Packing List for September 2013
?Backpack – Check!
?Daypack
?Tent
? Rain-fly for your tent
? Small pillow
? A sleeping bag that is rated for at least 35 degrees
? Sheet or sleeping bag liner for warm weather
? A sleeping pad is necessary and not the place to save money. Get something that is good quality,
comfortable, and durable. This is your bed for 11 months!
? 1 fleece or a sweatshirt is a must
? 1 lightweight rain jacket
? 1 hat or head covering for sun or bad weather
? 1 pair of shoes for everyday wear
? 1 pair of good sandals
? 1 pair of cheap flip flops
? Enough underwear for 10 days and socks for 5 days
? Toiletries: deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, soap, shampoo, shave gel, razor, etc. (just bring
one of everything; you can purchase more in other countries)
? 2-4 skirts or dresses
? 7-10 tops
? 3 casual pants
? 3 pairs of shorts
? 1 modest one piece bathing suit or modest tankini
? Make-up
? Light, non-expensive jewelry
? Passport
? 6 Extra passport pictures for visas
? 2nd form of government issued photo ID such as driver’s license
? Personal check card or Visa
? Health information
? Copies of ID, and passport packed in various places
? Passport/Money Holder
? Proof of yellow fever inoculation
? Bible
? Journal
? Pens/ pencils
? Sunglasses
? Sunscreen
? A roll of toilet paper
? Hand sanitizer
? Small pack towel. Sarongs are recommended because they are lightweight, dry quickly, and are
incredibly multi-purpose.
? Pocket multi-tool or knife
? Headlamp
? Stationary for letters home/Thank you notes
? Addresses for back home
? Alarm clock
? Medication
? IF you take supplements at home, bring them IF you will take them. We suggest a good pro-biotic
and garlic extract (natural anti-microbial) at the least – pack 3-4 months worth.
? Insect repellent
? Watch
? Camera
? Small calculator
? Pictures of your family
? Outlet converter/voltage converter
? Jump drive/Flash drive
? Travel locks
? Baby wipes/Face wipes
? Water bottle
? Earplugs (roosters crow very early and your roommate may snore)
? Small first aid kit (Neosporin, After Bite, Insect repellent, Band Aids, Imodium AD,
pain killers-Advil/Tylenol, Pepto-Bismol, antiseptic wipes, Dramamine, Benadryl)
? Clothes line
? Eating utensils including silverware, mug, plate, and bowl
Things I'm nervous about:
1. the sleeping pad
2. yellow fever inoculation. Say what?
3. toilet paper
4. Pepto and Imodium
5. Earplugs
Things I'm wondering about what situation I'm going to be in when I use them:
1. head lamp
2. tent
3. toilet paper
4. pepto and Imodium
Things I think are missing:
1. my mom
2. at least 3 more pairs of shoes
3. coffee
4. curling iron and/or hair straightener
5. mirror
Things I'm surprised to see on the list:
1. makeup! Lip gloss? Yes, please:)
2. jewelry
3. toilet paper
Things I'm going to take that aren't on the list:
1. ukulele
2. coffee
3. resistance band – to keep hope alive that I will work out some while away
4. my mom
After work today I got in a minor car accident. It was frustrating, but an afternoon that seemed ruined turned out to be one of the biggest blessings I've ever experienced. My new and dear friends, Jack and Pam, wanted to buy the first item on my list for me. I got to try on my backpack today for the first time. It's enormous. I think I might be able to fit inside it if I try hard enough or take off a limb or two. It's hard to believe that me and this pack are about to be bff's. Maybe I should name it.
"What on earth am I getting myself into?" is all I kept thinking as I was being fitted for my backpack that can hold up to 70lbs. When I read this packing list, all I could think was, "What on earth am I getting myself into?" I guess any time I've ever done something God was asking me to do, I've asked Him, "What on earth are You getting me into?"
My God is an adventurous God. There's nothing boring about what He calls us to. So if you've ever had the thought that those who follow Christ don't have any fun, you are mistaken. Every day is an exciting adventure, sometimes fun and sometimes frightening, but always ending in hope and promise.
When I was praying about whether or not I should take this adventure, God spoke to me one day when I stumbled across Genesis 28:15. "I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
So what on earth am I getting into? Whatever He wants.
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