Details on what to bring and know for a summer in the former Soviet Union

Details on what to bring and know for a summer in developing countries.

WELCOME TO THE JOURNEY

The unknown can be exhilarating. It can also make you feel unsettled and anxious. Being prepared is the best way to minimize that unsettled feeling. As for anxiety, that's handled by talking to God fervently and often, and by expressing thanks to Him for as many things as you can think of.

Your trip will go just fine because the Lord is with you. You are in His hand, under His wing. It is a promise you can count on. So let your faith take flight and go for it. You can do it because of the strength Christ gives.

The following information will prepare you. Read through it and start accumulating your stuff; check off your progress. Call if you have questions: Toll free - 1-866-866-0414

Enjoy the journey. It has begun.

LUGGAGE

You will be living out of your luggage during your entire stay. You will also have to carry your luggage by yourself. That not only includes getting from the USA, but travel to the camp once you are there. Packing light is very important. Your packing rule: "when in doubt, leave it out". You'll thank us later.

A hard-side suitcase with a combination lock is ideal because it is more secure and minimizes content damage. Samsonite makes a good one with corner latches and a combination lock for about $140. Locking is important. Luggage should have wheels for pulling. Soft-side luggage that pulls along is also acceptable, and good if your stay is shorter and you don't have so much to carry. Travel back packs are also a commonly used option, convenient for hands-free carry, but are not as secure when you check them. And remember, if you plan to carry a knife, scissors, etc. they must be in your checked bag.

You'll need a carry-on piece. A day pack or sturdy, soft-side brief case with shoulder strap and lots of pockets are good choices. Check current airline regulations for carry-on rules and restrictions.

A general rule is that the total weight of all your luggage must be no more than 70 pounds (but try to keep it about half this) or you will have to pay an overweight fee. This charge is often based on the whim of the airline agent on duty. Call your particular carrier, and other connecting carriers before the trip to be sure. These rules change regularly and become dated.

GENERAL THINGS ABOUT CLOTHES

People in many countries wear the same clothes day after day, so don't be concerned about a lot of variety. However, a neat appearance is very important. Durable, wrinkle free, comfortable clothes in colors that won't show dirt are best. You will hand wash and hang them to dry. You might be surprised, but sloppy, baggy, faded, torn clothes will alienate you. Ladies, a light, easy to care for dress that comes below the knee will be required for attending church services and some programs with the more conservative believers, even at some camps. Men, a shirt with collar and tie, as well as one pair of long non-denim slacks will be needed for the same reason. Otherwise, it's comfortable and durable. Be prepared. If you are in doubt about the kinds of clothes to pack, it's better to err on the side of dressier over casual.

You will be accepted if you wear shorts in most camp settings, though some will not wear them. It is generally more acceptable for men to wear shorts than women, but for day to day wear and outdoor activities, go ahead. They should be relaxed fit and not be more than four or so inches above the knee to be culturally appropriate. If you are able, check with the camp ahead of time. Long pants that will zip off to become shorts are a good choice.

Swimwear is an interesting exception, often much skimpier than many conservative camps are accustomed to in the USA. Westerners at first might consider it immodest; however, remember that different cultures define modesty differently. In Europe for example, men usually wear Speedo or bikini-style trunks. This doesn't mean westerners need to also. Bikinis are often very common for women. As a westerner, you should wear what you consider to be appropriate. Denominations have standards that differ from each other.

WEATHER

The range is extensive. So check the internet for weather in the country you are visiting. Remember, seasons south of the equator are opposite ours in North America.

ITEMIZED LIST FOR WOMEN

1 skirt and blouse, or 1 dress, below the knee, durable, wrinkle free, easy to hand wash and dry

4 casual shirts total: T-shirts, polo shirts, sport shirts are all fine, whatever you prefer

3 casual slacks/shorts for activities, variety; denim is fine, but no torn or patched jeans

4 sets of underwear

4 pair socks, good quality, wick dry.

1 pair good lightweight hiking boots, Goretex best but not necessary. Buy them in time to break them in good before your trip so you won't get blisters. Athletic shoes are acceptable, but not as versatile; it could be very wet.

1 pair Teva-quality sandals (cheap brands will fall apart).

Shoes to wear with dress.

Light jacket or fleece; rain protection. Sweat shirts are also nice.

1 hat, baseball cap, whatever you like, for some warmth, sun and rain protection. Hat with brim is good in the rain and protects from the sun better.

Personal hygiene items.

PJs. Something to sleep in (long T-shirt, etc.); keep in mind you may be wearing it to the unisex washroom, so it shouldn't be too revealing for traipsing up and down the hall of the dorm or on the path in the woods.

Make up and jewelry are considered sinful by some churches. You would be wise to use make up and jewelry sparingly. Then adjust as you see what the locals are doing.

ITEMIZED LIST FOR MEN

1 pair durable, wrinkle free long slacks

1 shirt with collar, suitable for tie

3 pair shorts, lots of deep pockets, or zip offs

1 tie

4 casual shirts total: polo shirts, T-shirts, sport shirts are all fine, whatever you prefer. Long sleeves can always be rolled up, remember

4 sets of underwear. (the skimpier they are the faster they dry and less space they take up).

4 pair socks, good quality, wick dry.

1 pair good lightweight hiking boots, Goretex best but not necessary. Buy them in time to break them in good before your trip so you won't get blisters. Athletic shoes are also fine.

1 pair Teva-quality sandals. Don't get cheap ones, they'll fall apart quickly.

Belt.

1 light jacket or fleece; something to protect from rain.

1 hat, baseball cap, whatever you like for sun and rain protection.

PJs. Something to sleep in (something appropriate to be seen in unisex situations, e.g. nylon swim trunks work well)

PERSONAL STUFF FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN

Passport & Visa

2 photocopies of the photograph and information page of the passport, 2 photocopies of the visa.

2 extra visa photographs.

ChapStick, the kind with sun block.

Vitamins (good one-a-day multi).

2 handkerchiefs or bandannas.

1 durable, inexpensive wrist watch with fresh battery. (Alarm is handy feature).

Alarm Clock. (Travel size, unless watch has alarm).

1 pocket knife (Swiss Army or Leatherman recommended, medium size, basic features). NOTE: No scissors, knives, clippers, cork screws, nail files, pen knives, syringes (w/o prescription) may be carried on an airplane. Put these items in your checked baggage.

Lightweight camera, extra batteries, film (film can be bought over there). Digital is a good option.

Compact Bible.

Journal for your personal use.

Pen, mechanical pencil, leads.

1 roll of duct tape.

Money pouch. Best type is worn around your waist under your clothes. Put cash in zip lock bag to prevent sweat damage and carry in pouch just below your belt line in the small of your back. You'll likely wear it all the time.

Bring a dozen or so photographs of you and your life in America. It is an important bridge-builder as you make relationships. Campers and staff will be interested in your house, pets, church building, family members, camp where you work, hometown, etc.

Small picture book of your state showing state flag, state tree, state bird, points of interest, etc.

Extra pair of glasses or contacts.

Medicines.

First Aid items suggested: 16 Alka Seltzer tablets, dozen regular size Band-Aids, 6 sterile gauze pads, 6 Q-tips, motion sickness tablets if you require them, 1 tube triple antibiotic ointment, eye drops, nasal spray (Afrin is very good), 25 Aspirin or ibuprofen, Imodium, 30 individually packaged antibacterial wipes, 1 small roll adhesive tape, oral thermometer, whatever you take for a cold, cortisone cream for itching.

Antibacterial soap for hands and body; a small squeeze bottle is less messy than a bar.

Personal toiletries: shampoo, shaving items, needle and thread, medicines you regularly take, etc.

40 feet of parachute cord and clothes pins.

Small hand-held mirror.

Compact umbrella.

Sun glasses.

Small calculator (you will use it to figure exchange rates and to show the numbers to store clerks if you can't pronounce them).

1 needle and syringe along with written prescription from your doctor; for emergency use.

Antibiotics and prescription for infection (throat, ear, bladder, etc.). Hint: ask your doctor to begin saving samples of antibiotics for you, then pick them up before you leave along with his prescription and instructions. They'll be free!

Enough contact lens solution for entire stay (not always available, or in your brand). One 8 oz. bottle per month is average for a daily-wear user.

1 toothbrush, 1 toothpaste, dental floss (can buy all these over there).

Small water bottle for travel. (A used bottled water bottle with good cap works as well as anything). Don't trust the local tap water. Many prefer to take along a portable water purifier so they can "make their own" safe drinking water. Bottled water can be purchased in most cases, but not always.

Pocket dictionary.

Small flashlight, extra batteries. (Batteries are usually available there).

1 roll of toilet paper for your initial entry. You can buy more once you get there.

Laundry soap for washing socks, underwear. Tip: Put Tide powder in an empty plastic vitamin bottle.

Flat-type sink stopper to wash clothes (or make one out of duct tape).

Gifts for your new friends: Suggestions would be some photographs of your family, small lapel pins, cool book markers, small flags from your state, inexpensive but nice ball point pens, inexpensive pocket knife.

Video camera, film, battery, charger, outlet adapter and/or 110-220 voltage converter if required by your equipment.

Compact tape recorder for recording conversations, songs, music, your memoirs, etc.

1 credit card for emergencies while still in the USA, or for wiring money, etc. Mastercard or Visa card.

Telephone calling card, like ATT, so you can access a local number and call back to the USA. Otherwise you may not be able to make any calls back to the States.

Walkman, MP3, extra batteries (batteries available there). Caution: listen to music on your own time. Please don't be 'on duty' or generally have the ear phones in when you're around other people. To do so says, "I'm checked out and unavailable. This is about me and my music."

Playing cards, magic tricks, or games that use dice (these are considered sinful by many churches).

Extra "just in case" stuff. It will only weigh you down and you'll wish you'd just stuck to the list.

Passport, visa, health records, photocopies, plane ticket, itinerary, pen, pencil, flashlight, toilet paper in zip-lock, complete toiletry kit (minus scissors and sharp things), planner, umbrella, sweater/shell, book/magazine, bottle of water, camera, 1 roll of film, extra batteries, calculator, journal, spare glasses, all your motion sickness medicine, eye drops, sandals, antibacterial hand cleaner, duct tape, any medicine you can't live without in the event your checked bag is lost, wallet, music, insurance documentation, car/house/luggage keys, sun glasses.

Also carry on your jacket, hat. Check current carry-on regulations with you airline before packing.

Check with your doctor about immunizations required for travel or go to http://www.cdc.gov. Don't delay checking on this, because some immunizations are given in stages, so allow as much time as possible.

Many insurance companies who cover you in the USA will not cover you out of the country. For this reason, insurance must be provided for international travel. One recommended provider is SOS® Medical, Personal and Travel Assistance Insurance. It covers you 24 hours a day, worldwide. It pays 100% of expenses, no deductible, for evacuation and treatment of an accident or illness while you are out of the United States. The approximate cost for this coverage will be $95 (depending on your length of stay) one-time premium paid by you. You will receive a card to carry with phone numbers and procedures.

Contact them for an application form and return it directly to SOS® with your payment to receive this coverage. They will send you an enrollment card with emergency phone numbers, and instructions for emergency procedures. Or you may do it all over the phone. Contact information: International SOS Assistance; PO Box 11568; Philadelphia, PA 19116. Phone: 800 767-1403; Fax: (215) 244-0165

Explain to family and friends that it may be very difficult to communicate with you. You will likely be back home before any mail gets there. They should not send you mail or packages. Customs fees are often more than the value of the contents, and it may be rummaged through. Explain that e-mail is not dependable, but that phone contact is possible in an emergency for you to call out for assistance. They will not likely be able to call you, however.

When you first arrive, you will be met at the airport. Before you leave the airport, ask for time to make phone contact with family so they will know of your safe arrival, and leave an emergency phone number if there is one. Other than that, communication will not likely be possible, and folks stateside will not hear from you except in the event of an emergency.

· Always take your shoes off when entering a private home, if it is the custom there.

· If you're invited for a meal in someone's home, you should take a gift with you. Usually flowers or a box of chocolates is customary. These can be bought locally. If you brought something from America, this will be fine also. If caught by surprise, you can leave some money in their currency discretely in a location that will be easy to find after you are gone.

· When talking through an interpreter, talk to and look at the individual you're speaking to, not to the interpreter. (Say, "How are you?" Not, "Ask her how she is.")

· Russians, for example, usually stand to pray, hands in front, head bowed, eyes closed. Do likewise. Prayer is always conducted before meals, and often afterwards, too. Usually standing.

· Electric power is likely to be 220 volt. Bring a transformer if you use any electric things, or buy appliances that have a switch on them for 110/220. If you can live without a hair dryer, so much the better. But it's fine to bring one. The outlets don't look like ours, either, so you'll have to take an adapter with you. You can buy them at Wal-Mart. It is possible to have a vital ministry without ever having to plug anything in. Unless you can't live without them, leave plug-in devices at home.

You should take all of your funds in cash. The cash must be crisp, like-new ten, twenty, fifty, or one-hundred dollar bills with no hard creases, marks, or tears. Otherwise the exchange office may not accept them (you can't get local currency). You can't pay for anything there in stores with US currency. Don't exchange all your dollars at once. Keep dollars and local currency on you all the time. The equivalent of $200 in local currency and the remainder in US dollars is a good general balance to maintain. Carry your dollars in a money "belt" pouch. You can buy one at Wal-Mart or luggage stores. Put your dollars in a zip lock bag, put the bag in your pouch, and "wear" it around your waist under your clothes, low and just below your belt line in the back. Carry $100 in US dollars in a front pocket easily accessible by you, and your local currency in another front pocket. Do not carry money in a back pocket wallet or in your back pocket at all. Pickpockets easily get at it if you do.

Before going to an exchange office, have the dollars already in your pocket. Never let anyone see you get into your money pouch. You will often need to show your passport in order to exchange. Keep your passport and visa with you at all times while traveling. It is illegal to exchange money on the street, and you risk being tricked by smooth con artists. In order to take new one-hundreds with you, you will need to notify your bank in advance. If you don't give them some notice, they may not have good quality bills on hand.
A site for currency exchange rates is http://www.oanda.com

Crime is an issue, but with a few precautions you'll be fine. Foreigners stand out and are easily identified by criminals. Just your shoes, haircut, and glasses give you away. Be alert and try to blend in. Don't talk loudly in public places, never carry money in a back pocket, only in front pants pocket or inside coat pocket. Don't wear expensive jewelry or flashy clothes; these things send signals of wealth.

Never leave a bag unwatched. Look out for each other. Don't carry a day pack on your back in a crowd— keep it in front of you, hugged like a baby. If you wear a fanny pack, keep it in front. Carry a shoulder bag over your shoulder and in front of you. Even carrying it under you arm is risky in crowded places such as the market or on busses. Keep all the zippers zipped, including jacket pockets.

Don't go out in the city alone at night if you can avoid it. Arrange schedules so as to be in before dark.

Pedestrians have no rights in many countries, cars have the right of way on streets (and sometimes sidewalks). Be very careful, cross only at intersections with traffic signals in larger cities. Be especially careful in countries where they drive on the left side of the road.

Be on guard who you trust. Deception is common, and Westerners are easily fooled. Be wary without giving offense. Stay clear of areas where people appear to live on the streets and beg for a living. (bus stations, train stations, airports all have these areas). If approached, walk on deliberately, watch your bags, and shake your head "No" without making eye contact. Some children are trained to swarm you like bees. When they're gone, all your pockets will be empty. Don't be afraid to be assertive.

Don't meander or loiter. Walk deliberately as if you know where you are going even if you don't. Don't stand on street corners looking forlorn with your city map and guide book flapping in the breeze.

Ladies, guard eye contact with male strangers. It's not considered proper and could send the wrong message.

Don't share a drinking cup or water bottle; don't eat off another's plate or utensil. Wash your hands often, and always before eating. Don't ever drink unboiled water (the hot tea is fine to drink). Buy bottled water and check the cap to make sure the seal has not been broken.

Don't worry. Don't get paranoid. The Lord is with you wherever you go. Remember that and talk to Him in your heart as you are on your way. God is faithful.

When you get off the plane, you will go through Passport Control one person at a time. Present your passport (with visa if applicable) to the official. They may also ask to see your ticket and boarding pass.

Next is baggage claim. After you get your luggage, go through Customs. You will usually be given a Customs form to complete before you get off the plane. If not, forms are available at the Customs area in the airport in several languages; there is usually a counter, or area, for the ones in English. You'll not likely have any non-cash items to "declare" (expensive items you write on the custom's form upon entry), so go through the green line. (Nothing to declare)

If you do decide to declare items, go through the red line. In this line, you'll declare the exact amount of money you are carrying. If asked to count it for customs officials, do so, but only in private for security reasons. Never take your eye off your luggage at any time for any reason. The customs official will scribble some stuff on your Customs form, stamp it and return it to you. KEEP THIS CUSTOMS DECLARATION FORM. YOU MUST PRESENT IT WHEN YOU DEPART. You can't carry out more money than you came in with.

Your luggage may have to go through the x-ray conveyor. Try to keep your carry-on bag over your shoulder and don't put it through x-ray unless they mention it. This will minimize hassle and unnecessary inspections. If asked to open a bag for inspection, do so calmly and with a cooperative demeanor.

No, you don't need to speak the language to have a very effective ministry. You will work through an interpreter. They will be paid from your funds at the rate that has been prearranged. Remember, too, that you will pay the expenses for both yourself and your interpreter from your funds. Thus room and board are part of the interpreter's benefits. You will also pay all the interpreter's travel costs; this varies depending on distances and carrier. You should bring a gift for your interpreter, up to $25 in value. Examples would be a nice pen and pencil set, battery travel alarm clock, AA size Mag light, Swiss army knife, picture frame, Day Timer. Give it privately just before you part.

Do NOT pay your interpreter any more than contracted. Do not make your parting gift cash, even though you will be tempted to do so. It will cause problems for management and further use of the interpreter.

A learning tape and book are worthwhile to help you become familiar with the language. Memorize the alphabet letter sounds. Learn to say "Thank you," "You're welcome," "Yes," "no," and "My name is."

It is appropriate to bring gifts for your new acquaintances. Suggestions would be 15 photographs of your family (you can write a note on the back); 5 small lapel pins of an icthus or cross; 5 colorful and unique book marks; 5 inexpensive but nice ball point pens; 2 small photo albums. Gifts should not be expensive (at the most $5, most can be $1 to $3), and you might not give them all away. They are for anyone who gives a gift to you, or with whom you form a special relationship. For example, a gift would be appropriate to give to an English speaking friend who makes extra effort to help you communicate. If you will employ an interpreter, a nicer gift should be given after the work is complete. Gifts should be given in private when ever possible, and with genuine warm sincerity and minimal fanfare. They should be given, when practical, later rather than sooner so the recipient won't have time to reciprocate and thus won't feel obligated. If you are given a gift, it is usually important to reciprocate. Be cautious about gifts that have Christian terminology written on them if you are entering sensitive countries (for example: China, Indonesia, and the Middle East).

You will need a passport. Call your local post office for information on where to obtain it. If you do not already have one, begin that process right away. It may take several weeks, and you can't get a visa without it. Some countries require a visa along with a pasport.

One method of travel is when an acquaintance, such as a camp staff member or visiting pastor, offers to drive you somewhere as a favor. Be aware of your responsibility in such instances. If he is involved in an accident and the car is damaged, he will likely have no insurance or any money for repairs. Unless you help, he will have no transportation or any hope of a replacement. Since he was doing you a favor, it would be the honorable thing for you to help with the repair costs. So a friendly ride into town for a bag of apples could cost you thousands of dollars. It is not forbidden to ride with someone under these circumstances, but know and be prepared for the significant implications.

Your current policy may not cover you overseas. It would be good for you to find out. Short-term insurance through SOS® is described already in this document.

Use this quick checklist to make sure you're not forgetting the most important stuff.