This is the dumbest blog I’ve ever written. So why am I writing it? I have no idea… but here’s what’s in my suitcase. Hopefully, it will jog your memory for something you may have forgotten.
earplugs – for me and my neighbors
personal size fan – for a good night’s sleep
Advil PM – also for a good night’s sleep
a good pillow – its all about the pillow
enough clean underwear for everyday – its the little things
magazine – one that has nothing to do with anything youth or mission related for the travel home
one sweatshirt – even in this heat, can still been caught freezing all night
Summer 2012 travel music – eclectic collection includes Kelly C., Adele, Toby Mac, Jethro Tull, Mandisa, Maroon 5, etc.
flavored creamer packets - to improve nasty mission trip coffee
a night light – don’t judge me
a hat – for the days no one should see my hair
an extension cord – for my night light, fan and phone charger
an extra pair of glasses – stuff gets broken on a mission trip
pain relievers – every possible kind for every possible situation since I’m not as young as I used to be.
vitamin C – spending the week with400 increasingly germy teenagers
Crystal Light packets – to make drinking lots of water enjoyable
baby wipes – no reason to shower everyday on a mission trip
the pillow pet I got from a youth group last year
t-shirts and pants
WHAT I’M NOT BRINGING: hair appliances, good clothes, my big heavy Bible, candy, snacks, any work, worries.
THE WEIRDEST ITEM? I have this tiny little sachet pillow of pine needles I bought on a mission trip to Maine in 2001 and its now every year with me since then. A comfy fragrance of memories when I lay my head down each night.
More posts and pics to come from the trip. Oh, I’m going to Buffalo, NY.
Stephanie
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Stephanie Caro has been involved in ministry to youth and youth workers in the
local church since…well, a long time – 30+ years. Her humorous, straightforward
style keeps her busy presenting and coaching at conferences, training events,
camps, mission trips, retreats, churches, etc. Her latest books are, “Thriving Youth
Ministry in Smaller Churches” and “99 Thoughts for the Smaller Church Youth
Worker,” published by Group/Simply Youth Ministry. Stephanie is a contributing
author to several youth ministry resources in addition to her regular
column “Smaller Church Youth Ministry” in Group Magazine. Stephanie is a lead
consultant for Mark DeVries’ Youth Ministry Architects and the Director for their
new division, Small Church Ministry Architects. She and her hubby, Steve, live in Houston, TX. All 7 kids are grown and out – praise God!
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I agree with everything. I bring my fan with me everywhere I go (mission trips, retreats, lock-ins). I never thought about crystal light packets! I know I pack way too much. Can’t hurt to be prepared though!
Our students still get a kick outta knowing that you love that pillow pet so much, and laugh everytime they see that picture. Thanks for the packing list thoughts as we will be returning to Bay City, MI next week – Week of Hope style. Be blessed!