Prepare My Mission s Prep Guide HELPING YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR MISSION TRIP

Similar documents
WHAT TO BRING to WILDERNESS ADVENTURE TREK

WHAT TO BRING to TEEN HIGH ADVENTURE

Illustrated Equipment List

Preparation Getting Ready for your trip. Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.

PACKING SUGGESTIONS FOR DOMINICAN REPBLIC

ISRAEL EXPERIENCE PLANNING GUIDE MEALS AND CUISINE

Preparation Packing List

Southwest Adventure Tours

Packing List and Trip Information for Itasca State Park Camp & Canoe Adventure Open World Learning (8 th Grade) - September 29 October 2, 2015

Costa Rica 2019 Gear Checklist & Information

6 th Uchinanchu Festival

Wharton Ventures Tall Ship Sailing Gear List

Hands Number Item Description Price Estimate 1 Gloves or mittens 1 Outer Mitts or Gloves

Explore Europe on Foot Packing Checklist

Helping You Travel Smarter!

The 7 Types of Gear you must have in your Bug Out Bag

Southwest Adventure Tours

PO Box Seattle WA

The Moms At Odds present. The ESSENTIAL. Travel Planning Checklist Kit

Gear List. Snowshoeing Day Tours and Overnight Trips

From, Returned ACA students who know what you will be going through

window. Please do not come early. We will not be ready for you. Check-out for

MT. LECONTE HIKE AND OVERNIGHT IN THE LODGE

Required Gear for SCA Crews

Safari Preparation Manual

BaxterBoys First Timers Gear Guide Version 1.0

Global Himalayan Expedition 2019

PERU PILGRIMAGE TOUR INFORMATION & WHAT TO BRING

Southwest Adventure Tours

REGISTRATION AND CONTACT INFORMATION

SURVIVAL GUIDE. Newbold College Of Higher Education

Blue Ridge Expedition Packing List

With My Own Two Hands Foundation Africa Trip Volunteer Manual

PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP

Wet Planet's 2012 Peru Expedition A 12-Day International Adventure GENERAL INFORMATION

Camp Augusta Wilderness-Backpacking Trip Preparation and Packing List Why is proper clothing and footwear so important?

Caribbean Vacation THE FORGOTTEN EXPENSES

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION KENYA

Banff National Park Learn to Hike ESL Activity #3 Plan Ahead and Be Prepared

Camp Augusta Wilderness-Backpacking Trip Preparation and Packing List Why is proper clothing and footwear so important?

Summer Camp 2014 Overview

BSA Troop 207 Northeast Georgia Council - Etowah

Your Go-Bag. organizing all of the little details you. literally. Look for a large duffel bag that. enough that it can protect your items -

Southwest Adventure Tours

Packing. For Outdoor Education Camp

Expeditions: Explorers Packing List The Grand Wild

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION COSTA RICA

Insight Adventures 4 Night Packing List

KINDERGARTEN COLORADO EXPEDITION STUDENT GEAR LIST

Department of Kinesiology & Health. Greece Study Abroad. travel tips

DAY CAMP PACKING LIST For Camp Cookie, Camp Green Forest, Camp Promising Acres, Camp Rocky Farm

MOUNTAIN SKILLS FLY-IN

GIRL SCOUTS PACKING LIST

Trip Itinerary: To Tepeyac: for safety. From Tepeyac:

Camp Augusta Wilderness-Horse Pack Trip Preparation and Packing List Why is proper clothing so important?

Questions To Ask Before You Go Anywhere!

THAILAND: BUDDHIST TRADITIONS & THAI CULTURE

GET READY! A Preparation Packet for Your JH Ranch Adventure!

*Be at JFK by 7pm sharp***

4 Night Insight Adventure Packing List

Colorado Rocky Mountain Expedition

6/6/2016. Kenya Logistics. July Preview Itinerary

Packing. For Outdoor Education Camp

Hiking. Lesson 4.1. Fitness. Hiking

Cold Weather Camping Personal Gear Guide- CRC, Northwest Hills 2015

CHINA TRIP Q&A TRAVEL VISAS

YMCA Camp Collins Teen XL (Extreme Leadership) Parent/Guardian Supplemental Information Packet

Great Dismal Swamp Hiking/Canoeing

The Possibles/Get Home Bag

CQ CLW This letter will outline all the information you need to prepare for a fantastic week away.

W.O PACKING LIST FOR SEA KAYAKING

WVU Outdoor Recreation Center Spring Break: Florida 2019

West Coast School of Preaching Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver Extension School Travel Requirements and Tips Takoradi, Ghana West Africa

KINDERGARTEN COLORADO EXPEDITION STUDENT GEAR LIST

2017 Backpacking Information for Scouts, Adults, and Parents

Pack 867 Camp Snyder. Parent Orientation Meeting

12. CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

Leadership Matters. Packing List, Scholarship Inclusions and Deer Hill Outfitting Store Price Sheet

Welcome to YMCA Camp Elphinstone!

Bonim Camper/ Parent Handbook Costa Rica Trip 2018

SOME THINGS TO DISCUSS:

Packing List What to pack for course

Checked bag: max: 50 lbs., 62 linear inches (L + W + H) REMEMBER the weight limit when you purchase souvenirs!

DOS AND DON TS. Traveling to Pignon, Haiti for the Medical Mission Trip

YMCA of Greater Vancouver Outdoor Education Program

Sixth Grade Camp. IHC Program Team. Parent Information : Dear Parents and Chaperones, Indian Hills Camp. Kindest Regards,

Summer 14er Trip Checklist

TRAVEL LIST RICO ZOOK PERMACULTURE.ORG

Letter to parents

HAVASU FALLS SPRING BREAK TRIP

Gear List Catalina Island

Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast. Pre-Departure Information

2019 D.O.V.E. TRIP TO VIETNAM ITEMS YOU WILL NEED

belizeyoga yoga retreats featuring jungle, ocean, relaxation and adventure Belize Yoga Caribbean Hideaways Yoga Retreat January 5-12, 2019

Travel: what to bring

Southwest Journey Packing List and Deer Hill Outfitting Store Price Sheet

Event Information. Mom and Me at Camp O The Hills Check-In: Friday, May 11 TH at 7:00 p.m. Check-Out: Sunday, May 12 TH at 10 a.m.

CREATING A GEAR LIST

Packing List What to pack for course

Transcription:

Prepare My Mission s 2016 Prep Guide HELPING YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR MISSION TRIP

Contents Getting Started Pick a Place: Page 3 Essential Firsts: Page 4 Smaller Details: Page 5 Packing 101: Page 7 At-A-Glace Packing Checklist: Page 7 On-You: Page 8 Carry-On: Page 9 Suitcase: Page 13 Spiritual Prep: Page 17 Align Your Heart with the Purpose: Page 17 Embrace Grace in All Situations: Page 20 Prepare to Serve the People: Page 23 After You Return Home: Page 25 Notes: Page 30 2016 PREP GUIDE 1

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, Here I am! Send me. Isaiah 6:8 2016 PREP GUIDE 2

Getting Started The decision to start can be the hardest part of a mission trip. Leaving what is familiar for the unknown is scary. It's also worth it. When you stop letting the comfort and security of home hold you back, God can use you in incredible ways. Congratulations on making it this far! Don't stop now. Whether you've been considering a mission trip for 5 minutes or 5 years, you will find all of the information that you need to take the next step right here in this guide. From finding a mission trip that fits you to vaccinations to preparing spiritually, these pages are designed to help walk you through every step of the journey. Pick a Place The first step in going on a mission trip is figuring out where you're going to go. If you already know where you'll be traveling, then great! But what if you're not sure where God wants you to serve yet? Often times your local church will be the best place to find a mission trip that fits you. Your local church will hopefully have a list of upcoming trips and opportunities that will make it easy for you to get involved. Since it's locally based, logistics (like team meetings and booking flights) as well as getting friends, family, and community involved will be much simpler too. If your local church doesn t have a mission trip opportunity that fits you, then we have a Find a Trip page to get the ball rolling for you. Visit PrepareMyMission.com/trips to view all of the upcoming mission trips that we recommend. With dozens of trips in 2016, you will definitely find a trip that fits you. After you find a trip, the rest of the steps below will make more sense. Essential Firsts Before you hop on the plane and get comfortable in your luxurious coach seat, there are some essential steps you need make sure you've taken care of. Update your passport If you don't have a passport, you're going to need one. Also, if your passport is expiring anytime soon (like within a year), go ahead and get it renewed. Many countries require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months out (from when you travel). And hey, save yourself the headache and don't wait to do this. Passports can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months to arrive after you submit your application. If you 2016 PREP GUIDE 3

submit your application early, you won't have to worry if you get caught on the "couple of months" side of things. To view current passport "processing" time (updated daily), or to submit your passport application, visit travel.state.gov. Book your tickets If you're traveling with a group, you probably have a trip leader or coordinator that is booking your tickets for you. Hooray! You don't need to worry about this step! If you are booking your own flights, go ahead and do that now. You can book through certain airlines if you prefer, or if frequent flier miles through a specific airline are a big deal to you. Tip: If you're not airline-loyal, book through a service like STA Travel (STATravel.com) or Kayak (Kayak.com). International flights are often cheapest through these services because they can get you the best deals on connecting flights (which are common during international travel). Booking sites likes these retrieve flight quotes from a bunch of different airlines and show you the best flight "combination" rates. Schedule your shots Before traveling to certain parts of the world, it will be necessary to get vaccinated against viruses that are common in those regions. If you're traveling to a developed country, you may already have all of the vaccinations that you need. However, if you're traveling to a developing country, you'll need to get a few shots. You can get your shots at one of two places: either a public clinic or a private clinic. They both have their benefits. Public health clinics tend to offer less expensive shots, but vaccination supply (whether the vaccination you need is "in stock" or not) can be erratic. Private clinics tend to be a little more expensive than public clinics, but vaccination supplies are usually more consistent. If a public clinic is "out of stock," try contacting a private clinic. To find a public clinic, visit CDC.gov/travel. If you're looking for a private clinic, try Passport Health (PassportHealthUSA.com). Enter your Zip on their homepage to see if they have a clinic in your area. We have used Passport Health many times and had no problems. Tip: Plan to get your shots well before your trip. Sometimes light sickness can occur following a series of shots, and getting your shots early will help ensure that you don't begin your mission trip fighting off a cold. On the next page you will find a chart that will give you an idea of the vaccinations you will need, depending on the area you will be traveling to. Visit PrepareMyMission.com/vaccinations to learn more about each vaccination, including why Malaria has an asterisk. 2016 PREP GUIDE 4

Region Central America Mexico / Caribbean South America Europe Australia Asia Recommended Vaccinations Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Malaria* Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Malaria* Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Yellow Fever, Malaria* Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria* Africa Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Yellow Fever, Meningitis, Malaria* *Visit PrepareMyMission.com/vaccinations to learn more about vaccinations. Begin raising support Raising support is everyone's favorite part of a mission trip. Ok, maybe that's a stretch. But it's still super important. You will need financial, relational, and spiritual support. Financial support gets you there (and back, hopefully). Relational support keeps you encouraged and energized while you're there. And spiritual support produces the life change that happens in both you and the people you serve. Don't wait to start raising support. Give yourself plenty of time to get the word out about your trip and meet face-toface with friends and family. Getting started early means that people can be part of the whole experience with you, not just the week that you're abroad. Tip: Try to be creative. You don't want your support letter to look like an English 101 term paper! Add color. Add pictures. Upload a YouTube video. Start a Facebook group. Make up a Twitter hashtag. You get the point. Engage your friends and family and show them how excited you are to be serving abroad! Visit PrepareMyMission.com/fundraising to learn more about fundraising. Smaller Details As you prepare for your mission trip, taking care of these smaller details will help ensure that you don't come back home with your power cut off or a science experiment growing in your trashcan. 2016 PREP GUIDE 5

Get ahead on classwork If you're a student, it's a good idea to get ahead on as much classwork and homework as you can before you leave. Have a paper due while you're gone? Get it done ahead of time! It'll keep your mind free from worry while you're gone, and make your transition back to school much less stressful when you get back. Get ahead on bills If your rent will be due while you're away, be sure to take care of that beforehand. This holds true for other bills like electricity, cell phones, etc. An orphanage in Cambodia is not the place you want to remember that your car insurance was supposed to be paid the day before. Getting ahead on bills ensures that you don't have to pay late fees or pay to have your electric turned back on when you get home. Alert your debit/credit card company If you plan to take a debit or credit card with you, make sure you alert the card s company that you'll be leaving the country with it. If your trip has got you in a pinch, accessing cash quickly via a debit card can be helpful. However, it's only helpful if your card isn't shut down in a fraud alert situation. Tip: When you call your card s company, ask them for a number that you can call from overseas. In the event that your card is lost or stolen, you can call them immediately and have them freeze your account. Keep this number with your Passport & License photocopies in your carry-on (discussed more later in this guide). Take out the trash The only thing that smells worse than rotting food in your trash can when you get home at the end of the day is rotting food in your trash can when you get home from a two-week trip. Do the dishes You just got home from the trip of a lifetime! Time to scrape scrambled eggs off of a plate you left in the sink two weeks ago. Welcome home. 2016 PREP GUIDE 6

Packing 101 Breaking down your packing into three categories (On-You, Carry-On, and Suitcase) makes remembering items easier, since everything is not just tacked on to the end of one never-ending list. ON-YOU At-A-Glace Packing Checklist Passport Driver's License Airline Tickets Travel Visa Vaccination Certificate Important Medications Debit Card Cash CARRY-ON Travel Stuff Photocopy of Passport & License Trip Itinerary Books Notebook or Journal Travel pillow Snacks Water Bottle Electronics Camera Cell Phone Charging Block Extra Batteries Backup Wear 1 change of clothes Rain Jacket Glasses Sunglasses Small Toiletries Kit Lifesavers First-Aid Kit Flashlight or Headlamp Disinfectant wipes Insect Repellent Sunscreen SUITCASE Clothing Shirts Pants Underwear Socks Footwear Headwear Jacket or Fleece Hygiene Toiletries Kit Electronics Outlet Adapter Voltage Converter Cell Phone Charger 2016 PREP GUIDE 7

On-You These are essential items that should never leave your body during your trip, unless you're showering. Seriously. Let's face it; we're all human and prone to losing items, especially when traveling. (How many times have you accidentally left your cell phone charger in a hotel room?) Losing your phone charger won't ruin your trip. Losing your passport? Well, that's a much larger hiccup. Passport This is your single most important item while traveling! Driver's License You may be asked to present multiple forms of identification during your trip. Airline Tickets...Unless you plan on swimming. Travel Visa A visa is what allows you to stay in a country for a specific amount of time. Depending on the country, sometimes you need to get the visa before you travel and sometimes you get the visa upon arriving at your destination (and some countries have no visa requirements at all). Vaccination Certificate Some countries ask to see your vaccination certificate (usually a yellow booklet that you receive when you get a vaccination) upon entry. Pack this with you just in case they ask for it! Important Medications Whether they're medications you normally take or trip-specific, it's a good idea to keep these on you. You may be out in the field when you remember that you need to take your Malaria pill, and that's not when you want to realize that you left them in your suitcase. Debit Card Some of the most remote corners of the world have ATM machines. If your trip has got you in a pinch, accessing cash quickly can be helpful. 2016 PREP GUIDE 8

You don't want to add unneeded stress to your trip by losing your debit card, however, so be sure to keep it in your On-You. Cash A $20 bill can do everything from buying a taxi ride, to buying basic medical treatment, to buying souvenirs. Tip: Carry about $20 worth of local currency as well, for the same reason. Carrying both US currency and the local currency will keep your bases covered, no matter who you're dealing with. Carry-On These are important items that you should keep in your Carry-On (usually a backpack). Your Carry-On content is not just limited to the days you travel. This stuff can be just as handy (or even more handy) during your days in the field during your mission trip. Travel Stuff Photocopy of your Passport & License In the event that something happens to your On-You, photocopies can help you get out of a jam by giving customs officials something to work with. Trip Itinerary Books What time do you need to be at the airport? What is your flight number? When are we going souvenir shopping? Printing out a hard copy of your itinerary will help eliminate unnecessary stress and worries. Bring a Bible with you! You never know when you'll encounter an opportunity to whip out Romans 10:9. Tip: As a backup, download an offline translation of the Bible on the You Version Bible app on your phone. Make sure it's offline so that you can access it without cell signal while you're abroad. Notebook or Journal Making notes and journaling throughout your trip will be a great keepsake after you return. You'll never regret writing about your journey. 2016 PREP GUIDE 9

Travel pillow Snacks A pillow is a nice luxury during long plane flights and bus rides. Tip: Packing your pillow from home is ok, but it's probably big and bulky. Neck pillows are compact and portable, but they're still just neck pillows, and not great to actually lie down on. A compressible pillow is the best of both worlds because it's compact and portable, but also expands into a pillow that's large enough to actually enjoy using. Bringing snacks for travel days will help you avoid paying high prices for airport food, and will keep your belly full (thus, in a better mood). Bringing snacks for your time out in the field will keep your body energized, especially during days involving physical labor (you'll get hungrier, quicker when you break a sweat). Water Bottle Avoid post-mission trip nicknames like Pass Out Pam and Dehydrated Drew by drinking water throughout the day, especially if you're doing manual labor outdoors. You'll be working hard out in the field. Stay hydrated! Electronics Camera Telling someone about your mission trip and how it changed your life is one thing. Showing them is another. Cell Phone You may not even need to bring a cell phone, especially if you're going on a short trip (like a week or less). However, if you're going on an extended trip, plan on carrying a cell phone with local emergency and law enforcement (if there is any) numbers pre-programed into it. Charging Block Electricity is at a premium when you re traveling. Whether you re in an airport, on a plane, or spending the night in a tent in rural Africa, it s nice to have a little backup juice for your devices (phone, ipod, camera, etc.). 2016 PREP GUIDE 10

Extra Batteries It's 9am and your camera just died out in the field. No worries, you have a backup pair of double-a's in your backpack. Where did you learn how to be so prepared? Backup Wear 1 Change of Clothes Stuff one change of clothes at the bottom of your backpack in a gallon zip bag (so that dirt falling to the bottom of your pack doesn't make the clothes nasty). In the event that something gets spilled on you while traveling, your suitcase gets lost for a day by an airline, or your pants get torn in the field, you've got a lifeline. Don't overpack though! One change of clothes is all you need. One top (shirt) and one bottom (pants/skirt). Tip: If you manage to make it through your trip without using this change of clothes, you can wear them on your travel day home! After a dirty and sweaty week of mission trip work, a clean set of clothes is a welcomed way to travel home. Rain Jacket Glasses Rain or shine, you have a mission to accomplish. You are there to serve, and you don't want the rain to stop you during your precious days abroad! A rain jacket will help ensure that, rain or shine, you stay on-mission. Being dry makes traveling and field work easier, and also helps keep you in a better mood! If you typically wear contacts, bring a pair of glasses if you have them. You know there's nothing worse than losing a contact in the middle of the day. If this happens while you're out in the field, having glasses in your backpack as a backup will keep your day from being ruined. Also, your eyes may get tired of contacts during long travel days, and glasses can be a welcomed break to your eyes. Sunglasses Save your eyes while you're working outdoors. Working long hours outside can take a toll on your eyes. Also, squinting sometimes has a funny way of making your face look like you've got a Sour Patch stuck up your nose. Avoid this serious issue by bringing a pair of sunglasses with you! 2016 PREP GUIDE 11

Small Toiletries Kit A small toiletries kit is a great convenience while traveling, especially during long layovers when you don't have access to your suitcase to freshen up. A toiletries kit can be equally refreshing during a long day on the mission field. Lifesavers First-Aid Kit At some point during your trip, your toe is going to get run over by a beverage cart, your finger is going to get hit by a hammer, or your pants are going to get ripped. Being prepared with a small first-aid kit will help you brush off the pain (or stress) of the moment, and keep your day from being ruined. You don't need a huge kit. Some bandages, disinfectant, and some safety pins will take care of most issues. Tip: Pack some ibuprofen in your kit. Muscle aches, pains, and headaches are common on mission trips, since your body is usually experiencing new elements (such as elevation change) and doing outof-the-ordinary work for several days in a row. Flashlight or Headlamp Keep this in your backpack throughout your entire trip. Electricity in some regions of the world can be intermittent; keeping a light source within arm's reach can be a lifesaver. Disinfectant wipes Disinfectant wipes are great for sanitizing when sinks and soap are not available (such as before lunch out in the field). Tip: Use wipes instead of bottled hand sanitizer. You can get pretty dirty out in the field. Hand sanitizer will sanitize you just fine, however it won't wipe the dirt away. Wipes will not only sanitize your hands, but also wipe away dirt and grime, keeping your PB&J bread free from dirt smudges. Insect Repellent Apply early in the day and often. Tip: Use a spray with 30% DEET, not 100% DEET. Both amounts have the same level of insect repellent power, it's just that spray with 30% DEET will last about 4 hours, while spray with 100% DEET will last about 12 hours. While the latter sounds good, DEET can be unhealthy for the body in high concentrations. The CDC has found that 30% DEET is a safe concentration level for both children and adults. The more you know. 2016 PREP GUIDE 12

Sunscreen Apply early in the day and often. Tip: Consider applying sunscreen even if you're traveling to a region where sunburn doesn't seem like an apparent risk. Working outdoors is common on mission trips. If working outside multiple days in a row is not part of your normal routine, it may be a good idea to apply sunscreen, since your body is not used to the prolonged sun exposure. Suitcase These are the items that you need to access in the morning and in the evening during your mission trip. The key to this part of the packing system is to avoid overpacking. And the key to avoiding overpacking is not to let the What-if situations in your head get the best of you. What if it gets really cold? What if my shoes are uncomfortable? Pack for the big what-ifs, and don't sweat the small ones. You'll be able to navigate around the smaller situations during the trip. (Easier typed than done, but you can do it.) Clothing Shirts Pants Plain ol' cotton t-shirts are great to pack because you probably already have a lot of them. However, if you'll be working outside (and sweating) during your trip, polyester shirts will work the best. Your cotton t-shirts won't wick away sweat, which is why t-shirts get saturated and stick to your back. Polyester shirts will push the moisture away from your body, helping it evaporate quicker, which will keep you cool and comfortable out in the field. Most jeans and pants are cotton blends. Again, these are fine to pack because you probably have a lot of them already. However, if you're working outside, nylon pants are the most comfortable to work in. Nylon is breathable and not stuffy like most pants (ever try doing yard work in jeans?). Also, nylon is a very strong material; it's resistant to abrasion and snags (great for working outdoors). Tip: Ask your trip leader whether or not shorts are permitted. For the sake of modesty and cultural sensitivity, often times shorts should not be worn. Underwear We're going to talk about this? Yes, we're going to talk about this. For the same reasons outlined under Shirts and Pants, cotton briefs are not ideal. Underwear from brands like Under Armour or Exofficio are not cotton and will be more comfortable. 2016 PREP GUIDE 13

Socks Footwear You've probably been catching onto the theme here. Your cotton socks are fine to pack if that's all you have, but if you want to avoid smelly and sweaty socks, synthetic and wool blended socks are ideal (and super comfortable). You'll probably only need two pairs of shoes, one for worktime and one for downtime. This means you'll really only be packing one pair of shoes, since you'll constantly be wearing the other pair. Worktime shoes are the ones you'll wear throughout the day, and they should be based on your trip's itinerary. Will you be walking long distances and doing manual labor outside during your trip? Then you should consider a sturdy pair of shoes or boots to be your worktime footwear. If you won't be walking much and will be spending most of your time indoors (like in an orphanage), then a comfortable pair of tennis shoes is probably what you want to bring. Downtime shoes can be whatever you want; it's just nice to have another pair of shoes (or sandals) to slip on at the end of a busy day out in the field. Headwear You may choose to wear nothing on your head, and that's fine. But if you're usually a bandana wearer, then look for a polyester (not cotton) bandana. Hats are great too! They protect your head from the sun and bugs. Tip: Ask locals about the sports teams that they root for, and then use your hat to tell them about your favorite sports team. Jacket or Fleece Hygiene Bring a hoodie, fleece, or heavy jacket that's appropriate for the low temperatures in the country to which you're traveling. Don't over-pack on the hoodies, though. They're heavy and bulky! Toiletries Kit Pack what you need in a gallon-sized zip bag or a toiletries case. Tip: Don't buy travel-sized toiletries for your trip. Not only are they overpriced, but a mission trip is not the time you want to find out that your body is allergic to cocamidopropyl betaine, or some other random allergen. Instead, stick to your normal shampoo and toothpaste, and pack small amounts of them in small, reusable travel bottles. 2016 PREP GUIDE 14

Electronics Outlet Adapter An adapter is used to adapt your US-style prongs to fit the prong style of the country you're visiting. You'll need this if you plan on using any electronics with US-style prongs. Tip: An adapter does not modify voltage level. For that you'll need a... Voltage Converter A converter modifies the voltage of the outlet it's plugged into so that you don't fry your electronics. Outlets in America are 120 volts (V). However, the most common outlet voltage around the world is 220V. So, if you're traveling to another country and plug your 120V cord from America into a 220V outlet, you'll fry your electronic. Bring a voltage converter with you to convert the voltage level from 220V to 110V. That way you can use your hair dryer without it catching on fire! Hooray! Cell Phone Charger If you plan on bringing your phone, then bring a charger if you hope to use your phone beyond the first day of your trip. 2016 PREP GUIDE 15

Make known among the nations what He has done. 1 Chronicles 16:8 2016 PREP GUIDE 16

Spiritual Prep You've updated your passport, you've packed your carry-on just perfectly, and you've even taken out the trash. What's left to do? Prepare your mind and heart. If all you do is prepare for the climate of your destination, you've missed the mission part of your mission trip. You need to prepare not only for your trip, but also for your mission. Just like you wouldn't go on a trip without first packing the right gear, you shouldn't go on a mission trip without first preparing your mind and heart. Align Your Heart with the Purpose If we're honest with ourselves, sometimes we have ulterior motives for going on a mission trip. We want to travel. We want to get to know a certain guy or girl. We want to feel good about ourselves. We want to look like a better Christian when we get back. But there's a bigger purpose for your trip. Ask yourself the following questions honestly, and avoid the tendency to just skim over them. They're simple questions, but doing this will help refocus your mind and heart on the purpose of your trip. 1) What are some of the reasons I am serving on this trip? 2016 PREP GUIDE 17

2) Do I have any ulterior motives for going on this mission trip? What are they? 3) Based on my current motives, if I left on my trip today, what would be my primary focus throughout the trip? 4) How might locals feel about my current motives? 2016 PREP GUIDE 18

5) How might God feel about these motives? 6) What is the primary purpose of the trip? 7) What should I be focusing on? 2016 PREP GUIDE 19

8) What do I need to do to genuinely align my focus with the real purpose of the trip? Embrace Grace in All Situations God has chosen you to go. He wants to use you. Why? Is it because you read the Bible every day this month? Or because of your extraordinary knowledge of African culture? Probably not. It's because of His grace. Even though there may be smarter, wiser, more Bible-savvy people out there, He picked you. God has graciously chosen you to go, so you should go graciously. What does this mean? It means embracing qualities that are often counterintuitive. It's about responding instead of reacting. If your flight gets delayed, if they're out of vegetarian options on the plane, if the food tastes weird, if you don't sleep well, if you get bit up by bugs, embrace... Flexibility over obstinacy Gratefulness over complaining Encouragement over gossip Kindness over sarcasm Grace over entitlement You don't accidentally become a grace-filled person. It's a mindset that you have to intentionally embrace and practice. Ask yourself these simple questions to begin the process of preparing your mind and heart to respond to tough situations with grace. 2016 PREP GUIDE 20

1) Can I anticipate any situations on my mission trip that I may have a tough time embracing grace? 2) What does it look like to respond with grace in these tough situations? 3) What can I do now to prepare my mind and heart to genuinely embrace grace in every situation during my mission trip? 2016 PREP GUIDE 21

In His name the nations will put their hope. Matthew 12:21 2016 PREP GUIDE 22

Prepare to Serve the People Sometimes we get so focused on fundraising and packing the right stuff that we forget to prepare for the new people we will meet during the trip. Preparing your mind and heart for the people means that you will walk into their community with the right frame of mind. Asking yourself the questions below will also help prepare you to serve the new community effectively. 1) Think about the people you will serve. What do you think everyday life is like? 2) What do you think some of their greatest needs are? 2016 PREP GUIDE 23

3) Do you think the biggest need will be spiritual (to learn more about Jesus), or physical (to receive tangible, physical support)? 4) What problems might have led to these needs? 5) What might be preventing the locals from meeting these needs on their own? 2016 PREP GUIDE 24

6) How will you try to serve and meet those needs? 7) What can you do once you re back home to help locals continue to make progress on their spiritual and physical needs? After You Return Home Whew! What a trip. Now that you're home, you may be seeing the world around you in a new way. Some people call this reverse culture shock. Some say it's part of a "spiritual high" experience. Either way, your life was changed. But not for long. You're going to tell people about your trip and they won't understand. You'll show them pictures and they'll say, Oh yea, those are nice. The camaraderie you experienced with your team will fade. You'll go back to school. Back to work. And your mindset and heart will return to the way it was before you left....if you don't make intentional changes. 2016 PREP GUIDE 25

Did you know that the God that gave you an incredible experience overseas is that same God when you're at home? God is the same in Uganda, Argentina, and even the United States. It is you that changed and your eyes that were opened when you went overseas. Now that you know what He is capable of, it's time to bring it home. Ask yourself the following questions a few days after you get back from your trip. These questions will help make sure the life change is lifelong. 1) What did I learn about myself during the trip? 2) What did I learn about God during the trip? 3) What changed in me during the trip? 2016 PREP GUIDE 26

4) What prompted the change? 5) What can I do now to nurture the change so that it sticks with me? 6) What have I learned about God's purpose for my life? 2016 PREP GUIDE 27

7) What steps can I take over the next month to shift my life to align with what I've learned about God's purpose for me? Don t Stop Now If you worked through all of these questions honestly, congratulations. You're making the most of the opportunity that God gave you. Don't stop now! Stay focused and begin to take the steps necessary to align what you've learned with God's purpose for your life. You can do it. 2016 PREP GUIDE 28

As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. John 20:21 2016 PREP GUIDE 29

NOTES 2016 PREP GUIDE 30

PREPARE MY MISSION Our mission is to equip you with the encouragement, knowledge, and gear that you need for an effective mission trip abroad. Continue preparing for your mission trip at PREPAREMYMISSION.COM The guide is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matters covered. This information is given with the understanding that neither the writers nor the contributors are responsible for any outcome related to the application of this information. 2016 PREP GUIDE 31