PC Grenada Survival Kit

I am a person with way to much stuff. I know, confession time. But really, I have always had way to much stuff, junk, nonsense in my life since I was a little kid. I was the kid that collected everything I could find, holding significant emotional meaning in the smallest of items. My room was (and is) a smorgasbord of random, insignificant to anyone but me, "items".

But, when I joined Peace Corps I remember my life suddenly becoming so...simple. It was something I really needed to learn, the ability to part with things that aren't necessary for the daily functioning of life. I fit my entire life into 100 pounds of luggage when moving to Grenada, something that took weeks of thought and rearrangement. Should I bring my favorite childhood toy? Probably not. Can I bring my 15 button up shirts? Not necessary. What about cheez its? Ok, but only ONE box.  Tools? no. Favorite boots? uhhh no. My Car? nope. Blackberry? nooooope. Beer coozie? ugh, no!

My life quickly changed when I moved to Grenada in more ways than one, but one of the most valuable lessons I have taken from this experience is that we really don't need ALL. THAT. STUFF. to survive and live happily. Often times we are trained (especially in America) to believe the more things you have, the happier you can be. The constant overflow of in-your-face commercials about Ipads, cell phones, clothes and gadgets can form this ideology in our lives that more=happy. It takes a serious commitment to living frugally to understand that life really is about being happy through things like service, family, and friends. Are you willing to step back and reevaluate your life in order to declutter the nonsense?

I decided to compile a list of things in Grenada I simply can't live without. This is my "Peace Corps Survival Kit":

#1: FAN! I mean air conditioning. This uses about 50% of my electricity bill and its totally worth it. With days reaching in the 90's and a heat index over 100 some days, this is necessary.

#2: Mosquito net. This is pretty self explanatory. We have a high prevalence of dengue fever here in the rainy season, making this net a priority. My net has been rigged with super glue, plastic hooks, pipe cleaners, hair ties and hair bands to ensure it keeps me tucked in safely.

#3: Facebook. I know, I know. Judge me all you want, but this is my main form of communication with back home. It's my way of keeping in touch with friends and family, which is really important to me. It is also a great way to share my experience with Americans through pictures and random status updates.

#4: Random amount of cords, adaptors and transformers. The electrical frequency is different from the States (220/110), making it really important to have adaptors and transformers. Not only is the frequency different, the shape of the plugs are British style with three prongs. It makes for an interesting attempt at making electronics work and not explode.

#5: Insecticide. There are some interesting critters in the Caribbean, so having BOP around makes me scream less. I have successfully mastered the art of killing spiders (that I am deathly afraid of), cockroaches, ants and centipedes. Although not good for your lungs, this is a must.

#6: Sweat rag. Gross, I know. But this thing saves me from soaking wet dress clothes and nasty greasy hair. Sweating is a constant here whether its sun up or sun down. The humidity makes for a hot sweaty mess, something the locals tease us white people about. I am never far from this rag.

#7: Bug Spray. When not tucked tightly under my mosquito net, I'm bathing in this stuff. Deep Woods is the BEST bug spray that OFF! makes and I suggest it for anyone. Those blood suckers are EVERYWHERE in Grenada.

#7: Flip Flops!!! Oh, and flip flops with a bottle opener on the bottom is suggested. :) No twist off bottles here my little Americans, just good ole fashion tight as hell caps. Though wearing flip flops with dress clothes is a cultural no-no, outside of work I go nowhere without them.

#8: Sunglasses. The Caribbean sun is much much hotter than the Missouri sun, so making sure to protect my eyes is important. And who wouldn't want this cool looking shades? just sayin...

#9: Sunsets. I know the value of life after seeing a Caribbean sunset. They are like no other and can't truly be appreciated through a simple picture. Come visit and see for yourself. :)

#10: AN OPEN MIND!!!!!!


Hope you enjoyed my Top 10 list.

Always serving,
Mack