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 Camp New Hope for 2 days and will need to bring a sleeping bag or sheets and a blanket for sleeping during orientation. Candidates will be staying in their same houses 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
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: 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.
Europe:
Make sure you pack for cold weather and snow similar to what you have experienced in KC. Below zero is a real possibility. Make sure you bring winter gloves AND your issued leather gloves. You will need them for working with firewood. You could also find yourself going snow skiing several times during the spring so be prepared.
South America:
You will be staying at higher altitudes so you can experience some cold nights (20-30 degrees). Make sure you pack the following: Good warm sleeping bag, fleece, ground pad, jacket/coat, stocking cap, warm gloves. Up in the mountains with no electricity can get pretty cold. Rain gear is also important. Your poncho or other waterproof/breathable rain gear is highly recommended. Contact Chris Burgess, Rob Martin, or Joshua Kugler, for more on the conditions in SAM. Remember, Layers...
Asia:
Be prepared for HOT! Make sure you bring clothing that will keep you cool and is durable.
Questions? Call Scott at 816-210-7925 or email
sbrawner@imb.org