Packing List for Trip to Benin

Pack lightly, using a carry-on only (leave checked luggage for Josue's needed items). 

Be prepared to wash out items by hand and have enough clothing so you have something to wear while other items dry, which may take a couple of days due to humidity. Quick dry fabrics are a good idea! Depending on the trip, your sleeping arrangements might change daily, might not have great bathing situations, might not have much water. Plan on coming home with laundry that will be musty & sweaty. Remember everyone else will be in the same situation and you won’t be in a 5-star hotel, but all your needs will be met.

***packing compression bags or vacuum bags (those that can be manually compressed) are ideal to save space***

***check with your airline(s) as to what can be brought on board the plane with you - ie. are you allowed a carry-on plus personal item?

Clothing:

• Pants (guys) or skirts (gals) - shorts can be worn when not doing ministry events - ie. shopping, traveling, "tourist" activites
• Shirts - blouses, plain t-shirts, or Christian themed shirts with minimal print are allowed. Avoid logos, printed images, midriff tops, tank tops, etc. Dress modestly!
• ***an outfit will also be needed for church
• Underwear - enough for each day of the trip, or some to wear while others are washed and drying
• Socks - may want to wear with sandals to protect feet and keep them cleaner (not required)
• Shoes:  comfortable, toe protecting, durable in rain plus shower flipflops/water shoes, if desired - generally sneakers that you can also wear during traveling, plus sturdy, comfortable sandals (ie. hiking sandals) is ideal
  • ***if you are going to the Farm, shoes must be disinfected by airport personnel upon return home (check regulations in your area)
• Light Sleepwear x 2 (especially if air conditioning is not available)
• After-hours “lounge-y” outfit (not required)
• Rain jacket/windbreaker/umbrella (not required, only useful if you have it at the right time) 
• Absolutely minimal jewelry - simple earrings and wedding band (no gemstones), so as not to appear as "wealthy westerners"; avoid wearing smart watches

Stuff: 

• BIBLE (on an electronic device is ideal) & journal, pen/pencil
• Passport, airline ticket, printout of trip insurance policy - make copies!
• Yellow fever card is a must!
• U.S. funds to pay Josue for accommodations, food and transportation, and a small amount of money that can be exchanged to purchase items at the market
• For the airplane: compression socks, ear plugs, neck pillow, sleep mask 
• Reading material or project for plane ride and downtime (reading material on an electronic device is ideal to take up less space)
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray - ***especially at night for the evening crusades
• Camera, batteries, chargers for electronic devices (will need a plug adapter)
• Notes for your presentations, supplies for activites (children's VBS, medical, etc); whatever you are responsible to bring for Josue and/or the team
• Cell phone - don’t plan on always having a signal in Benin; wifi may be available where we are staying, but not guaranteed
• Fitted sheet for the bed, flat sheet or light blanket, pillowcase (most likely will have a pillow provided, but airplane neck pillow works great!) 
• TOILET PAPER!!! - not all places have toilet paper; make sure you bring a roll and have some with you at all times
• Laundry detergent - Tide travel packs work very well
• Alarm clock - either a small one or use your cellphone

Personal Items: 

• Soap (bar soap is better than body wash gel as it doesn't count towards your fluids on the airplane)
• Washcloth, towel (quick drying, chammy-type works great)
• Shampoo, conditioner (2-in-1 or shampoo bar is ideal), brush or comb, hair ties
• Toothpaste, toothbrush, floss
• Shaver, shaving cream (as it's going in your carry-on, a disposable plastic razor is ideal; do not bring a removable razor blade!)
• Feminine hygeine products
• Makeup is not needed 
• Glasses and contacts needs (please don't wear sunglasses during ministry events, but can be worn at other times)
• Prescription meds and vitamins - count out what you need for the trip, and for a few extra days just in case, don’t take the whole bottle; be sure medications are labelled with the prescription
• Anti-malaria medications are required!!! - also anti-nausea, anti-diarrhea, Tylenol/Advil, powdered hydration packs to mix with water
• Medical devices - for example, CPAP 

Please contact us at truthunleashedbenin@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns about packing