What Should I Pack?

·       Travel alarm clock

·        Diarrhea and motion sickness medication

·        Benadryl or other medicine for allergic reactions

·        Flashlight and extra batteries.  When the sun goes down in the African bush, it is VERY dark!

·        Two towels and washcloths

·        Hat

·        Sunglasses

·        Sunscreen—The sun shines hot in Kenya!

·        Small packs of Kleenex—toilet tissue is a rare commodity.

·        Small bottle of hand sanitizer and liquid soap.  THIS IS A MUST!  You will use this FREQUENTLY.

·        Wet wipes—these are great for personal hygiene in the bush, as well as cleanup after riding on the dusty roads.

·        Chapstick or lip balm

·        Toiletries such as shampoo, soap/shower gel, make-up, etc.

·        Gum, breath mints, personal candy

·        Bible, journal, ink pens

·        Camera, extra batteries, battery charger

·        Electric outlet adapter.  There will be no electricity when we are camping.  However in the hotels, you may want to use blow dryers, etc.  African outlets are designed much differently than ours.  Adapters can be purchased in the luggage department.

·        Insect repellent which contains ‘deet.’  Bring a non-aerosol container.

·        Ladies—blow dryer, curling iron, etc.

·        Hand mirror, hair brush, comb

·        Snacks—crackers, jerky, nuts, etc.  that you can carry in your tote bag.  If you don’t use these yourself, you can share them with the team during our many journeys.  They will also save you money in the airports.  Some team members take snacks to give away to the shepherd children that we meet as we’re driving from village to village.

·        5 or 6 changes of clothing.  Firewind Ministries employs Maasai women to handwash laundry daily.  This provides income to the Kenyans and a service to team members.

o       Women are expected to wear dresses or skirts throughout the entirety of our stay in Kenya.  This is not a church or religious rule, but rather a part of African culture.  Women everywhere wear skirts.  If we wear pants or shorts, we will be a cultural outcast and they will not hear our message.  Long, wide-bottomed skirts are best for movement, as there is much climbing in and out of vehicles.  It is ideal if they have pockets—you can carry wet wipes, tissue and hand sanitizer with you at all times.

o       Women should not wear sleeveless tops or dresses.  Modesty is the key!

o       Women may wear a slip if needed, knit shorts, or leggings as a slip.

o       Men may wear T-shirts or short-sleeve button up shirts, jeans or khaki’s.

o       Clothing may become permanently stained, so pack accordingly.

·        Jacket or sweater.  It does get chilly after sunset.  As we are tent camping there is no place to go “get warm,” except by the campfire.

·        Socks, sleepwear, underwear

·        It is good to pack your clothing in jumbo zip-lock bags or space saver bags.  It will protect them from spills during travel, and will help in packing very dirty clothing for the trip back home.

·        Do not bring an iron.  However, if wrinkles are a concern for you, you can bring a bottle of fabric wrinkle releaser.

·        Comfortable hiking boots.  These are necessary in the high grasses and abundant animal “scat” (manure).  Fallen thorns from the acacia thorn trees cover the ground.  Wear something that covers at least the ankle area.

·        Flip flops to shower in.

·        Comfortable shoes for city wear or church services.  (No sandals or open toed shoes as parasites can find a lodging place under toenails.  Just a precaution!)

·        Jewelry is not recommended because of theft in the city.  Earrings, necklaces, bracelets and watches can be ripped from you.