The moment you all have been waiting for!

- Backpack (We suggest an internal frame pack. REI has great ones)

- Sleeping pad (ThermaRest is a good brand)

- A free standing tent (A 2-person tent is great because it will fit you and your pack in it.)

- Day Pack - This is a regular sized school pack. Inside, you can put some of your electronics

and books. Keep your valuables in your daypack when you travel. When you are in-country you will probably take this pack with you on short-hikes, trips into town, and on ministry outings.

- Passport

- Proof of Yellow Fever inoculation

- Copies of your passport packed in various places

- Sleeping bag and pillow

- All necessary medications with refills

- Clothes appropriate for outdoor activities and one semi casual outfit (jeans and nice shirt)

- Ministry clothes. **Ladies: skirts, Guys: khaki dress pants and collared shirt. If you preach at church, you’ll probably need to wear a tie as well.)

- Water bottle – unbreakable.  Nalgene bottles work best.

- Towel and shower stuff.  Pack towels are recommended. They are small to pack and dry very quickly.

- Basic first aid including mosquito spray, medicine for stomach issues, headaches, allergies (including seasonal), bug bites, band-aids, anti-bacterial wipes and ointment, sunscreen.

- Personal hygiene items.

- Headlamp.

- Mess Kit (A basic camping-type bowl and utentsils)

- Bible, journal, and pens.

- Spending money for possibly eating out or spending fun time with your team and souvenirs

- Camera and batteries

- Rain gear - This is a rain jacket.

- Lightweight jacket, sweatshirt

- A Hat or head covering to protect you from the sun.

- Running shoes

- Shower shoes

- Outlet converter

Consider packing your clothes in stuff sacks, packing cubes, or even heavy-duty Ziploc bags. This willhelp with organization in your back and protect your clothes from spills and foul smells gathered

from around the world.

Dress Code:

When you go to minister in another country, you expect it to be a different world.  Clothing can carry many messages about who you are, what you are doing, and what you believe.   It’s good to have some of the clothes that make you happy (a favorite shirt, a great pair of jeans) but don’t bring anything that you can’t bear to lose or see stained.  Below are some good general guidelines.

• You are expected to maintain a clean, modest appearance that represents AIM and local missionaries well.
• Bring something modest to sleep in.
• No short, tight, or clinging clothing is permitted.
• Sleeveless shirts and tank tops that are 2” wide are permitted on girls. No sleeveless shirt of any form is permitted for guys.
• If you can’t raise your arms above your head without showing your stomach, leave it at home.
• Shorts must come to the top of the knee. Capris and Goucho pants are great options!
• Skirts and dresses should be below or close to the knee.
• Bring a full coverage swim suit and think modest. Be prepared to wear shorts and a shirt over your swimsuit. Guys, normal swim trunks should be fine.
• Men need long pants in most situations.

Depending on your location and the cultural norms, we may need to adjust the dress code.  In some countries it will be necessary for women to be in long skirts all the time. Tank Tops, no matter what size the strap, may not be appropriate in some locations. Some cultures view men in shorts as little boys and you will not receive the respect of an adult.

Any tattoos or piercings may need to be covered at times if it offensive to the cultures or ministries. Your leaders will let you know this when you get in country. You will just be asked to cover the tattoo or take the piercings out while involved in ministry.

Let me know if you need anything else or have any questions.

-Stacy Povian