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Don't Leave Home Without It
Packing Guide & Travel Tips
The rule to follow when packing is very simple: everything you take, you will CARRY. Go light; clothes can be worn more than one day. We will also have the opportunity to wash things. Laundry services are very inexpensive.
Special NOTES
*NO CAMOUFLAGE! This can get us all into big problems. Most countries view it as military.
*Dress modestly. Nothing revealing. You may attract more attention than you intend.
*In many countries pocket knives and flashlights make very good gifts. Any knife must be checked in your checked baggage. Do not put it in your carry-on or it will be confiscated.
*Do not take anything you don’t mind not coming home with (jewelry, clothing, etc).
What to PACK
1. Bible
2. Notebook (Small)
3. Extra pens
4. Pepto Bismol
5. Antihistamines (if needed)
6. Sunscreen
7. Hat/Bandana (protection from the sun is a must)
8. Anti- Diarrheal
9. Vitamins and/or medication if needed.
10. Comb/Brush
11. Toothpaste
12. Toothbrush
13. Soap
14. Shampoo
15. Personal hygiene items
16. Small towel
17. Toilet Paper
18. Extra Eyeglasses or contacts
19. Sunglasses
20. Flashlight (Small but powerful- Mini mag is good)
21. Extra batteries
22. Camera (Your team leader will tell you where cameras and photos are not a good idea. Otherwise, shoot away.) A good automatic 35 MM camera will serve you well.
23. Film
24. Power converter (Radio Shack has a very compact nice small one)
25. Wristwatch with alarm
26. Small pack of Kleenex
27. Bug spray
28. Calling card
29. ‘In case of emergency’ credit card
30. Clothing
a. Pants (jeans, khakis, or jungle pants) Keep things loose fitting.
b. T-shirts and short sleeve button ups (Watch the saying on the shirts)
c. Light weight long sleeve shirt
d. Under garments
e. Good hiking shoes are a must
f. Good socks
g. Belt
h. Flip flops or shower shoes are nice
i. One flannel long shirt would be fine in case it gets cold at night
31. Snack food. (beef jerky, granola bars, chewing gum) not a lot, as you have to carry these things )
32. Small box or pack of matches
33. Compass (small one)
34. Hand disinfectant (small bottle)
35. Wipe packets (individual packets)
36. Aloe Vera gel (small bottle) for sunburn
37. Tylenol or any analgesic
38. Gold bond powder (green label)
39. Extra passport photos (2 – 4)
40. Leatherman (or something similar)
41. Optional: Gospel tracts (in English) are always a good thing to bring. A travel book on the country you are visiting is recommended.
42. A small tape recorder is also good for recording thoughts or special moments. I will have a video recorder with me so you would not need to bring one. (Micro cassette)
What about MONEY?
All expenses are included in the cost of the trip, except for the extras (like tips, a snack, a Coke, or souvenirs). We suggest that you take at least $100 cash in 20s, 10s, 5s and 1s. This will help you for tipping at airports and various areas. Take the rest of your money in new 50s and 100s.
Make sure all of your money is NEW, with no rips or tears. Also make sure the bills are not written on or inked. You will get less for the exchange and in some cases, they won’t exchange them. Call your bank ahead of time and tell them you will need the newest money they can find. Check it at the bank for the above-mentioned flaws.
You may wish to take a credit card or money card. You should have access to ATMs, but this is not a guarantee.
Carry your money in different areas - not all in the same place. Keep all items secure. I like a small belt bag or bag that you can carry over the shoulder. Wallets in back pockets are dangerous.
TO DO:
1. Make a copy of your passport and leave it with someone at home in case of an emergency.
2. Wrap a piece of red ribbon or string that will show up on the handle of your luggage or other visible area. This will help you spot your luggage as well as make sure you get the right luggage at baggage claim, as many look alike.
3. Lock or secure your check-through bags. Do not put anything in them like electronic gear or things you might actually want to have when you get to your destination. They may “slip out” of your bag on the way. (Theft)
4. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on in case you are spilled on while on the plane or your luggage does not show up. This does happen in the real world.
3 THINGS TO NEVER FORGET... Your Plane Tickets, Passport & Money.
You can get by without anything else but not these three. When you walk out the door say “Plane Tickets, Passport, Money.” Try to pack a day early so you are not rushed at the last minute. Get a good night’s sleep.
INSTRUCTIONS & REMINDERS
1. Stay alert and watch each other’s backs and bags. Thieves work by distraction. Be very careful of political talk. Many countries do not enjoy the freedom to disagree as we do.
2. Never travel alone, always travel in pairs and if you do venture out always inform the team leader.
3. When we are in an active war zone NEVER leave without your team leader. You may be killed or arrested. They do not read you your rights - you have NONE. Clear instruction will be given when heading into any area that is less than safe.
4. At night always put on bug spray as you will be sleeping under a mosquito net. Malaria is serious but can easily be avoided.
5. Be culturally sensitive. Follow your team leader’s lead. Your team leader will give you advice as to what to drink and what to eat. DO NOT whisper at a table (as a guest) about whether you should eat or drink a certain thing. This is very rude and will be judged as such. Try to learn a few words in the native language. They will love that you are trying.
6. It will take you awhile to adjust to the time zone changes. Sleep when you can. I use Tylenol PM at times when I should be sleeping but can’t. Set your watch for the time zone you are traveling to once you are on the plane. Drink plenty of water and move around occasionally on the plane.
Some people when tired can get crabby. Keep this in mind and always try to respond in love. Unity of the team is so essential. Keep in mind that in mission work many people worship very differently. Some are what we would term charismatic and others are more traditional. Please stay open and allow the Lord to use you and even stretch you. You may be given the chance to share your testimony as well as the gospel. Mainly the people are interested in you and who you are. Big sermons are rarely needed. You are there to represent Jesus. Always keep this in the front of your mind.
Ask the Lord for a special verse for your trip. Ask Him to touch your heart in a way He has never done before. Try to enlist a church and people to pray for you specifically and the trip.
Above all, relax and enjoy the trip. It will truly be life-changing!
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