Suggested Packing List
Credentials and Cash
Clothing
We generally expect to wash clothing every few days, usually at a nearby laundry service or sometimes at the place we are staying. Although they sometimes offer same-day service, we plan for a two-day turnaround because they often lack adequate dryers.
Make sure your clothing and underwear is made of natural fibers. Lightweight cotton is best in the heat of the day. At higher elevations, the temperature may be cool in the mornings and evenings. During the day it will be very hot and likely quite humid. Long sleeve shirts and long pants will likely be recommended in mornings and evenings to protect from mosquitoes. (You can always cut them off.)
Credentials and Cash
- Passport, drivers license, and health insurance card
- One extra copy of your passport, identification, and emergency contact information
- Neck or stomach pouch to carry credentials, cash, credit cards, etc.
- Cash. Travelers checks can be used, but the easiest way to obtain cash is via an ATM.
- Leather or rubber-palm work gloves
- Back support for lifting
- Water bottle marked with your name
- Safety glasses
- Ear protection (might be used at night as well if hotel is noisy!)
Clothing
We generally expect to wash clothing every few days, usually at a nearby laundry service or sometimes at the place we are staying. Although they sometimes offer same-day service, we plan for a two-day turnaround because they often lack adequate dryers.
Make sure your clothing and underwear is made of natural fibers. Lightweight cotton is best in the heat of the day. At higher elevations, the temperature may be cool in the mornings and evenings. During the day it will be very hot and likely quite humid. Long sleeve shirts and long pants will likely be recommended in mornings and evenings to protect from mosquitoes. (You can always cut them off.)
- Daily work clothes. Loose fitting cotton clothing that can be considered "disposable" at the end of the trip is advised. Many people pick up used clothes, medical scrubs, etc. at a Goodwill or similar store. Each set should include:
- Long pant or capris
- T-shirt
- Socks
- work shoes (light weight leather or heavy tennis shoes; some people prefer to bring two pairs in case the worksite is wet and muddy)
- Sweat bands (elastic, cotton scarves or handkerchiefs, etc.)
- Travel/R&R clothes, one set of which should be appropriate for church service. Include things such as:
- Lightweight pants, capris, or knee length shorts or skirts
- Sport shirts, casual tops, tee-shirts
- Sandals and/or tennis shoes
- Underwear
- 1 light weight long sleeve shirt for cool mornings and “buggy” evenings
- 1 light weight rain jacket or poncho
- Flip-flops for showers
- Hat, preferably one that covers your neck and ears
- If you burn easily, bring 2 extra long sleeve shirts for UV protection
- Swimsuit
- Travel size baby wipes or hand wipes or hand sanitizer
- Individual size kleenex or tissue package(s)
- Prescription medications
- Imodium AD and CIPRO
- First aid supplies as desired to complement the team first aid kit
- Bengay or similar for sore muscles
- Insect repellent with approximately 20% to 25% Deet
- Sunscreen
- Bath soap and shampoo in travel shower bag
- Nail clippers (In checked luggage, not carry-on)
- Dental floss, tooth brush and tooth paste
- Personal cosmetics & toiletries
- Face cloth and bath/swim towel (not a big beach towel)
- Soap if planning to wash delicates in room
- Items for contact lenses
- Travel alarm clock
- Personal snacks – in zip lock bags
- Sunglasses
- Camera, film and batteries
- Journal, pens and pencils
- Books
- Small flashlight and batteries
- Family photos to show new friends
- Extra Ziplock bags - keeps things organized and keeps things from getting dusty
- A Ziplock XL bag is great for taking dirty clothes to the laundry
- Electric adapter / converter
- Morning devotion resources
- Host language translation dictionary or phrase book