Here is some information that I received from Cheryl George who along with Julius is the leadership team and organizers of our mission to Cambodia. it gives a flavor of what to expect:
It
is imperative that everyone pack as light as possible. We have a
weight limit of 50lbs for the airline. More importantly, however, is
that when we get to Cambodia we will all be traveling by van and will
have limited space. We will also be carrying our
own luggage and may have (in some cases) to carry it up several flights
of narrow steps.
Packing list:
-1 pair of pants (I usually use whatever I wear on the plane) to wear if we go to church at the Phnom Penh orphanage.
-Several pair of shorts (for a week-long trip, I would plan to wear the same ones at least twice – but it’s up to you)
-Several
shirts. We prefer the Under Armor (or similar brand) because they are
lightweight and can be washed/dried easily and don’t wrinkle) style
shirts.
Light weight T-shirts will be fine also. Please do not wear shirts
with political slogans, offensive or -- suggestive language.
-IMPORTANT:
bring a sturdy pair (or two) of comfortable flip-flops that you don’t
mind leaving behind. We will wear flip-flops everywhere in Cambodia
(even
to Church). Just a reminder – never enter a building with your shoes
on (we will talk about this at our next meeting). The second pair is in
case the first break and/or you want to give a pair away.
-Simple
toiletries – toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving gear, deodorant,
hairbrush, shampoo. Although some of this will be available in Phnom
Penh and Siem Reap,
it will be expensive to purchase and you may or may not be able to read
the label to know what you are buying. Stay simple – this stuff is
usually the heavy stuff when packing and you will not need fancy
toiletries (i.e. cologne, big bottles of shampoo, etc).
I usually bring solid shampoo/conditioner cakes like the ones you find
from LUSH or from a camping store because they travel well. Bring a
small waterproof bag for your toiletries. When we are staying at the
GuestHouses, the shower is always open to the
bathroom. In the orphanages, you will carry your toiletries from the
van to the (very primitive) bathhouse.
-IMPORTANT:
toilet paper and/or tissues. The GuestHouses will have toilet paper.
HOWEVER, none of the orphanages will have toilet paper. Also, if we
have
to make stops along the road, there will also be no toilet paper. I
recommend bringing the little square packs of tissues that can easily be
carried in a backpack or pants pocket.
-Journal
and writing instruments. I would suggest starting to write in this
before you leave. We will have very full days and you will be tired at
the end
of the days. Names, places, etc will all be different and new. The
journal gives you a place to keep notes, reflect on the day and even
write prayers and prayer requests.
-Camera (small, lightweight).
-Pictures:
The children (and even the staff) like to see where you are from, your
family – even the dog. Bring several pictures of you, too, that you can
leave (this is very important, so don’t be bashful).
-Small
gifts: I would bring a few small gifts. Every trip, we see special
bonds between orphans and members of our team. The orphan may even
bring his only
possession out as a gift to you. You may want to be prepared with a
small reciprocal gift. Ideas include small bracelets (this works for
girls and boys), pins, booklets, etc. I also bring one or two small
decorative Bibles (Logos sometimes has these for
$5. Your trinkets do not need to cost a lot (we always bring several
of the rubber band style bracelets – cost less than $1).
-$$
for souveniers. Please do not bring large amounts of cash. Everything
in Cambodia is inexpensive, so you won’t need much cash. I will check,
but I believe
there is an ATM in Siem Reap (the fee will be very high). However, if
you see something you want there and didn’t bring enough cash, this
would be a better option than carrying large amounts of money through
the jungle.
Finally,
FRC at Charlotte Street is making pillowcases for us to take. This was
a big hit last year. We will need room in everyone’s suitcase (if
possible)
to pack a few of these.
