Things to Bring on Short Term Mission

Deciding what things we need in order to be effective is a personal and variable decision. Your teammates will have different ideas about what they will need and some will have more than you will have. Ask the Lord to you and then make choices you feel will honor Him. Below are some suggestions of items which are recommended to bring.

Shoes: 
Bring one pair of good/comfortable hiking sandals or shoes. Also one pair of dress shoes and one pair of athletic shoes would be advisable. Many people wear rubber slip-slops/thongs/flip flops, and these are easily and cheaply available.

Clothes:
African Christians are modest in their dress sense. For both genders clothing should be lightweight (cotton) and loose fitting. Clothing is readily available in Africa if you are prepared to buy second hand clothing and “seconds.” 

For men clothes should include on pair of dress trousers (pants) , one smarter shirt and tie (short sleeves if possible), t-shirts/short sleeved shirts, a lightweight sweater or sweatshirt, jeans/other casual trousers (pants), shorts (only for wearing at the beach or indoors, pyjamas, towels, underwear, swimming trunks and socks. Hats and sunglasses are also recommended.

For women clothes should include skirts and blouses/tops, one or two dress outfits, underwear, a lightweight sweater or sweatshirt, shorts (only for the beach), pyjamas/nightie, towels, trousers/pants can be worn indoors and with disgression. Hats and sunglasses are also recommended.

Medicines and Health
Many medicines are generally available in African cities. Mosquitoes are a year-round problem in many parts though not so much in Kampala or Nairobi . Prevention (and cures) are recommended, and because these are problems in the area, medicine is readily available. All drugs are available without prescription. Toiletries are available, but fairly expensive (especially deodorant). Feminine hygiene products are easily available but expensive. We recommend you bring an adequate supply with you. 

There are several good doctors, dentists and hospitals in the African cities but we still recommend your travel insurance covers evacuation in case of major surgery.

Other Things you Might Want to Bring

• One lightweight sleeping bag per person. This will be very helpful for travel.
• One durable flashlight or torch per person. Cheap torches are available in Dar es Salaam 
• A laptop computer. You will need to buy a UPS for your computer when you arrive. We do not recommend that you plug your computer into the electricity supply without one. These cost about $40. Internet cafes are readily available and cheap to use. 
• A cellphone. There are three major networks in Tanzania. If you already have a handset please make sure that it is unlocked before you come to Tanzania.

Otherwise it will cost you $30 to get is unlocked. Sim Cards for Tanzania networks are available and inexpensive. 

• Sheets and pillow cases. Please bring these with you. 
• A camera. (Processing is available and so is film but lithium batteries are not so easy to get)
• Sun screen. 
• Multi-tool such as Leatherman or Victorinox 
• Musical instrument (if you play) 
• Day pack or small backpack 
• Photos, pictures, or small touches to make your house a home
• Rechargeable batteries 
• Books: Devotionals, fiction, or personal favorites 
• Your Bible 
• Favorite cookbook or recipes 
• Small travel alarm clock 
• Mosquito Repellant 

Please note that crime in African cities is probably equal with your home cities. However the difference is that, being white, you are a target of petty crime. So don’t bring the fanciest equipment you can find in case you end up getting it stolen.

What you don’t want to bring

• Mosquito nets. These are readily and cheaply available in Dar as well as the medicine for treating them.