When I went to Nepal in 2005, I bought a lot of stuff. Crazy amounts of stuff. Jeez! Serving the poor sure was expensive back in those days.
This time my mom asked me, “what do you need for your trip overseas” and my list was five items. I mean, I might think of more… but it’s amazing how much you DON’T need for four or five months overseas. Here are some examples of things you might think you need but actually don’t:
1. Tevas. Yes, folks, it’s true. If our friends in Asia have lived their whole lives Teva and Chaco free, so can we.
2. Seven pound NKJV Bible. (long story)
3. Band aids and immodium. (especially not the immodium- ask me that story sometime)
4. Waterproof fleece jacket.
5. Silver mirrored salwar suit.
6. Fanny pack.
7. Homeschool jumper.
8. 15 Servant Team books, plus Gloria’s. Thanks to whoever wrote that list.
Things I discovered you should take:
1. Make up.
2. Jewelry.
3. Hair dreading wax
4. Bathing suit. (Or you’ll be stuck searching the streets of Colombo, Sri Lanka, for a bathing suit not made for a Sri Lankan sized woman)
5. Hiking backpack.
6. Shorts. (Just for in the house, ok!)
7. Tracy Chapman cd. Preferably with the song ‘Fast Car’ on it.
The one thing I did take that I cannot find anywhere and am really sad about was a pair of long black linen pants from Target. So if you a pair somewhere, will you send them to me?
I would LOVE to hear your packing stories… hehehe.
5 responses so far ↓
lizivkovich // May 8, 2008 at 2:19 am |
PS: and SOUR SKITTLES. take a bunch of those.
lisa // May 8, 2008 at 6:45 am |
Yes, I totally second everything you listed. Except, are you sure you don’t need the blinged up Salwar??
Also, I still feel like a dope for not bringing any makeup to India, and looking like shit when all the Indian women looked neat and tidy.
Also, you can’t find your linen pants because you gave them to me when you left. They now have several repeatedly-patched crotch holes (from bicycling around toronto), and paint stains. Needless to say, my mom has tried to get me to throw them out — but I can’t let them go! I love those pants.
Courtney // May 8, 2008 at 8:53 pm |
Hilarious. I think every servant team goes through the same thing. You show up in clothes three sizes too big/no jeans, makeup, or jewelery, and are picked up by super cute/stylish staff members (not to toot my own horn or anything:) heheh I had several dresses (aka “nightgowns to the locals”). Sounds like you’re doing much better the second time around. Happy packing!
Calvin!! // May 11, 2008 at 10:32 am |
Ummmm. I like would like to defend my Chaco brand sandals. Two reasons.
1. They are from Colorado and everything that comes from Colorado is good….very good!
2. Worst Case Scenario: If there was a tire that had blown on a bus, and we needed new tread for that tire, I could sacrifice my Chacos for such an occassion so that we may be SAFELY on our way! Not only helping myself, but all the others on the bus too!
Liz // May 16, 2008 at 7:21 pm |
lisa, that’s awesome! i’m so glad those are getting action… i can’t believe you’re still rocking those linen pants. SWEET. and the blue salwar top too, eh?