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.

MissionTripPackingList1

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”

 

Haiti - 004

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

Haiti - 582

Writing in my journal daily.

Haiti - 005My 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!

 

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