Missionary Trip Preparation #3

Dressing Appropriately

A key factor in maintaining good travel security is to always maintain a low profile. This should be reflected in your dress, which should be low key and unremarkable. The wearing of expensive jewelry and wristwatches, etc., particularly in poorer countries, can only invite unwelcome attention. Avoid wearing anything that would attract attention to you (i.e. camouflage, US logo, etc.).
You will spend large amounts of time on a plane and in airports. Bring shoes that are very comfortable (your feet will probably swell). We will also be sleeping on floors and chairs in airports, therefore your clothes should adapt to this easily.

Baggage Tags

Each piece of your baggage should have three identification labels.

• One label should be attached to the handle and have a fastened-down flap over the front to preserve your anonymity. When completing the identification tags, use first initial and last name only.
• The second label should be affixed to the inside of the suitcase lid, in case the handle tag becomes unattached and the suitcase is lost. We will provide everyone a sheet to include inside their luggage which will provide you the necessary information. You will be given these sheets on Thursday night when we pack for the missionaries.
• The third label should be affixed to the inside of the suitcase lid. This label is part of our Insurance for lost baggage.

The Boat Ride

Many of you have heard the horror stories – here is the real scope. If the seas are rough – Aaron along with the national driver of the other boat (who is very experienced) will make a decision about the seas. It is possible that we will go when members of the team may not think it is safe, but I assure you I will not put the team in danger. Most of the time the sea is choppy at some point and there is a good chance of getting pretty wet. I don’t want to make anybody nervous (especially if it is going to be a calm day), but if someone thinks they get sea sick they may want to bring some sea legs (medicine for sea sickness).
We do have some alternatives available by flying to an airstrip and then driving, but that is not the preferred option if the seas are passable and is very expensive. Another note: Everybody should have there belonging wrapped in plastic or in the plastic totes. If the team want to put there passports, wallets, and other papers in my water proof bag they may. A couple can keep there cameras in there for easy access to in case they want to take pictures of the island or we run into a pod of whales or dolphins. I will have some fishing gear on board, in case we hit a school of tuna or other fish.

Emergencies

Prayerfully there will be no emergencies. However, if there is in the tribe. We do have emergency procedures in place as a mission and we do have a satellite phone that can be used to call out. If there is an emergency at home the best thing would be to call Pat or Teresa Luse (number will be on the emergency sheet we leave with you). They have all the numbers necessary to get a hold of the mission base and the mission base can contact us by radio.