Stuffing my whole life into a 65-liter pack was not easy. But every time I hoisted that thing onto my back, the same thing crossed my mind:
“I brought too much.”
Especially for those of you about to go, wondering what to bring, let me deter you from the official AIM packing list for a second. These are a few things that weren’t on it, that I couldn’t have done without this year.
1. ziplock sandwich bags
I bought 50 in the Philippines, and have needed them for something in every country.
2. iPod Touch
this little thing made my life so much simpler, especially doing Logistics.
We had one that could plug in 5 sets of headphones. We called it the Ninja Star, and it was our best friend until I lost it somewhere between Delhi and Kiev.
4. iPod speaker
the most coveted item on the squad. worth spending more than $10 on.
3. two favorite books
True confession: books were my biggest packing dilemma. The squad became like a giant book club, trading and borrowing anything we hadn’t read yet. I’d recommend bringing your favorite “challenge”, something that has inspired you & helped you grow, and your favorite novel that you can read just for fun. You’ll be happy to share both.
(my two choices were “A Wrinkle In Time” by Madeline L’Engle and Francis Chan’s “Forgotten God”.)
4. Apple World Travel Adapter Kit
came with a wall charger for any iPod. every teammate I’ve had borrowed it constantly. if you’re not a Mac person, or don’t have the $40, bring this.
5. haircutting shears
I may not have used them until month 4, but from that point on, they were another thing that people borrowed all the time.
6. a laundry bag
sad is the Racer who doesn’t have any way to separate the dirty clothes from the dirtiest clothes.
a children’s ministry life saver. and when you need to give your mind a break, it’s a great read for any age. I absolutely love this.
As for what you shouldn’t bring: grey t-shirts (they show sweat too easily) or a sleeping bag (it will always be too hot to use it).
Finally, this is the only piece of advice I will ever give about the race:
Watch your step. Chew carefully. Laugh no matter what.
– Katie
