Only two more weeks until we see you all in India!!! It has been a busy last couple of weeks as both Matt and I have had a role in helping with our friend’s wedding here in India. Wilson and Paro were married on Monday in an arranged marriage…you’ll get to meet the newly weds, and I’m sure they’d love to tell you their story!!! We have just said goodbye to some of our friends (Angel and Alli who you’ll meet at training camp) who came over for the wedding, and are now just waiting for you guys to join us!!!
Thanks Jenna for encouraging me to add a little update. After seeing all the comments posted after the team conference call, I figure a little advice and packing tips really will be a great idea!!! Thanks Tom and Allie for answering as many questions as possible!!!
(I think I’ll do this in point form, might be easiest…)
-BRING MALARIA PILLS…I have seen one of the orphans with malaria, and trust me, you don’t want it. The mosquitoes here are insane at night, so bug spray and even a mosquito net if it can pack easily are a great idea
-we have a mild case of bed bugs, so some mattress spray would help!!!
-yes, there are ATM’s everywhere, just make sure you call your bank and let them know you’ll be in India. I had trouble before because they thought it was weird that I was in India, and stopped my card from working.
-the more seasoning mixes you bring, the less you’ll have to eat peanut butter. I’ve also found it difficult to cook American meals with Indian food…you can’t get all the usual ‘grocery store’ food here. So, bring mixes that only need a few key ingredients added…like taco, chili and pad thai packages (bring enough to cook for 25 ppl, and don’t all bring the ones I just listed)!! Also bring some recipes that only have a few basic ingredients to them!!
-crystal light juice mixes…is that on your packaging list…I’m not sure, but they’re great!!
-a cheap pair of flip flops for the shower
-girls, I always wear long, thin tank tops under my t-shirts…it tends to soak up a lot of sweat, plus I don’t have to worry about ever showing any skin. Plus, spandex shorts or leggings help with your legs rubbing together and allow you to sit more comfortably!
-girls, within the first few weeks you’re in India, we’ll be going shopping for punjabi suits (traditional indian suits) which are really light and comfortable, so you don’t need to bring many skirts
Hummmm…right now I can’t think of anything else…if something comes up, Matt or I will let you know!!!
Can’t wait to see you..we’ll miss you all at training camp!!!
AWESOME!!! I can’t wait to see you guys in India!!! Thanks Naomi for this info….I totally forgot about crystal light packets, those are the bomb digity!!!
Blessings!
Thanks for the advice Naomi! So I asked Laura Ilger who went on the last AIM India trip for some packing advice and I thought you would all be interested in what she said…
Packing Advice
hmmm…pack lightly on everything but toilet paper, mosquito spray, and baby whipes
do not bring two or three rolls of toilet paper…it won’t be enough
bring anywhere from 10-20 rolls
what i do is flatten them, and then use them to line the inside of my suitcase
make sure you bring cooooool clothesit’ll be ranging about 135 degrees with 100% humidity everyday
at least it was a few days ago (and i was there last summer)
shorts and tank tops for sleeping/ house clothes
use either space saver bags or big ziplocks to pack clothes
it will suck the air out making much more room
quick dry towells are the best
i’m not sure how updated the ministry packing list is
but you will not need: glue, popsicle sticks or construction paper
we have lifetime supplies at the house
deflate soccer balls before you pack them
host gifts are importantmake sure you have something nice and practical from your hometown
kitchen towells will be useful too (they get gross after a while)
you won’t need a sleeping bag for india, but you may need one for training camp…it may be cold in gainsville
a light, thin mat is also very good (therm-a-rest)
if you’re bringing an ipod or camera or anything that needs to be charged, make sure to bring a power converter that works for india
if it’s just an ipod, you may only need an adapter because ipods convert themselves internationally
also, if you have some kind of shawl or thin scarf, it might be good to have for your first week
when indians pray they cover their heads…you will have loads of opportunities to buy shawls while you’re there, but the first week might be kind of awkward
old navy flip flops are great assets
we hang mosquito nets with duct tape to the ceiling
Laura’s great, and she’s been to india a ton of times, so the correct person to ask for advice. Regarding shorts and tank tops…you can wear them for bed, but not around the house. Our house is extremely open, so people can see in the halls and so you can’t wear shorts (capri’s are ok), and tank tops are a no no…sorry!!!
Also…bring a headlamp…this should be on the top of your packing list as the power goes out all the time here…don’t come without one!!!
Alyson, I don’t know if you’ll really be wanting to make indian food, cuz everytime we go out, we’ll be eating Indian…I’m sure you’ll have your fill of it by the time you leave!!! I love it though…some of my fav food!!!
India is waiting for you guys!!!
Naomi (or Omi)
Can’t wait!
Here are some extra India flying tips: http://hubpages.com/hub/AirportsinIndia-ASurvivalGuide
Hey Naomi, thanks for the update and helpful tips! I was wondering if we’ll be able to make actual Indian food. Do we have any recipes that we can try to use, so that we can use local ingredients and spices? Should I print out some Indian recipes?