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Make sure your water bottle doesn’t leak! Even if you don’t think it does, MAKE SURE!
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It will not be hot in every single country. (But cool-weather clothes will be available to buy, so you don’t necessarily have to pack them.)
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Take your rain jacket EVERYWHERE! (and buy a rain jacket that packs down small!)
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Buy a rain jacket that is large enough to fit over your daypack (or at least a small backpack). Or hey, just buy a poncho!
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Having a pad of paper and some markers are a lifesaver when you need something to do with a kid.
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Download the kid’s Bible app. It’s great for Bible stories…and they have so many languages!
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Carry around extra hair ties if you like to do hair.
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I would recommend bringing probiotics, even if you don’t normally take them at home. Also cold medicine and vitamin C in some form.
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Bring several items of clothing that are quick dry…it makes life so much easier when you have to dry clothes outside.
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Bug spray is a necessity!!!!!
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And, while we’re on the subject of mosquitoes, I would HIGHLY recommend bringing some sort of itch medicine.
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Bring an extra pillowcase, because those things get gross fast.
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This is a great time to get into podcasts.
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Bring socks for travel day if your feet get cold.
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Homemade energy bars are GREAT for travel days!
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If you like gum, bring the kind with the hard shell. Otherwise, it gets all melty and gross.
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Don’t drag your pack in your airporter on the ground. They will both get holes, and that’s no good!
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Learn to reapply sunscreen. The sun is hotter…trust me!
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There is no guarantee that you will have good wi-fi, especially in Africa. Make sure you can do everything you want to do on your phone.
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Make sure you’ve gotten your meningitis shot in the last 3 years, otherwise you have to get it at the Ghana border.
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Even if you don’t think you get bug bites, wear bug spray in areas with high malaria. (You can still get it.)
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Do not get rid of all of your capris and tank tops before Africa. It is very likely that you will be able to wear them when you’re not doing ministry.
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Having a hard drive with movies on it is great!
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Always be prepared to preach a sermon or teach a lesson or lead worship…really, always be prepared to do anything!
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Know more songs and games than you ever think you’ll use, because you will run out fast.
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Buy a plug adapter that works with plugs with three prongs, not just two.
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Never leave home without putting the toilet paper in your bag.
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Or hand sanitizer.
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Just bring your kavu (or another small bag).
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Put toiletry items and a change of clothes into your daypack while traveling (or when going anywhere really). You never know where you will be able to take a shower.
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Get a Charles Schwab card. (When the ATM fees go back in your account at the end of the month, it feels like Christmas!)
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Make accounts for major airlines (Delta, United, American Airlines) so you can get points for your flights.
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You can never have too many ziploc bags.
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Cards are great on long travel days!
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If you’re going on a hot route, you might want to consider not bringing a sleeping bag. (I thought it sounded crazy too!) Bring a sleeping bag liner and a small blanket instead.
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You never know the answer until you ask.
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Don’t go cheap when buying a power bank.
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Don’t wait until going on the Race to get in shape…and keep in shape while on the Race.
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If you’re buying a computer for the Race I HIGHLY recommend getting a Chromebook.
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Bring a pair of zip-off pants! That’s one thing I really wish I had packed!
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Record everything…you will forget things.
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Get WhatsApp, Google Translate, Uber/Grab, and Venmo before leaving the States.
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Learn how to rest well early on…and actually do it!
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Bring some clothes that are similar to what your wear at home. You will miss them.
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Everything can be an opportunity for ministry.
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If you’re bringing essential oils, I would definitely bring lavender, peppermint, DiGize, and tea tree. Also, PanAway, RC, Thieves, and lemongrass are great to have.
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Get everyone on your squad to pack a book, so you can trade them around during the year. Or load several on the Kindle or Nook app!
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Having a good sleeping pad is IMPORTANT! Try it out before bringing it!
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One thing I really loved was having people write me notes before I left so I could read them throughout the year.
ANDDDDD what I think is the most important advice…
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Get over yourself (and whatever is holding you back), take a leap of faith, and do the thing! You won’t regret it, I promise!!!
