About Me and Keeping in Touch

I will be in Mali in the Peace Corps for the next two years working in Agriculture and Environmental Development.  This blog will chronicle my adventures, thoughts, and events while I am gone.  I hope you enjoy.

One of the most common questions I have been asked is how to keep in touch.  While I will be quite far away, there are still many ways to keep in touch.  I will have a cell phone in Mali, and you are welcome to call me/text me (email me if you want the number).  Email is another popular option (cschell2@gmail.com).  I will likely be able to check my email every few weeks.  My favorite option is letters via post (c’mon, in a depressed economy, help out the post office!)  My address is:

Chrissy Scheller, PC
Corps de la Paix
B.P. 75
San, Mali
WEST AFRICA

Some tips for sending letters and packages are as follows:

• Send postcards in envelopes.
• Number your letters and packages so I know if I missed one.
• Padded envelopes are a lot cheaper to send than boxes.  The pre-paid boxes are cheapest in terms of boxes, but it’s all expensive.  Don’t feel obligated to send me things.
• Write ‘air mail’ or ‘par avion’ on all envelopes/packages.
• Write that all packages are gifts or school supplies and are worth nothing.
• Write religious symbols (crosses) and/or that packages contain religious materials to deter theft.

What to send me, if you are so inclined:

• Parmesan Cheese! (The green Kraft ones work well, but others have received regular shredded in a bag and it’s been fine.) (This is hands down the most important food stuff not available in country.)
• Sauces in packets (American food tastes good regardless of quality here.)
• Boxes of packaged food that can be made via stove top
• Salty snacks
• Chips and crackers(!)
• Good jam
• Nuts that are not peanuts
• Raisins, craisins, dried apricots, dried sour cherries
• Oat bran
• Chocolate (even if it melts, it is still heavenly.  Pack in a ziplock so it doesn’t ruin other things.)
• Swedish fish
• Tootsie Rolls
• Peanut M&Ms (or if you really love me Peanut BUTTER M&Ms)
• Post cards/ pictures of yourself/ things to hang on my wall
• Books (need more direction? Just ask.)
• Granola/Muesli
• Couscous
• Bulgur
• Lentils
• Cookies (should probably be first on the list)
• Logic Puzzles
• Trivia
• NY Times crosswords
• Sudoku
• The Economist
• Fascinating news articles (even if they’ll be old by the time I receive them)
• Campaign news (as the 2012 elections heat up)