Prior to the end of Phase One, you were briefed on general packing for international deployment. Included below is a general packing list for all candidates.
IMPORTANT! Please make sure that you come prepared to stay warm during International Orientation in KC. You will be back at MBTS and will need to bring a sleeping bag or sheets and a blanket for sleeping during orientation. Candidates will be staying in their same dorms as during Phase One. At the end of orientation, candidates can either leave their bedding and coats at the seminary campus or arrange to send them home (recommended...).
General Packing (all candidates)
It is recommended that all candidates
pack light. That means taking no more than six changes of clothes on the trip. Many times Cohorts will dress in local dress and this will augment their packing. It is also recommended that they pack in a backpack or duffel bag as they may be required to carry their gear long distances. It addition to your personal belongings, you will need to save room for team gear that must be brought to the field with you. Candidtes should plan to check only ONE BAG when they depart to make room for team gear such as tents, medical gear, etc. in a second bag.
In the past, candidates have found it useful to pack their gear in their backpack or an army-style duffel bag. Using this type of duffel bag is not a problem. There are also multiple types of zippered duffels on the market that can meet your child's needs as well. Some have chosen to put thier backpack and equipment in a duffelbag for shipping overseas and then set up their backpack as needed once in country. On returning home, the backpack can then be used to carry extra items, such as souvenirs, they have purchased while overseas.
Candidates are allowed to bring their Fusion uniforms (pants, shirts, hats, and boots). They are durable and can take a beating. Just remember to NOT blouse the boots!
Ladies, please remember to bring a couple of light weight ankle length skirts to wear. You may need them!
REMEMBER! Most airlines allow only 50 lbs per bag and charge hefty fees for going over the limit. Fusion has a scale to check bags but it is recommended that candidates check the wieght of their bag before coming back in January.
All Candidates should remember to pack the following:
Bible
PASSPORT
Journal
Writing Materials
Camelback
and bladder
Flashlight/Headlamp
Knife/Multitool
Sleeping Bag
Personal Survival Kit (include a lighter)
Rain Gear
50’-100' of Para-Cord
2-3 Trash bags
Gear specific batteries
Country specific electrical adaptors and/or transformer
Chargers for your electronics
Sun Glasses
Feminine-Specific Items
Toiletry Items
1 light weight bath towel
1 roll of toilet paper
Insect Repellant (the higher the Deet content, the better...)
Insect Coils (especially Africa and Asia; look in the camping section at Wal-Mart)
Optional items you may want to include:
Laptop
Personal cell phone (watch the roaming rates!)
IPOD/MP3
Camera
Power Converter and plug adaptors
Several DVD movies
Money:
The question has been asked, “How much spending cash do I bring?” We suggest that individuals bring $150-$400 in cash.
Please bring new bills (series 2006 or newer) with no marks or tears. We recommend that you bring bills $50 or smaller to ease changing money into local denominations. We also suggest bringing $20 in one’s for any small tips.
We DO NOT recommend using traveler’s checks.
Credit/Debit cards:
Using credit/debit cards internationally gives you a safe alternative to carrying cash. However, we do not recommend relying solely on a credit card. Please bring a minimum of $100 in cash on your trip.
AFRICA and SE ASIA: The use of debit/credit cards in the places we are traveling is sketchy at best. We do not recommend bringing credit cards for casual use in Africa or Southeast Asia.
North Africa:
Make sure you pack for warm weather (85-90 F) in January that will transition to HOT 130+ F by April. This is an arid, desert climate with BRIGHT SUN so bring sunscreen and sunglasses! Talk to your supervisor for specifics on packing. Also, long dresses are required in addition to pants. We recommend lightweight darker colors (nothing sheer). Plan to purchase a head scarf and other local clothing when you arrive to remain culturally appropriate. Bring a swimsuit and a pair of shorts for the American club and wear arould the house.
Southern Africa:
Rain, rain go away! It's monsoon season in country until March. Like the rest of tropical Africa, your country experiences distinct, alternating rainy and dry seasons. In the north, the rainy season may last for as long as seven months--usually from September to April, with perhaps a brief slackening in January or February. In the south, the rainy season begins later, in November, and lasts until about February. The dry season (cacimbo) is often characterized by a heavy morning mist. In general, precipitation is higher in the north, but at any latitude it is greater in the interior than along the coast and increases with altitude. Temperatures range from 60 degrees to 100+ with 100 percent humidity. Bring your poncho or other rain gear! More formal attire is required for church services. Bring a light colored button down shirt and a tie. Ladies plan on bringing a dress or long skirts.
FOR MORE ON SOUTHERN AFRICA PACKING CLICK HERE
South America:
You will be traveling to remote jungle communities. You will sleep in tents and bathe in rivers. Conditions are hot, humid, and rainy. The mornings can be cool and the rest of the day is normally hot. Rainy season runs from November to April and dry season from May to October. Main mode of transportation will be boat. Depending on the area there will be bugs; but nothing that long pants and sleeves wont fix... Your poncho or other waterproof/breathable rain gear is highly recommended. Casual clothing would be appropriate for almost every situation. Pants, capris, mid length-long skirts are perferred for ladies.
South Asia:
Your service area's temperate climate has five distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, winter, and the monsoons. The average temperature January-May is 45-60 °F while the minimum temperature is 32-48.0 °F. The average annual precipitation is 121.7 in, with an average of 126 days of rain in a year. The highest rainfall occurs in July. Snow in January or February is a possibility. Dress to hike and walk. Shorts are recommended for private use. Pants are best for oudoors. Bring a light coat, fleece, and rain gear!!!!
Southeast Asia:
The capital January-May can range between 90-105 degrees. Rain begins late March and continues through the summer. Short sleves are a must and shorts are culturally appropriate at times. Make sure you bring long pants and lightweight skirts (not sheer). Check with your supervisor for more info on packing.
Questions? Call Scott at 804-564-2019 or email
sbrawner@imb.org