So I’ve gone back and forth for the almost 10 months that I’ve been on the World Race about writing a blog of the DO’s and DON’Ts of how to pack for an 11 month mission trip.
Now that I’m heading into my 10th month I think I have a fairly decent grasp on what you need and what you don’t; but in the end, it’s all personal.
I can’t tell you how many blogs I scoured before leaving, trying to figure out what to pack. In the end it would have been better if I packed what I wanted and what I was most comfortable with. If you don’t mind carrying it and it’s under the weight for airlines, bring it.
I’m not going to write out a full, detailed list for y’all.
You know you need the basics: sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillow, towel, hiking pack, day pack, sleeping bag liner (or sheet from home sewn together if you’re me), clothes, shoes, toiletries, bible, journal, electronics.
That is a minimalistic approach of reminding you what to pack.
Now here are some tidbits of helpful info as well as things I wish I had brought, wish I hadn’t brought, things everyone used, and things everyone wants.
Be comfortable. If you enjoy wearing it back home, you’ll probably want it on the race. I got to month 7 and missed so much of my closet that i had my parents send me a few things to sustain me through Europe.
There are certain things you obviously shouldn’t wear on a mission trip. Keep that in mind. Especially is you are in Asia or Africa for the majority of your route.
You are probably going to be hot for 90% of your route – pack accordingly.
Invest in a good sleeping pad! You’re probably going to use it on 75% of your route. Mine broke within a couple days of my 5th month and the first week in Africa where we slept on the dirt and rocks. I wished so badly that I had paid more for my sleeping pad (ps: it was the REI Air Rail). My parents sent me a ThermaRest pad that I have been super happy with since.
You may bring your tent and only use it 3 times. Do what you may with this information.
Bring letters from home!
I brought a Windows Surface tablet with me in place of a laptop and regret it. I wish I would have had a nicer laptop to use for blogging, ministry (occasionally you will have the opportunity to be a Personal Assistant for your host and need a fully functional laptop) movie watching etc.
Now for some additional things:
BRING AN EXTENSION CORD WITH ADDITIONAL OUTLETS! I brought this and every person on each team I’ve been with has used it. Everyone. Sometimes there is only 1-2 outlets for your 6-8 person team and you are going to be so thankful for the extra charging space.
BRING BODY SPRAY! There are many months where you won’t shower for a week (or 2…) or even if you do, its so nice to have something to make you smell extra good.
BRING A SEWING KIT! I used mine to sew up my own clothes as well as half of my squads clothing. Your clothes will get holes in them.
BRING HAND SANITIZER! Just do it. You can hardly find it overseas.
BRING ZIPLOCKS. Gallon and quart size. Everyone wanted to borrow mine this year.
BRING AN EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE! I didn’t even know what this was before the race so I didn’t bring one, but I wish I would have. They are so perfect for storing/swapping movies, music, books, etc for free time and travel days.
BRING HEADPHONES. I brought 5 pairs and have 2 left. Also, extra iPhone charging cords. Those things get to’ up being stuffed in your pack.
I was also glad I packed baby powder, tea tree and peppermint oil, a collapsible bowl, spork, lots of Q-tips and hair ties, and a jump drive.
I really didn’t need to bring a camera (unless you’re a photographer) I just used my phone like i do back home and the camera sat in my pack.
I also didn’t need to bring my Camelbak bottle/Nalgene, I used mine for 2 months then it started to reek, then month 3 it broke, and since then I’ve just bought normal water bottles (2L) in each country, refilled it, and then tossed it at the end of the month.
That’s all I can think of for now.
I just want to remind you that you should do you, boo boo.
