Before I could officially leave on my first mission trip, I needed to be prepared.
Thanks to our fearless leader Harriett, she formed this list of things to bring/pack:
-picture of you with family that you don't mind leaving
-Passport and copy
-copy of medical license
-back pack
-bedding (sheet, blanket, sleeping bag, or hammock)
-towel and wash cloth
-flashlight or headlight
-water bottle
-hat
-sunglasses
-comfortable shoes, water shoes, flip-flops
-Ladies-conservative dress or skirt for trip to PAP and church
-Men-long pants and collard shirt for trip to PAP and church
-scrubs-for clinic
-shorts and t-shirts at compound or after clinic at Lotore
-sweatshirt (for warmth at night)
-bathing suit
-hand sanitizer
-ear plugs
-wipes
-snacks
-sunscreen
-insect repellent
-bring something garnet and black in defense of the the growing sea of orange (USC vs. Clemson)
(I will explain this in more detail later)
You will definitely need:
A sense of humor and a sense of adventure!
I was told to pack all of my clothes/belongings in Ziploc or plastic bags. Why you may ask? Because there is dust everywhere! Specifically in Lotore there is red clay/dirt. So, everything that is exposed (i.e. not in plastic bags) gets a nice dusting or red clay!
Before we left I received all of my vaccinations which included Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Malaria, and made sure I had all of my other routine vaccinations completed before we left.
I packed and repacked so many times to assure that I had absolutely everything I needed!
Now all that I was actually responsible for was my own personal stuff. I have not even mentioned all of the supplies that go with us. Again, this was something I had no clue about. There is such much equipment/medication that travels with us. Each doctor is responsible for their own supplies. Of course everyone works together to make sure that everyone has what they need. All of the medications are provided by our team/doctors, out of their own pocket. Some of them are able to get discounts through different organizations, but still, that is a huge expense! I guess I just thought there was some special fund that paid for all of this ( I live in a bubble). Women from our church got together to individually bag up all of the medication that we were to hand out during clinic, a huge undertaking!
We were scheduled to fly with a specific airline that will not be mentioned! This airline changed their bagging regulations and we found out that we were limited to only one checked bag per person! We couldn't even pay for an extra bag. Plus, each bag had to be 50lbs or less! The team decided that each person would carry-on their own personal belongings which had to meet the airlines carry-on regulations and had to be 40lbs or less. That allowed us to check 15 bags because we had 15 team members. Of course this was a little bit of a set back, but everyone foraged ahead for our mission!
Okay, I am packed! I have everything I need! I am ready to go!
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Hey Carrie,
ReplyDeleteYour blog is wonderful! You capture the spirit and beauty of Haiti and I love seeing your heart in your writing. I was privileged to be with you on your first trip. I remember the first night at Pere Soner's rectory when a tired, somewhat apprehensive Carrie sheepishly told me that she didn't know what she would be able to contribute on the mission. She said she felt she was too new in nursing to have anything to offer. I reassured her that she knew plenty medically, and that everyone's purpose would evolve during the mission and that God would help us each contribute what we are supposed to. Later on, Carrie was sitting in the courtyard with several Haitian teens and Arielle (sp?) and they were laughing, she was showing pictures of her yorkie Pebbles and the kids were singing and playing guitar for her and with her. Her purpose had started to unfold, and once the clinic in Lotore began, she was seeing and treating her own patients! Now, she's sold out for mission work and God works through her enthusiasm, sweet spirit and lovely smile to bless the Haitians, me and all who get to share these trips with her. Love you sweetie! Can't wait till October!
Laura
Awesome, Carrie! Love reading all your thoughts and having a front seat to how the Lord is SO using you!!
ReplyDeleteI remember how stressed out you were about packing. Didn't you buy a smaller suitcase last minute? I really thought you would have a very hard time with taking so little because you usually take 3-4 suitcases with you including your own bedding (sheets, comforter, pillows, etc.). The Lord was definately preparing your heart and mind for this trip. God is so cool, and has a great sense of humor too. I can't wait to hear your details as they are written. I love your blog!
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