Series: 7 Life Lessons I Learned in Haiti: {Lesson 2} How to Pack for a Mission Trip

I love packing lists.

G.K. Chesterton said, “There is poetry in lists.”

I concur!

I remember reading a bridal magazine, before I was married, and finding a honey moon packing list.  I thought this was a brilliant idea as I had never used one before.  The list has been updated, gone through 3 kids, and modified as needed but it started with a basic list.  After that, I rarely forgot anything when I traveled.

When you go out of the country, to Haiti for instance, you do not want to forget anything!  it isn’t like you can go to a local Wal-Mart and pick something up.

When we packed for Haiti, I used several packing lists; my own, online, and one our team leader sent out.  But still, some things were forgotten.  Some things I didn’t even know I would need.

The major benefit of having everything you need is that you can focus on the moment and forget the little stuff.  And you can share.  I learned that this is one area that being organized pays in time saved.  More than that, it pays in the quality of time shared.

The following pdf is a packing list for a mission trip.  Some ideas came from my personal experience and some were suggestions from our team.  Adapt it to your trip and your needs.  Obviously you won’t need a coat and gloves if you go to Haiti.  I hope it is helpful and a blessing to you.

Tips:

• Immunizations: check Traveler’s Health CDC and with your doctor.
• Consider Traveler’s Insurance or check with mission team/church to see if they will purchase it.
• Pack copies of passport in every checked and carry on luggage.
• If you feel led to bring something odd, bring it, the Lord may be giving you a tip.  Two of our team members brought knee pads on a whim  gut feeling.
• Turn off cellular date roaming on phone when boarding flight to a foreign country to avoid high phone charges or determine if you can afford to pay charges.
• Pack all clothes in a garbage bag within suitcase in case of rain.
• Leave jewelry at home.
• Attempt to keep medicines in their original packaging if possible.
• Bring snacks!  See list for ideas.
• Bring light jacket/sweater for flight.
• Bring extra toothbrushes in case you accidentally put one under the water.
• Bring flip flops that can get wet and be used in a shower.
• Try to pack everything in your carry-on.  At least carry 1-2 changes of clothes in your carry-on in the event your checked bag is lost.
• No liquids allowed in carry-on on the airplane.  Except for the 3-1-1 rule
• Be sure to bring a small notebook to journal your days and experiences.  You think you will remember them all but you won’t.
• Bring plenty of crisp, clean, unmarked, unblemished, small bills; preferably ones.
• Bring an extra water bottle.  Water is vital.
• Order books from the library on the country you are visiting.  Children’s biographies are the best: Fast read and easy to understand the history quickly.
• Learn some basic/common words of the language where you are visiting.  Suggestions: Hello., Goodbye., What is your name?, How are you?, I am fine., Please., Thank you., bathroom,  Beautiful.  Handsome., God bless you., Smile, May I take your picture?, Have a good day.
• Pack heavy items in your carry on to keep your checked bag under 50 pounds.
• Get a good, durable backpack with lots of pockets.  I had a major FAIL on this one.  Lesson learned.
• Try to pack light.
  

  “He who would travel happily must travel light.  -Antoine de Saint-Exupéry”

We were encouraged to pack things for our team and for the orphanage into our checked bags.

Writing in my journal daily.

My 17 year old packed lighter than me.

Here is a video on how to pack like a pro. Trust me, my suitcase didn’t look like this 😉  But wouldn’t it have been awesome if it did?

What tips or Packing list items would you add?  Comment and share your wisdom!

[symple_button url=”http://akahomeschoolmom.com/2014/7-life-lessons-i-learned-in-haiti-lesson-1-being-transparent” color=”green” size=”default” border_radius=”3px” target=”self” rel=”” icon_left=”” icon_right=””]Click to read Lesson one here![/symple_button]