Packing
Most airlines have changed their luggage allowance and it varies from airline to airline. Most of them allow one carry-on, one personal item (laptop, purse, etc) and one or two checked bags (depending upon airline policies) at 50# each. Please check with your chosen airline for verification of their luggage policy. If everyone is going to bring the full allowance, please let us know so we can plan for transportation of the bags. In addition, it is possible that the bus company will charge you for excess baggage. Travel as light as possible. Here is a list of recommended supplies that you should pack for your mission trip:
Ø A Bible. We find it best for the group to have daily morning devotions with each member taking a day to share.
Ø Snacks. Small, lightweight, high-energy snacks may be needed for our days of travel. Some suggestions are jerky, granola, trail mix, energy bars, and saltine crackers.
Ø Medicines. You may want to have Dramamine for travel (for any long bus rides), Imodium, Fibercon, and Tylenol or Advil or aspirin. Also, if you take any prescription medications it would be wise to bring extra supplies.
Ø Water. It’s always good to have one or two small water bottles for the bus trips. Bottled water is readily available and may be bought here but you may want to bring a few to start out. You can dehydrate easily, especially when you have to travel through the high mountains in the bus. The half-liter bottles are good to carry. Note that on flights you cannot carry water in your carry-on luggage so you will have to pack it in your checked luggage.
Ø Clothing. Peru has a more conservative approach to clothing than we are used to in North America. As guests, we ask that you respect our hosts by wearing modest, culturally-appropriate clothing. All clothing must be modest and God-pleasing as defined by our local host receiving culture. Team Leaders should explain appropriate clothing before each ministry activity. If you choose to bring short pants we recommend that they be knee length or longer.
Sierra District – (Mountains) Bring clothes that you can layer. Keep in mind that at this altitude the sun is very intense during the day so you may need to shed and add layers as the day progresses. You should bring:
Ø A Bible. We find it best for the group to have daily morning devotions with each member taking a day to share.
Ø Snacks. Small, lightweight, high-energy snacks may be needed for our days of travel. Some suggestions are jerky, granola, trail mix, energy bars, and saltine crackers.
Ø Medicines. You may want to have Dramamine for travel (for any long bus rides), Imodium, Fibercon, and Tylenol or Advil or aspirin. Also, if you take any prescription medications it would be wise to bring extra supplies.
Ø Water. It’s always good to have one or two small water bottles for the bus trips. Bottled water is readily available and may be bought here but you may want to bring a few to start out. You can dehydrate easily, especially when you have to travel through the high mountains in the bus. The half-liter bottles are good to carry. Note that on flights you cannot carry water in your carry-on luggage so you will have to pack it in your checked luggage.
Ø Clothing. Peru has a more conservative approach to clothing than we are used to in North America. As guests, we ask that you respect our hosts by wearing modest, culturally-appropriate clothing. All clothing must be modest and God-pleasing as defined by our local host receiving culture. Team Leaders should explain appropriate clothing before each ministry activity. If you choose to bring short pants we recommend that they be knee length or longer.
Sierra District – (Mountains) Bring clothes that you can layer. Keep in mind that at this altitude the sun is very intense during the day so you may need to shed and add layers as the day progresses. You should bring:
- Warm socks
- Sleeping wear
- Hat
- Gloves
- Long underwear
- Warm shoes
- Coat
- Rain gear
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- *A small blanket (should you require additional warmth during the night.)
Selva District – (Jungle) Bring clothing that will be comfortable and cool. The jungle is hot and humid (Think Atlanta or Houston in the summer). You should bring:
- Water resistant boots/shoes
- Flip-flops or sandals for showers
- Rain gear
- Shorts that are knee length or longer
- Hat
- Sheets for bedding
- Insect repellant
- Sunscreen
- Towel
All Areas: Women do not need to wear dresses or skirts, even to church. Church dress is more informal than in the States. Pants, sweaters, casual coats will be fine.
Other suggestions:
Ø Small flashlight. Electricity is usually reliable, but you may need a light to find your way around or read at night.
Ø Flip-flops or sandals for the shower.
Ø A watch inexpensive and non-descript.
Ø A camera, film, and necessary batteries.
Ø Hide-away travel wallet and/or money belt.
Ø Electrical Appliances (hair driers, alarm clocks, etc)- Must work on 220 volts. Please check on your appliances for their ratings. If you must bring an appliance that works only on 110 volts, you MUST bring a converter. Most cameras and computers will work on either voltage.
Ø A towel and a washcloth
Ø Personal hygiene items such as
Ministry Materials:
Ministry materials vary by location and depend on what type of ministry you will be doing. Examples of materials needed may include the following:
Ø Ministry supplies: Bibles, craft materials for VBS, church services, or Kid’s Club
Ø Other: Gifts for Peruvian servers, school supplies and sports equipment (deflate soccer or basketballs; bring a pump and leave it for others to use). Please refrain from giving candy.
Things not to bring:
L Jewelry. Lima is a fairly dangerous city as far as petty crimes are concerned. Even what we would consider modest jewelry back home stands out so much here.We may be spending some time in public places in Lima, so except for a plain wedding band and nondescript watch it’s best to leave jewelry at home.
L A wallet carried in your back pocket—too easily picked.
L Purses, or at the very least a purse of value that contains valuables. They are a target in Lima and Huancayo and are frequently jerked away from their owners.
L Excessive amounts of food or water. They are too heavy and not necessary. We’ll have water and filters with us as well as cooks to cook for us. The restaurants where you will eat have not caused any illness in previous groups. If you are serving in Huancayo your meals will be prepared by cooks who have been serving groups for several years, and they know how to clean and cook everything to protect your health.
Other suggestions:
Ø Small flashlight. Electricity is usually reliable, but you may need a light to find your way around or read at night.
Ø Flip-flops or sandals for the shower.
Ø A watch inexpensive and non-descript.
Ø A camera, film, and necessary batteries.
Ø Hide-away travel wallet and/or money belt.
Ø Electrical Appliances (hair driers, alarm clocks, etc)- Must work on 220 volts. Please check on your appliances for their ratings. If you must bring an appliance that works only on 110 volts, you MUST bring a converter. Most cameras and computers will work on either voltage.
Ø A towel and a washcloth
Ø Personal hygiene items such as
- soap
- toothpaste
- deodorant
Ministry Materials:
Ministry materials vary by location and depend on what type of ministry you will be doing. Examples of materials needed may include the following:
Ø Ministry supplies: Bibles, craft materials for VBS, church services, or Kid’s Club
Ø Other: Gifts for Peruvian servers, school supplies and sports equipment (deflate soccer or basketballs; bring a pump and leave it for others to use). Please refrain from giving candy.
Things not to bring:
L Jewelry. Lima is a fairly dangerous city as far as petty crimes are concerned. Even what we would consider modest jewelry back home stands out so much here.We may be spending some time in public places in Lima, so except for a plain wedding band and nondescript watch it’s best to leave jewelry at home.
L A wallet carried in your back pocket—too easily picked.
L Purses, or at the very least a purse of value that contains valuables. They are a target in Lima and Huancayo and are frequently jerked away from their owners.
L Excessive amounts of food or water. They are too heavy and not necessary. We’ll have water and filters with us as well as cooks to cook for us. The restaurants where you will eat have not caused any illness in previous groups. If you are serving in Huancayo your meals will be prepared by cooks who have been serving groups for several years, and they know how to clean and cook everything to protect your health.
