What you pack says a lot about the trip you are taking... here are a few not-normally-packed items set to go in our suitcases for our Nigeria Adventure.
Malarone pills: malaria is a very real threat in Africa. Despite the best efforts of Bill Gates and his foundation to eradicate malaria, malaria continues to thrive. Malarone is our best defense. Say a prayer for the millions in Africa with no such defense!
Water purifier: I am uncertain about our living situation, talking with our hosts they hope to provide filtered water, but since we have a portable filter with our camping supplies we thought it best to bring it. This way we know we can have safe drinking water! (We tossed in some iodine pills just in case!)
Printer, paper, and ink: Basically I have to bring my office with me. If I want to be able to print something, I need a printer. I have learned that what we take for granted in our offices or homes for that matter is anything but a sure bet; so I bring what I need. Two suitcases fill up fast when you take a printer and supplies!
Stapler and staples: I listed this separately on purpose. Last year I spent 30-minutes finding someone with a stapler I could borrow. For $5.83 at Staples I bought one which came with 1250 staples and a staple remover! I will leave with one of the secretaries when I come home. I suspect it will be an appreciated treasure.
Two jars of peanut butter: yes this is heavy and we only have 2 50lb bags each but peanut butter is a good source of protein and it keeps well and can be spread on virtually anything or even eaten plain.
Umbrellas and easy dry pants and sandals: July is the rainy season. Last year we took rain jackets but honestly all they did was direct the torrential rains down to my pants! Umbrellas work better. Hiking pants which look relatively nice yet dry quickly -- forget jeans they may never dry. And shoes, they better dry well also. Last year we were caught in a couple of downpours that resulted in the roads we were walking flooding... I mean I was in water over my ankles! Sandals worked great, sneakers did not... they were wet for days.
Flashlights: with electricity iffy, it is best to have a flashlight handy if you need to get somewhere after dark, and somewhere could be your bathroom!
A Suit and Tie: I have the opportunity to preach one weekend at at a church's 10th anniversary. I am excited. And the dress is formal. The church is hoping to have a traditional Nigerian outfit made for me, in which case I will wear that. But just in case I asked about their dress code; my pastor friend said people would expect a western suit and tie... so in goes my grey suit.
Well these are just a few of the items we are taking with us to Nigeria... I wish you could come along too.
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