Race Changers: Packing Items That Will Make Your World Race!

This is no replacement for a packing blog; that is too big of a task. But I thought I would share several items that were really helpful for me or that I would definitely bring, if I were to do it all over.  Almost none of these things are necessities, but they will really come in handy throughout your 11-month journey!

• Kindle: This thing was invented for the World Race. You can fit hundreds of books on it which is so much better than carrying them around.
• Portable Speakers: It’s really nice to have plug-in speakers for movies or worship nights. There are a couple different kinds that are small and pack-friendly. Here are two suggestions: Goal Zero and Kinovo
• Belkin Headphone Splitter: Great for listening to music, movies, or podcasts with others!
• Nalgene and Cleaning Tablets: In month 9, two guys on my team still have their original Nalgenes, thanks to cleaning tablets that get rid of the bad smell that comes after a few months. But even if you decide to ditch it, wait until Africa because you will have the opportunity to trade it for something sweet at the market!  
• Multiple Pairs of Headphones: Headphone quality isn’t as great overseas and you won’t want to spend money on that anyways. I promise at some point one or both of your ear buds will stop working and you will be thankful for this.
• iTouch or iPhone: I know this sounds extravagant, but an iTouch/iPod is a really good investment for the Race. There are numerous apps that allow you to text and call home for free and it’s nice to have a small device to pick up Wifi at different locations without having to break out your computer. 
• Crazy Creek Chair: Hands down, the best “luxury” item for the Race. You’ll be surprised how many locations won’t have places to sit inside or outside. This chair is super light and packs really easily. It also serves as a workout mat for sit-ups 🙂
• Hoodie or Zip-up Fleece: Nepal, Thailand, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. All places I’ve worn my fleece and been super thankful for it. While the days are HOT, the mornings and evenings can be pretty cool especially during rainy season.
• Yoga Pants: Almost the same as above. There have been times when I have been pretty chilly and it feels so nice to put on warm pants from home. Usually, it’s not appropriate to wear these to ministry but they are super nice for lounging around.
• Travel Socks: Nothing is worse than travel day with cold feet. Okay, that’s probably a little dramatic, but having warm socks to wear on the plane or overnight bus is a definite game changer.
• Drink Packets: It’s a nice and cheap treat to change up the water routine with a little flavor every now and then. Propel, Crystal Light Packers, Nestea, Swiss Miss, and Starbucks VIA are some of our favorites. Emergency Vitamin packets are also good for when you are feeling under the weather and need an extra boost!
• Thermarest Pillow: Some people on my squad swear by their standard size pillow they brought from home, but I’ve found my Thermarest to be perfect for this trip. It packs easily, is a good size, and hasn’t started smelling….yet.
• Cliff Bars: This is from the guys on my team. It is nice to have a little extra protein and snack from home every now and then. Some months you will be fed a lot and others not so much, so bringing some protein bars might not be a bad idea.
• Bounce Sheets: Throw a couple sheets in your clothes bag on travel day and things will be smelling fresh when you arrive to your next ministry location.
• Weekly Calendar: One of my teammates brought a small calendar divided by the weeks to write down memories from ministry and fun activities. It’s a fun way to record the Race to help jog your memory later.
• Jewelry or Clothes for Gifts: At the end of most months you will have a few friends you want to give small presents to. For me, it’s been fun to give away my jewelry to my new friends and replace it with jewelry from each country. You can also do this with clothes. So make sure you come with things you are okay with giving away, trading, or ditching altogether.
• Pro-biotics or Vitamins: I’ve been taking doxycycline for 9 months straight to prevent malaria. However since doxy is an antibiotic, it is ridding my body of good and bad bacteria. Therefore by taking a daily pro-biotic, I am replenishing all the good stuff that helps my body stay healthy and strong.
• Floss: My teammates and I have found so many uses for floss besides cleaning your teeth. We’ve made levers to open the door from our beds, have used it to tie up bug nets, and even to retrieve a sandal 40-feet down a latrine. So many uses, you’ll be glad you brought it!
• A Good-Size Pocket Knife: I’ve mainly used my pocketknife for the scissors and for cutting fruit. As nice as my small knife is, it doesn’t work very well when it comes to cutting mangoes, avocados, or tomatoes. So I would suggest a medium-size knife that can also function for cutting fruits and vegetables. 
• Cute Croc Sandals: Crocs are smart for the Race because they can be worn day-to-day, rain or shine, and make for awesome shower shoes. There are some really cute designs so you can even wear them as your “nice” shoes out-to-dinner or to church.