Entering the LDS mission field without the proper items is almost as disastrous as entering the LDS mission field without correct knowledge of the gospel. A lack of "tools" makes your job as an LDS missionary much more difficult and keeps you from fully focusing on serving. Since you'll be gone for two years you will need to plan carefully what to bring and what to leave behind.
When you receive your mission call it will be accompanied with a packet of information. Included in this packet are the official Church guidelines on what you should pack for your mission. In addition to packing all the necessary items from the official list, here are some tips that you may consider as well.
MISSIONS TRIPS
Focus on Traveling Light
Most missionaries have a tendency to over-pack, bringing too much into the mission field. All too often, a missionary begins his mission with several suitcases or bags stuffed beyond their capacity. After the first month or so the missionary realizes he has not used any of the extra things he packed. As a result, he ends up making a trip to the local post office to send a box or two of the unused items home, costing him and his family unnecessary time and expensive shipping charges.
By planning ahead and packing only the things you will need, you can keep your luggage as light and as manageable as possible while you travel to and from your mission and transfer to various areas within your mission.
Pack Items that Serve Multiple Functions
The obvious example of this is to pack socks that are dark athletic socks instead of packing thin dress socks that give little support and wear-out quickly. Dark-colored athletic socks will last longer, are more comfortable, more supportive, can be worn while exercising or tracting, and are designed to wick moisture away more effectively.
Buy socks with the same color and pattern. Several black or dark, navy blue socks are ideal colors. Doing this will always allow you to have a matching pair in case you lose one in the laundry or one gets a hole worn in it. Simply pair the odd sock up with another one. By doing this, you will avoid any embarrassing moments of wearing two mismatched socks during an important meeting or discussion.
Pack Appropriate Clothes for Physical Activity
In addition to the recommended guidelines for the clothes you should pack, consider bringing an extra set or two of gym clothes. You will need two to three sets so that when one set is soiled, waiting to be cleaned, you still have another set or two to use. This is not only a good idea for convenience, but also for cleanliness and hygiene. It is not good to wear soiled clothing again and again without washing them. Bacteria and other microorganisms can begin to grow on the clothing which may cause health concerns.
Pack two or three loose-fitting or stretchable, lightweight t-shirts and shorts that allow perspiration to evaporate quickly. Include a couple pair of athletic socks that can also wick moisture away quickly. This type of clothing is easy to rinse out and dries quickly, which is a plus when laundry facilities are hard to come by or when you are limited to washing once each week. Another piece of exercise clothing you should bring is a pair of sweats - a sweatshirt and sweatpants. This will be especially helpful in colder climates.
Pack to Accommodate Your Health and Fitness Needs
To consistently follow an exercise program while on your mission, you need determination, realistic expectations, and a willingness to adapt. Having a positive attitude and mindset however, will only get you so far. You also need the right "tools" to ensure your success. Unfortunately, missionary apartments do not double as fitness centers and access to fitness centers are rare and perhaps even against mission rules. This presents a unique dilemma since you are expected to exercise each morning on your mission.
Fortunately, daily exercise can effectively be achieved while serving your mission without the need to go to a local fitness center or having to buy and pack expensive and bulky equipment. All you need are a few well-selected items along with your own bodyweight to guarantee an excellent workout each day. Each piece of exercise equipment you pack must meet certain specifications. Each must be small and compact, inexpensive and lightweight, quick and easy to set-up and use, versatile, portable, and convenient.
With all the necessary items packed and ready to go, you are well on your way to the start of a rewarding and fulfilling journey as an LDS missionary.
What to Pack for an LDS Mission MISSIONS TRIPS
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