As far as packing goes, you really don’t need all you think and will drop stuff at the end of Month 1. But here are my thoughts
-a good attitude! It sounds silly, but for real you will need it. Sometimes when you are hot, tired, sweaty, etc you’ll need to remember to put a smile on your face and have a GREAT day 🙂
– you’ll need your Bible. If you use a study Bible at home, it might be worth the extra weight to bring it with you
– journal. Just one, you can find another cool one overseas if you need one
– make sure you have plenty of comfortable underwear (some people like the exofficio brand for travel days)
– pack some clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or leaving behind. But also pack some ‘nicer’ shirts or something, there are a few chances to dress up
– a small power strip will make everyone your best friend when there are few outlets.
– my mophie external battery was lightweight and appreciated by many, especially on travel days.
– GOOD headphones, I prefer yurbuds. maybe even bring an extra pair
– sleeping pads are an important investment; lightweight, compact and comfortable are key
– a small, compact comfy pillow – bus rides can be long
– most sleeping bags are ‘mummy’ types. This means your legs don’t have much room when you are completely zipped in…just something to think about
– baby wipes are good to have on hand (and maybe some toilet paper)
– I packed some baby food squeezable packs and they were awesome ’cause you never know what the fruit and veggie situation is..
– toiletries are important but you don’t need to pack enough for a year. Things are available overseas, maybe not the same brand or style tho. Solid deodorant is hard to find in parts of Asia.
Girls:
– take shorts/skirts/dresses that at least hit your knee or just below. Some countries you aren’t allowed to wear things shorter than the knee. I took a black maxi dress and wore it a lot. Look into versatile pieces.
– tank tops are good for layering but again you may not be able to show your shoulders
– find/bring a bathing suit that you like and is modest. They have some pretty cute ones these days
– tampons can be found most places, pack some extra, be prepared to pay extra for them, and know they don’t always have applicators…
That’s about it. It seems stressful when packing, but take what you need. I had lots of stuff ‘just in case,’ sometimes I used it, some I didn’t. There are places to shop around the world and there are places to donate your things as well. There was a FREE pile at the end of each month for my squad.
Remember to have fun and you’ll be fine
