After two weeks, one begins to reflect on the things they did that really prepared them for their time away and they things they can't believe they forgot. It's the time for reflecting upon the packing list that made when everything looked rose-colored, nothing could go wrong, and if it did, it was ok because you were going to "suffer for the Lord." After two weeks, one sees their ill-preparation and marvels at their sheer disconnect from reality when packing. They are amazed at their own stupidity. Please bear with me in this note-to-self, and may it help you on your next excursion out of the country.
Things I Can't Believe I Didn't Bring:
– Chocolate– Yeah, because can you even go even a week at home without it?! Not every store in the world has M&Ms!
– A collapsible laundry basket– Just one question, how did you think you would get your clothes from washer to dryer to clothesline on the roof?
– Hand soap– Because washing your hands all the time with cold water that is not even safe enough to drink makes you feel really clean.
–Wipes- Remember that feeling when you stayed for just a week and used them to wipe of the day's grime, what happened to that feeling when you were packing? And what about when there's no water for a shower? What now? You smell like a cow.
– Hand sanitizer-(insert sigh of disgust here)
– Breakfast snacks-Because everyday you'll have time to cook a full breakfast. Grab 'n go-story of our lives.
–A hat– I can't believe you thought you wouldn't wear a hat all summer!
– Books- So, what exactly will you be doing when there is no electricity and/or internet? Oh, that's right, I forgot, missionaries only read their Bible.
–DVDs- Well done, because now with no books to read, you've successfully provided yourself with no entertainment this summer. You never know where a DVD player may turn up!
–Headlamp/Flashlight-Let's go back to that no electricity thing. You also didn't foresee your bathroom not having its own light, did you. That's ok, shower before 8PM.
–First-aid kit– No, you'll never get hurt all summer! Nor will any bugs bite you; they hate americano blood.
–Second pair of sheets-Ok, some grace on this one because you were trying to save space in packing. Yet despite your efforts of literally trying to go directly from the shower to your bed so that it stays clean, you find you're still sleeping with dirt (or worse) in the morning. When is laundry day again?
–Wine-Oh, how nice of you to bring some bottles for your missionary friend who only drinks some that really does taste like fermented fruit! Now, where's yours? Even Paul knew it was good for the stomach.
Ok, enough of being hard on myself,
Things I'm Glad I Brought:
–Underwear that lasts me more than a week– You truly can never bring enough. Well done, good start. (Emphasis added for male readers to follow advice.)
–ALL my toiletries-Nothing feels quite like home like bringing your entire bathroom drawer.
–Great smelling shampoo and body wash-It may be the best thing you smell all day!
–Namebrand laundry detergent-Because after taking clothes off that smell like the campo, it's nice to put them on smelling like Tide.
–Earplugs-Very efficient to drown out the noises that your fan can't, such as barking dogs, singing birds, roosters, crying babies, impromptu midnight concerts, motorcycles in need of a muffler, car alarms and the guy from Friends that sings about morning; he's moved to the Dominican Republic.
–Pant hangers-Not really useful for your pants, but to substitute for the towel rack that isn't there.
–Duct tape-It may just save a Vacation Bible School craft and your English lessons!
– Long sleeve shirt and pants-Because what they don't tell you about living in a tropical climate is that the rain can come in at night and make you feel like you live in a refrigerator.
For those of you who have traveled before, what would you add?
