Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Packing List

Here is my first cut at a packing list.  I am hoping as the team has ideas they will post them in the comments section!!!

We had our first meeting last night as a group.  The stories were amazing and information very helpful.  It is truly a blessing to be able to do this for the children.  I so look forward to being able to help them and make a difference.  I know it will be a life changing experience for me and I look forward to that.


Packing List:
·     Soft sided luggage like a backpack or duffel bag.  No suitcases.
·         1 pair of pants or nice shorts and a shirt to wear when we go to church at the Phnom Penh orphanage. (can be what you wear on the plane)
·         Several pair of shorts – Plan to wear a pair for 2 -3 days each so wear resilient shorts.
·         Several shirts.  The George’s recommend 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.
·         A floppy hat that covers the back of your neck for sun
·         DEET
·         You may consider pre-treating your clothing with permetherin.  This will act as insect deterrent and once it is dry is harmless to humans.  Pre-treat and let dry in open air.  Will last the whole trip.  http://www.rei.com/product/768970/sawyer-permethrin-pump-spray-24-oz for example.
·         Shorts and a T-Shirt for sleeping.  2 sets in case you sweat through one.
·         2 pair of comfortable flip-flops or crocks that you don’t mind leaving behind.  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.  Stay simple – think camping   -- a suggestion is  solid shampoo/conditioner cakes like the ones you find from LUSH or from a camping store.  Bring a small waterproof bag for your toiletries. 
·         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.    --- camping stores have compact TP for this purpose.  I saw it at Dicks sporting goods.
·         A microfiber – quick dry towel.  Regular towels will get moldy  a Hand towel to wet and wrap on your neck when working.  Cools you off nicely!
·         A sheet to cover you while you sleep if you like that.  – it will get dirty
·         Mosquito netting
·         Snacks for the trip in case we miss lunch during the week.  Protein bars or jerky or whatever.
·         Telephone.  I know some phones work, some do not.  For example my Verizon Android phone does not.  You should check your phone type against your carrier.  Also you need to activate international calling with VZ if you want to use a working phone.  I have seen that Verizon offers to lease you a phone for a week that will work.  I recommend against using that.  Go to Ebay or somewhere and buy an older phone that would work in Cambodia and switch over before you leave and then switch back.  I found them for 70$.

o   Here is the link to Verizon’s info on international: http://www.verizonwireless.com/wcms/global/international-long-distance.html
·         Germex
·         Journal and writing instruments. 
·         Camera (small, lightweight). 
·         Pictures of you, your family and pets.  Avoid pictures with expensive cars, big houses etc.
·         Small gifts:  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).
·         Old Baseballs, softballs, gloves or other gear that is easy to pack over.
·         $$ Recommendation is $25 a day for food and some cash for souvenirs (5$ bills and 1$ bills).  You will need to pay 25$ on entry and exit to/from Cambodia.  Bring a 20 and a 5 for that purpose.  There are ATMs that we can access, expect a fee.
·         Some of my own suggestions from travel in tough (wet and hot)places:

o   Wrap your clothing inside your bag in a garbage bag (a leave bag that is tough material).  This way if your bag gets wet the clothing stays dry
o   Bring some quart or sandwich sized baggies.  I keep my camera, my tablet, my phone and wallet in individual baggies so sweat or rain won’t harm them.  Save a few desiccant packages and throw one in each bag.
o   Bring a waterproof ID case (not see through).  I like this type: http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Waterproof-Case-BAU55180-sold-individually/dp/B000Y52DI8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1368625343&sr=8-2&keywords=waterproof+id+card+holder  you can put an id, your debit card and a little cash in it and it is secure.  The lanyard allows you to attach it around your neck or I recommend in a pocket with the lanyard through a belt loop.

·         Don’t forget your shots:  Hep A, Hep B, Typhoid, Tetnus at a minimum.  See the CDC site for recommendations : http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/cambodia.htm
·         Antimalarial Meds.  My doctor recommends Malarone which is atovaquone proqanil.  You and your doctor need to decide. Here is the CDC info on the resistant strains and meds:  http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2012/chapter-3-infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/malaria.htm#2534
·         Ciproflaxin for travelling Diarrhea.  There are different schools of thought on this.  The drug is not good for your intestinal flora so I prefer to take it when I get the first symptoms to avoid overkill.  Trust me you DO NOT want to kill the good bugs in your intestines.  Symptoms of that are horrible after the fact.  Consult your physician.
·         Immodium is a good idea as diarrhea on the road is rough.
  1. 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. 

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