Medical Mission Preparation and Packing Tips

What to pack in your check in suitcase (2 x 50lb max – very strict on weight)

Bottle of water (1) – for toothbrushing; refill your bottle with purified water provided
Mosquito repellent
Toiletries
Towels – thinner better to allow drying between uses
Tote to carry toiletries, clothes and towels back and forth to BR (bathroom)
Hangers or clips to dry towel and hand washed clothes
Clothesline – 2 lines may be draped across the room; arrange prior who has a line to share for hand washing
Tops (shirts)
Bottoms (pants)
Underwear
Hat/cap/visor
Sunglasses (complete with UVA/UVB blocking)
Swimwear & goggles
Sunscreen
Snacks
Bible/Notebook /pen or tablet
Light blanket if you tend to get cold
NOTE 1: Some airport ground crews do not work when there is thunder and lightening. Sometimes luggage may be left out in the storm and may get totally drenched. Therefore, it’s recommended to pack everything in plastics.
NOTE 2: Ziplock anything liquid that may spill and soil your suitcase

(25 lb max & 15 lb max on some airlines. PAL – Philippine Airlines – very strict on weight)

Passport holder – convenient for passport, thin pen, notepaper, US $, a credit card, air ticket stubs
Passport (original should be on your person; copy can be placed in your hand carry
Pen / small paper
Wallet or pouch to hold your credit cards / US $
Wallet or pouch to hold pesos
Phone or listening device
Earphones – PAL does not provide headsets on some planes
1 set of extra clothes and underclothes – in plastic
Bring antibacterial wipes / lotion – carry on you at all times
The wipes trigger the airport TSA alarm – do not leave in your pockets
Kleenex – pocket size for use in restrooms
220v plugs and recharging cords/units; US = 120v and so look at the tiny print to be sure your item >220v
Flashlight
Ear plugs – for airplane and in shared sleeping quarters – others may make noise when you’re trying to sleep
Eye mask – for airplane and in shared sleeping quarters – others may be up and turn on the light when you’re trying to sleep
Lip balm
Personal medications – if you forget them, tell your leader ASAP so arrangements can be made to obtain meds
Pillow for prolonged van rides to and from remote areas (can often range from 3-6 hrs)
1 set of clothes in the event your luggage is lost or delayed
Light jacket or sweater for cold airplane & AC in ground transportation
Snacks
Knee high compression stockings, closed toe – to prevent blood clots while in prolonged plane rides.
Found in your local pharmacies and on line

Women – No tank tops or low neck or off shoulders
Shorts – longer preferable; cover at least ¾ thigh; below knee preferred
Hand washing is optional – do not bring cotton as they take a long time to dry; polyester or dry fit clothing is best
Thin cotton clothing is fine if you do not intend on hand washing
Local hand washers are available if you want to pay them pesos – inexpensive; takes several days

Sandals or slippers – may get wet, so avoid leather/cloth soles – they may never dry off & may be smelly
Sandal with a heel strap is optional
Indoor slippers – both indoor and in the shower (nonslip best)
In Talaan/ Philippines:
Basketball shoes (and socks) – there is an outdoor rough cement court
Tabis – optional if we ride boat to remote village or if you want to swim in ocean

Always use bottled water to brush your teeth and wash eyes
Every morning and at dusk, apply mosquito repellant
Do not wear expensive or flashy jewelry, including watches, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.
Never eat anything off the street unless it’s been boiled / cooked / peeled
Take your malaria prevention medications daily or weekly and continue for 4 wks upon returning home
Wear sunscreen and reapply every 2 hrs; every 1 hr if you’re in the water or sweating profusely
Some people have head lice – avoid holding your head close to theirs for > 30 sec
What you do affects the entire team – so be considerate and be on time
Do not give any gifts to locals on your own – discuss with your leader first; review policy on giving
If traveling on PAL, download their app prior to boarding (myPAL Player) – view movies/TV, music

Exchanging money for pesos – we can try to do this at the airport prior to exiting, depends on which terminal
Do not allow the airport or hotel porters to touch your bags unless you are ready to tip them; if they do anyway, warn them that you do not have money for tipping
Carry TP (toilet paper) and / or towelettes just in case the restrooms do not have paper
Pickpockets may be observing you, so secure your wallet – inner jacket zippered pocket
Fanny packs are easy to steal; wear a jacket over it and zipper or button up, making it more difficult to visualize
Your passport should be on your person at all times – zippered pocket or in a money belt under clothing; the only time you’ll need a passport is at the hotel upon check in and when exchanging money
In large malls, do not wander off alone ever, even to use the toilet – you must tell someone of your exact location at all times; imagine getting lost; your actions affect the entire team – be responsible and respectful!