live with them. Learn their language. Learn their culture. Live their culture. Don't rush into work without knowing these things. Well.

Real, meaningful change. Is sloooooowww.

The feel-goodness of a smile. :) :) :) :D

Women are not second class citizens!!! The women here are most of the reason Mali functions on an everyday basis. Women take care of the children. Clean the compound. They're responsible for cooking for the entire family (of 20, in my compound). Which means that they're responsible for cleaning and washing the food. They also usually sell goods on the side - mangoes, dishes, garden vegetables, etc. And they do that by walking all around the village, in flip flops, with 10-40 lbs of goods balanced on their heads and a baby tied to their back. Then, they organize to clean up the village. Their women's associations work together to save money to send all kids to school.

Yet, they are not allowed to be head of their village. Or make decisions. Or, at times, make decisions regarding money. Their husbands can have up to four wives. Women can't. When in front of men, they don't speak out or raise their hands to voice their opinions. They work 5 AM to at least 9 PM every. Single. Day. Yet, they're less educated. Yet, they're treated like the object of their husband. Yet, they get tea last, they get seats last, they get less money than their male counterparts, it's acceptable to hit their wife here. They're considered prostitutes for doing some things men here do every day. WTF???? These women kick ass!! They deserve equality, respect, empowerment. Nothing. I mean, nothing, less.

My life must be devoted to doing work like this in some way. I'm extremely fortunate to be American, middle class, college educated woman who has people who love me and can support me... and I have to find a way to give back for the fortune the world has tossed to me. I have to, I must.

Patience. Dooni dooni. Little by little.

Anything that's ever worth a damn is not easy.

Things are usually not as they seem. I'm learning it's best to check my expectations at the door, because anything could change at any moment.

The joy of reading. R-E-A-D!

The joy of writing ;-)

The joy of crying...

The joy of music

The stories that are published in the newspapers, magazines, news channels, are usually hyped to get reviews/readers. Who writes about how sweet and giving Malians are? Or how women get together to save money so that their kids can go to school? Or that, although many families here are struggling to make ends meet, there are Malians, right here, working their butts off to educate the citizens of their country? Why aren't these stories published? That's Mali - those are Malians. Not the sad, scary stuff that most people see depicted in the news. The real stories are beautiful. And change lives. Definitely, at least, mine. 

Things that make me hopeful here

The little kids in my concession now use soap to wash their hands. One of the leading causes of death here of small children, babies, is dehydration from diarrhea. Simple hand-washing can prevent a lot. Of deaths. Of kids.

When my host dad bought a toothbrush and toothpaste. Toothbrushes and toothpaste are expensive here. Discretionary income that may not be available to the average Malian.

When the person sitting next to me while I'm reading, stutters through reading my reading materials. And looks at me, smiling, because she just read. A sentence. In English. One person at a time can break the illiteracy statistic here. Dooni dooni.

When girls raise their hands in school. Mali needs their participation.

When I look at younger people here, especially girls. And they smile, look down and laugh, shyly. I hope to befriend them. Women hold up half the sky.

When the babies in my concession kiss and hug each other. Sounds weird, but watching Malians show love is touching.

When I am finding more and more people who can speak English in my village.

When I hear stories like a Peace Corps staffer, who said his life was changed because a Peace Corps volunteer lived in his concession as a kid. And strongly promoted education. Now this Malian has a master's degree when 70% of his country can't read or write. He's doing his part to give back and change that.

When my host sisters tell me they want to go to college.

When the women of my village get together to clean up their community. They save their money and dedicate it to making their community a better place.

When I get a letter or message from home. I'm proud of you all too.

Although sometimes my dreams are vivid and make me sad, I'm here living my dream.

Dooni dooni. Little by little, or "small, small" as Malians like to say :)

Some of the things that make me sad here

When I wake up from a dream that I realized was not, in fact, real.

When I hear songs that remind me of former people, current people and wish, for future people.

When I watched a kid in the first year school look at the class longingly, waiting to get credit for his kindgergarden French he had just written on the board. The teacher was hitting another student with a stick and wasn't paying attention. The other kids were crying, writing on their chalkboards and ripping their clothes off because it was so hot. The kid was trying to find someone, anyone, who was paying attention.

When I realized the equivalent to 50 cents American is a lot of money here.

When I am paraded around like an "American object!!!!" for people to stare at, point at and laugh at.

When I see baby after baby with patchy hair, a pot belly. It has malnutrition.

When I see piles of trash and nyegen run off, sewer green and ancient, discoloring my village.

When students struggle to learn because they have no quiet place to study. Like a library.

When I realized my host dad couldn't read. That was a big one.

When people sit next to me, while I'm reading or studying, and start stuttering and trying to read through whatever materials I have. And I look at them, and they smile. This is one person trying, hard, to break the statistic - 70% of Malians can neither read nor write.

When it dawned on me that the school children didn't have notebooks and writing utensils because they were too expensive.

When I see children with missing and rotten teeth because of either malnutrition or the lack of dental health education here.

When I see an adult with no teeth for the same reason.

When kids sprint after me, screaming, calling out "TOUBABU!" They run after my bike and try to touch my bike. They grab my blond, shiny hair in the marketplace. When I turn around, annoyed, they're waving frantically and smiling ear-to-ear. They just want my attention for a moment.

When I really, really, really miss certain people. A lot. I'm across the world. 

Revised packing list

So this is for the people coming into Mali who are still packing. When I was packing for Mali, looking at others' packing lists was so helpful. And a couple PCVs revised their lists with what was useful and what wasn't after the fact, and that was helpful too.

My biggest mistake with packing was waiting until the last minute to pack. I waited until the day before. DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, WAIT THAT LATE. You will regret it! Oh my, it was a shit show.

Some tips: Pack light. Everyone told me this, and because I waited until the last minute, I didn't have enough time to go through the packing list as I needed. Had I done it earlier, I could have saved $110 on baggage fees for heavy baggage.

In addition, it really sucked lugging around one 70 lb bag, 50 lb bag and one 30 lb backpack. I'm pretty little, so this sucked so bad. It made my last days in America super stressful, when if, I had not waited so long, would be completely avoidable.

The other thing, and this is important - Bring FEWER clothes than you want to, or think you need. You will end up getting (well, most people do, and I highly encourage it) a lot of clothes tailored here, in Malian fabric. And there is no better way to show Malians you're Malian than by wearing "their" clothes. They will instantly be like "oooh Malian muso/or Malian ce!" when you put on Malian clothes. It's inexpensive and fun.

When they tell you PC gives you more than enough living money, this is so true. I was able to save almost $200 during PST alone, and another $200 after getting to site. So, instead of dropping $90 on a mosquito tent, $100 on new clothes, or $100 on a smaller expensive backpack, you can get a lot of it here, you just have to check out the huge market place in Bamako or check out cities after you get to site.

Then again, everyone is different, and every experience is unique. Some people were really happy they brought one thing that other people would never need. It's up to you. At the same time, you're not going to be able to know everything to bring and not bring, you just have to do your best to bring the things you really need, and the things that make you retain your American identity and feel comfortable in Mali.

This was my original packing list, but I didn't end up bringing everything. Here are my thoughts and revisions

--Mirror --I ended up bringing my big eyeshadow case with a decent sized mirror in it. That was good enough. When I got to site, I was able to buy a mirror wall hanging for my house. I'd say definitely bring at least a little mirror, a pocket one or something, because Mali does not have a lot of mirrors at all.
--Blue-India-blanket -->This is like a sheet and it's big. I ended up getting a full size bed and I was happy my sheet was big. Two sheets have been all I've needed.
--pillow case - Yes
--pillow - Bought a memory foam pillow and it is nice to have, also stole the pillow from the Air France flight, and that was a great idea for a travel pillow.
--bed padding - Havent needed yet
--pictures from home - very happy I brought these. Try to bring pics that aren't a ton of drinking or anything in it, as Mali is a predominantly Muslim country and most of the Malians you encounter have never drank
--tacks or nails - Eh, didn't need
--card and board games (cards, scrabble) - Unless you're a big cards person, I only needed one deck of cards. But in retrospect, I can buy a pack of cards here at almost any butiki for 150 CFAs, which is about 30 cents
--sleeping bag - lightweight - DID NOT need
--(2 sets) Full size, cotton or jersey sheets - Yes
--(2) towels - Really only needed one towel. And a lot of people use pagnes (the wrap skirts/fabric)
--(2) quik dry towels - Eh, nice to have but didn't need. Maybe one. I ended up bringing like 8 and I didn't need them.
--MOSQUITO POPUP BUG HUT w/rain fly (REI 2)/Sansbug - Airport lost my tent forever so I had to buy another one. Bought one today in Koutiala for 9500 CFAs, or about $20 equivalent. You can find mosquito tents here that are just fine. PS dont get the Sansbug tent because it wont fit in your luggage. Its WAY too big. That's why mine got lost at the airport - I had to check it as an extra piece of luggage and it cost me $100 and then they lost my tent. Ohhhh packing was a shit show. Avoid the shit show!
--KU calendar, America calendar - Glad I brought this. Not only for the pics of America and my alma mater, but also to keep track of the day. Time here is so much different than in America, it's not fast-paced and time sensitive like America. A lot of people don't have clocks or watches and just go by the times of day - morning, heat of the day (lunch), afternoon and night. So you can lose track of the days easily.
--alarm clock - travel - Yes
--covered bucket/bug-proof hamper/clothes bag - Yes. This was great. I bought these (2) from the dollar store for $1 each. I keep dirty clothes and clean clothes in each bag, separately. It keeps bugs from getting in my clothes and I was able to pack in sections by putting my clothes in my suitcases in a way where I can organize my luggage easily.

Clothes

--(2) leggings - By leggings, we mean footless leggings. Yes, these are awesome because you can wear a cute, American style dress that's not quite at your knees with the leggings. You can also wear some Malian clothes with them too for an American flavor. Making yourself feel American is important.
--(2) hoodie - I didn't end up bringing one, and I haven't needed it, but all the vols say you should bring at least one warm weather shirt. You probably do not need two hoodies.
--(1) one-piece, (1) two-piece swimming suit - Just one swimming suit is needed. And bring it, because you will be able to go to pools and stuff during PST (like 1-3ish times), and you'll want it. You can wear a two piece.
--(3) long skirts - Eh, I'd bring two skirts. Long so that they cover your knees when you sit down too. That's important.
--(2) capri pants that cover knees when sitting down - You need one or zero pairs.
-- (1) jeans - Yes. And bring your one favorite pair that look good on you and you feel good in. When I want to have an "American" day, I wear my Levis skinny jeans. It can do wonders for your mood!
--(2) going out tops - Ok, by going out tops, we mean actual going out tops! Just bring one, but bring your favorite one. You will go out in Bamako and you will want to wear something that you would wear going out in America.
--(2) pants (dark colors) - Yeah, I'd say bring one pair only. And dark colors are super smart. Anything white or really light colored can get dirty. I'd say just avoid white pants or shirts. At the same time, Malian women can seriously get out any stain out of clothes, so don't fret if you have stuff you want to take that is light colored.
--(2) long sleeved shirts - Eh, haven't needed it at all yet, but I'd say bring one only.
--(2) pajama pants, comfy, dark - One pair is needed only. You find that you'll wear the same clothes often and you'll wear things several times before washing it. It's what Malians do and it helps you fit in better if you're not wearing brand new clothes every day.
--(5) lightweight shirts - Did not need this many. I got all these different colored 100% cotton shirts, that I did not need. I'd say bring some basics - a black one, maybe a blue one, then a t-shirt or two. That's it.
--(1-2) dressy pants (not expensive, dark, good with flats) - ONE PAIR only. And this doesn't mean suit pants. You do not, need a suit. At all. Just a nice/casual pair of black pants are fine. Nothing too tight, something lightweight. I did a lot of thrift store shopping for clothes and it saved me a LOT of money.
--(2-3) dressy shirts (light weight, dark colors, button up, covering) - Needed one. Button up is fine, but not necessary.
--(20) underwear - Needed 8-10 pairs at the most. Keep in mind that lacey pairs will get ruined with the hand washing.
--flip flops - bring a pair that look good on you, or your favorite pair.
--Tevas - I wear these almost every day. I had a pair of old, old school Tevas. They are really good because I can go hiking or walking a lot in them. Some people do just fine spending two years walking in flip flops with out it hurting their back, but it can't be good. I'd say my Tevas are great just for the extra support for the amounts of walking we do. But you don't have to spend a lot of money on these! You can get decent sandals with support in Bamako and most villages. For not a lot of dough either.
--Running shoes - YES
--Dressy shoes/flats for business attire - NO, I haven't needed any "business attire" - really business attire here is more like Malian clothes you've had tailored.
--Heels?? - NO
--Raincoat - Have not needed this yet. Can't speak to rainy season because haven't witnessed a rainy season yet.
--Rain poncho - One or the other, raincoat or rain poncho.
--(4) socks (black socks) - Eh, bring two pairs only. For running or hiking only.
--(2) baseball cap, camping Hat - Eh, some people wear hats a lot, but I don't. You can get really cool Malian hats here that are hand-made and super-Malian. I wish I would have saved the room and just bought a Malian hat.
--(2) Sunglasses - YES
--Sunglasses case - YES
--fake wedding ring - No
--favorite jewelry - Yes - especially big, dangly, goddy earrings. Malian women love earrings as big as possible and flashy. Obviously not diamond-studded, but big, dangly earrings are loved by Malian women. They often won't let me leave the house without my big earrings. Bring, big, fun ones!
--(2-3) bandannas - Eh, haven't needed these, but if you're a bandanna wearer, then yeah, I'd say bring one or two.
--watch - YES, but mine broke at the airport, so bring one that is sturdy.
--belt - YES. Especially because you're going to probably lose a considerable amount of weight, especially guys.
--over the shoulder/under shirt purse (wallet size) - Eh. Yes and no. You can buy really awesome, hand-made ones in Bamako, but something simple and small is good.
--over the shoulder purse - Eh, didn't need. Again, I'd rather have the ones made in Mali than spending money on it while in America.
--(4) regular bras - I'd bring more like 2-3. I wear sports bras a lot because it gets so hot and you sweat profusely in regular bras. After a while it can get gross. That's why sports bras are great, because they dry faster.
--(6) sports bras - More like 4 would be good.

Traveling items/tools

--Traveling backpack - Big backpack, yes, needed
--field guide of animals and plants in Mali - NO, that is here in Mali at the stage house libraries
--Extra mosquito tent - Did not need
--KNIFE - YES
--GERBER MULTI-TOOL - YES
--Eddie Bauer first aid bottle - NO
--shake flash light - NO
--lantern - YES, I got a $20 Home depot, LED lantern that switches from night light to a bright light that lights the entire room. It lasts 180 hours of light before having to change anything. It's a godsend. I didn't use it during homestay, but at site, it's been so great.
--hand-size/portable fan - No
--(2)HEADLAMP - YES
--(2) NALGENE (wide mouth, splash guard) - YES, but seriously, don't spend a bunch of $ on water bottles. I have my camelback but I also have spent the last month drinking out of the huge 1.5 liter water bottles they sell here.
--Ziplock bags - Yeah, to protect your stuff from dust
--camelback w/brushes to clean - some type of duster/cleaner is good because everything gets really dusty
--ID - For the airport and form of ID, yes
--(8-15) extra passport photos - Haven't needed them at all yet. I spent like $70 on these. Seriously get like 5-6 and you should be good, for traveling, etc. 15 is not needed.
--wallet - haven't needed it, but Im not a big wallet person
--1st aid kit - NO

Sanity Items

--Books: Women Who Run with Wolves, Insecure at Last, Grimms Fairy Tales, etc - NO - The stage houses have several hundred books in each house, and you can get books from other houses when you visit. For example, I got all the Harry Potters, Malcolm X, Ghandi and Nelson Mandela's autobiographies/biographies and Chelsea Handler's "My Horizontal Life" from the stage house.
--Lavender spray or oil - YES, but I really like lavendar
--French/English Dictinary (maybe pocket-sized?) - For PST, yes this was helpful. There were all kinds of them at the stage house libraries though.
--Photo album - Yes
--Journals (black, white, wonder woman, rainbows) - Yes, one or two are enough. You can have people send them to you in packages when you get here.
--engraved metal ship by Devon - Yes, but this is sentimental

Hygeine/Bathroom Items (Three month supply)

--Tampons - NO. I wasted so much room in my luggage with bringing these. The Peace Corps med office gives you an unlimited supply. I'd bring maybe 5 with you for emergency. That's all.
--Q-tips - Yes, but I went overboard with these. I've heard you can get them in Mali. Bring maybe a box if you like QTips. Again, you can have people send them to you in a care package.
--toilet paper (small kleenex or a few rolls) - YES. I got tissue packets from the dollar store and they were perfect because they were not bulky like toilet paper and they were portable for my purse. I take them in my purse with me everywhere. You can buy TP here by the way.
--COSCO - Baby wipes - YES. I brought portable cup-holder baby wipes from the dollar store. They were really convenient.
--Spray bottle - NO
--Lotion - NO. I brought my favorite lavendar lotion but haven't used it because I am so sweaty all the time. I'm not mad I brought it, but I haven't needed it yet.
--(4) Deodorant - YES. I haven't been able to find American style deodorant here. I have found nice smelling rolly deodorant, but it's expensive, here in Mali.
--(2) mascara - YES, but I love mascara.
--(2) eye liner - Yes, but have only used it a few times. I've stopped wearing make up completely, with the exception of a few times with mascara only.
--(2) bar soap - YES, but you can get soap anywhere in Mali that's good for bathing, clothes washing, face washing, etc
--powder - NO
--foundation (darker colors for tanner skin) - NO, bronzer itself was fine
--concealer - NO
--eye shadow - Barely used it, but for stuff like going out in Bamako and swear in, it was nice. You only need your favorite color and that's it. I brought a lot of make up that I have never even touched here in Mali.
--blush - NO
--(6) chap stick - Unless you have a favorite kind that makes you happy, you don't need it. Maybe one stick. You get one or two sticks in your med kit.
--lip stick - NO
--(1 btl) lavender shampoo - YES
--(1 btl) lavendar conditioner - YES (my hair has gotten really dry here, so I just leave the conditioner in without washing it out and it makes my hair beautiful)
--(2) lavendar body wash - Some people are happy they brought body wash, but I personally haven't used mine. I use shampoo or bar soap. And you can also buy body wash in Bamako and most cities or bigger villages.
--(2) face wash - Nope, bar soap has worked just fine. The face soap I did bring I haven't used. I got to a point where I really wanted to keep it as simple as possible.
--exfoliating scrub - Didn't bring it and glad I didnt. Never would have used it. My loofah is good enough.
---razor - YES, but there are some people who stopped shaving or stopped shaving regularly.
--(8) extra razor blades - YES, but haven't needed them.
--(3) toothbrush - YES, but you can get toothbrushes almost anywhere, and toothpaste. It's not the same toothpaste as US, but I just like keeping things simple, so I don't really care.
--(3) tooth paste - One tube is probably good. You can get toothpaste at almost any butiki here.
--mouth wash - Ended up sending this back home in a box in DC. You can get it at the stores in Bamako or bigger cities. Or someone can send it to you in a care package.
--dental floss - Nope - PC gives it to you in your med kit. It's nice to have.
--hair brush - YES
--bobby pins - YES, I found that I liked to be able to do cute stuff with my hair even though I am wearing it up every day. That's why I like bobby pins.
--head bands - YES.
--nail clippers - YES, you are given prenatal vitamins in your med kit, and trust me, you need the vitamins! They make your nails grow really fast, so nail clippers are great. Just a small pair is good.
--nail polish - Eh, you can get it in Bamako or any beauty shop in most villages. But a few colors are nice when I want to chill and have a me day.
--nail polish remover - You can get this in Mali
--Loofah - YES, YES, YES
--(2) face lotion - One bottle is probably good, unless you have incredibly dry skin
--tweezers - NO, you get them in your med kit
--perfume - Yes, one bottle is more than enough. And you can get a bunch of bad knock offs in Bamako
--body powder - YES. A lot of people get really bad heat rash and this is really helpful. At the same time, Malians get heat rash too so you can buy it here.
--ear plugs - If a lot of noise, especially donkeys screaming, roosters cock-a-doodle-doodling and kids screaming bother you, they might be helpful. I thought this stuff would bother me, but I have learned to sleep through anything. So, havent needed them. Also, you can get them for free on the Air France flight here. Take those!
--three months of birth control pills - Yes, PC gives you your supply at the end of PST
--witch hazel - NO
--cotton swabs - NO
--(2) small, hand towels - NO

Kitchen supplies

--Can opener - YES, but at the same time, I haven't needed it at site. I can use the one at my stage house for that. But I don't do a lot of cooking.
--camping cups - NO NO NO
--small skillet - I don't cook a lot at site, so I didn't need it. Malian families have all these dishes.
--spatula - NO

Electronics

--LAP TOP- YES, probably one of, if not the most used, item I brought here. I got a nice little netbook and it was so perfect for Mali. I have a nice, thick case with it and it's perfect too. YES.
--Charger for computer - YES
--IPOD - YES, probably the number two most used item
--IPOD SPEAKERS - YES, these are especially awesome because they don't require plugging into electrical outlets, they just plug into my ipod. They're not loud, but I don't need loud.
--(2) Plug in for ipod to computer - YES. I brought two and haven't needed the second one, but I would be screwed if something happened to the other cord, so Im glad I brought two.
--Digital camera - YES. Very happy I brought my digital cam.
--Rechargeable batteries - Nimh (AA, AAA) - NO. I spent a bunch of money on these. A small packet (maybe 4) is good, but you can get batteries here for cheap. In addition, I've barely used any batteries here because my flash light is my cell phone flash light, so that's saved me a lot of battery costs.
--Batter charger - Nimh - NO
--SHORTWAVE RADIO - Haven't used this because my Malian family always listens to their radio, but I've heard its been a life saver for some vols because of BBC. I also heard you can buy one in Mali for pretty cheap.
--EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE(S) - YES, YES. You will get thousands of songs and a bunch of TV shows and movies from other volunteers. YES.
--CD drive - My lap top required one. Haven't used it yet.
--(2) flash drives - Brought only one flash drive and glad I did. 4G was great.
--(2) power converter - YES. One is fine. I think you can even get them in larger cities and Bamako. We can get them in my banking town.
--(3) HEADPHONES - YES. I also stole the pair that Air France gave us and I got an extra pair at the dollar store, but they broke. You can buy these in Mali.
--computer case - HELL YES. It's important to keep my lap top covered and protected from the dust and bugs.
--ipod case - YES - I have the plastic one used for running. It's awesome.
--camera case - YES
--external hard drive case - YES
--power surge protector - YES
--throwaway phone - unlocked, tri-band, orange compatible, sim card - NO NO NO. You buy phones your first week here with the money PC gives you. They're good phones too.
--phone charger - NO

Workout items

--yoga mat - NO because I am not a big yoga person, but I have used the mat for sleeping.
--Meditation stool (fold up) - Didnt bring. You can get these here or get them made.
--meditation pillows (Get that tiny travel pillow) - NO
--arm weights for running - YES
--exercise bands/ball - YES
--running watch - NO
--workout clothes
---> (2) capri pants - YES - but I was so concerned about them being appropriate. As long as they're not booty shorts, they're fine. They can be tight, they can be loose. Just something that's comfortable and easy to work out in.
---> (2) basketball shorts - One pair would be fine.
---> (2) workout pants - NO. I have just needed two pairs of workout pants. One pair is capris, one pants. That's it.
---> (3) lightweight, quick dry t-shirts or tank tops - Any tank top or tshirt is fine. Just bring one or two.
---> head bands - NO
---> hair bands/hair ties - YES

Food

--Gum - Yes, but you can buy it here. It's not orbit or juicy fruit, but it's minty gum.
--vitamins - NO, PC gives it to you in your med kit.And an unlimited supply.
--Granola bars - YES YES YES. Key to sanity at times when I was eating TO every day.
--instant coffee - NOPE. I decided to give up coffee here and go full fledged tea drinker.
--dried fruit - YES
--trail mix - Yes
--drink mixes for water/KOOL-AID - Yes
--emergen-C - YES. Love this stuff. Again you don't get a lot of vitamins in your diet, so EmergenC is awesome.
--fruit snacks- Yes
--beef jerky - Yes
--COOKIES - Yes
--chips - Yes
--seasonings: garlic powder (NO), curry powder (NO), SALT (NO, you can get it here), pepper (NO), italian seasoning (NO), Cavenders All purpose greek seasoning (Yes, occasionally)
--Tabasco - YES, but you can also buy hot sauce here that's pretty delicious
--dry ranch, SEASONING PACKETS - NO
--candy - Yes, yes. Jolly ranchers, blow pops, air heads are great. It;s good to have little stuff like jolly ranchers and have a lot of them, because you might want to share
--ketchup - NO. You can get it here, in Bamako and bigger cities. But if you really like it, you can bring some. Bring a small bottle.
--mustard - NO

ALL TRUE:
Very available: Onions, garlic, powdered milk, tomato paste, pasta, rice,  sugar, tea, instant coffee, dried fish, sweet potatoes, beans, okra/okra powder, millet, peanuts, corn, local leaves for sauces, hot pepper

Somewhat available: Eggs, bread, tomatoes, flour, Coca-Cola, peanut butter, fresh milk, bananas, oil for frying

Only in bigger cities:  butter, pasteurized milk, cans of tuna (all expensive), olive oil,basil, Nutella, popcorn, hot sauce, canned veggies,  potatoes, Pringles, Snickers, cold sodas, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vache-qui-rit “cheese” which requires no refrigeration

Not available/Things we miss: Real cheese, Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Good apples, Chocolate chips, American bacon (though there are Christians that eat pork here and there), some spices (Oregano, Curry, Cinnamon, Paprika), Tortilla chips/most chips, American Junk food, granola bars, sliced bread, American condiments (Ranch, honey mustard, etc), Cereal & cold milk, a personal refrigerator

Seasonal Fruits and Veggies are available depending on region (in Sikasso we get a lot more than other regions) : Lettuce, green peppers, squash, oranges, guava, watermelon, green beans, zucchini, eggplant, mangos, papaya, carrots, hibiscus, avocado.

ALL TRUE. Food i miss the most - cheese, pizza, chocolate, sweets (the food is really salty here), mac and cheese, ice cream, cold drinks, pretty much all American junk food (oatmeal cream pies, doritos, for example, doesnt exist here. It's basics mostly), Pork/bacon, turkey sandwiches

But at the same time, I can get different versions of these things in Bamako or bigger cities. Nutella, that I bought in Bamako, with bread or crackers, has been a life saver for my sweet tooth. We all find ways to deal with the cravings!

Supplies for work/”school supplies”

--notebooks - YES. Can get here, but the paper is smaller and not lined. Not that that's really needed.
--envelopes - NO - I bought these in my banking town, but I didn't write any letters til site.
--planner - NO
--pens - YES, the pens dry up here quickly. Some nice pens are good. But you can buy pens here too.
--leather notebook thing - NO
--stamps - Yes, but haven't needed them yet. These are for when people go back to America and we send them with our letters to send in America for us to save money.
--notecards - Eh. Yes, but I ended up getting so frugal with my paper that I didn't really use these yet. I could have left these at home.
--small iron (?) - NO NO NO, so impractical. You get tailors to do this if you really need it

Medicine

--GIVEN BY PC: tylenol, ibprofen, antacid, cough suppressant, antihistamine, bug repellant, mosquito net etc. on about day 2-3 after arriving in country. So bring enough for the first few days when things are still a bit overwhelming.

**I wasted a bunch of money on allergy medicine. I didn't need it at all. I brought a bottle of IBprofen that I use, but PC gives us an unlimited supply of IB, so I didn't need to bring it. 

MISC

--Pics & maps of USA and Kansas - YES, you will want to show your host family where you come from!
--Gifts for host family --> tea, cookies, maps, post cards, etc - Yes, but something simple is really all you need. American tea is a good idea, or post cards. Maps of Africa or the world. Barack Obama stuff. Tea would be the best.
--pepper spray NO NO NO NO and it's illegal here. Im a lot safer here than America, any day.
--safety pins - Eh, a couple are fine, but haven't needed them yet.
--duct tape - Yeah, a small roll is fine.
--Rope/Hemp string - Havent needed it yet. You can get rope here. I might use the hemp for making bracelets, but I havent used it yet.
--disinfectant wipes/all-purpose cleaner wipes (to wipe off dust) - Ended up sending these back at staging in DC, but would be nice to have.
--world map poster - Just bought this in my banking town for a mille. You can get these in Bamako too. Very useful because not a lot of Malians I have seen have them. It's fun to look at together.
--required peace corps paperwork - YES, be thorough here.
--IMMUNIZATION HISTORY - YES
--STAGING PAPERS - Yes
--Something KU-y - My calendar was enough. I brought a few KU t-shirts which was nice. Fun for pictures to see where Jayhawks are in the world.
--gloves - NO. Med kit.
--hand sanitizer - YES
--umbrella - Not yet.
--1st Aid Book - NO
--cushion for bike seat - YES!

Not essential/Can get sent to me

--candles - NO
--KITCHEN STUFF - pan, knife - NO
--bug spray - NO PC gives you unlimited supply of bug spray
--adhesive bug strips - NO NO
--Portable Solar Charger (IceTech i9005 Solar Charger, Solio) - My little charger, $30 at wal mart, takes USB cords only, has been WONDERFUL for charging my Ipod when I dont have electricity. Seriously, this was one of the best purchases, and it was not expensive.
--padlock - NO. PC gives you a padlock at homestay.
--safe - NO
--bronzer - YES
--pumice - NO, you can buy them here
--calculator - NO my cell phone has one
--scissors - YES
--briefcase- NO NO NO
--Needle and thread - Yes
--frisbee - YES!!

A banna. Hope it helps!! Just have fun, pack often and early, eat cheese and chocolate, spend all your time with your friends and family, eat pork and have fun in America!!