Mexican Mission Trip - what to bring

Timblade said:
Daypack
Nalgene water bottles (2)
Bandannas (2-3)
Bible (it is a missions trip)
Notebook and pens
Hand sanitizer
Baby wipes
Insect repellant
Sun block
Mora (for food prep)
Leatherman Wave or Charge Ti (on my hip unless it causes concern to display)
Vic Huntsman (just in case, kept in pack)
FAK (for crew)
Sunglasses
Stickers and balloons for the myriads of poor and homeless children that will undoubtedly show up
Duct tape
Small sewing kit for minor repairs
-Tim
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Water treatment -- Aqua Mira or Micropur tablets. A filter won't stop viruses. Forget iodine tablets. I see you have two bottles-- that's good. Full treatment time can be a few hours, so you can drink from one bottle while waiting for the other to finish treatment. Treat two every night and it will be more than ready in the morning. A Platypus bladder is light and cheap if weight/space is tight and you can treat several liters at a time. Don't leave the containers in the sun while treating-- UV is bad. In fact, a hydration pack makes a great day pack.

Immodium AD capsules

Ibuprofen or Naproxen

Toilet paper

Hat-- I like Tilley's a lot--- or get a local one and fit in more

Don't wear khaki shirts with epaulets-- looks too police/miltary. I was travelling and kept getting these searching looks from poor locals. I finally figured out that my "adventure" shirt was freaking them out a little and they were trying to figure out what brand of Federali I was. If the locals are wearing plain white shirts and jeans, go there. Your shoes will also identify you as "other."

Vaya con Dios
 
Iodene tablets for water purification.
Fixed blade 5 inches or less and nothing flashy or fancy.
Painkillers
Immodium
Basic first aid kit, with antibiotic cream for small cuts
Ball cap(s)
Sunglasses
Sunblock 30 or higher
Your EDC folder
box cutter with extra blade(s)
Bug spray
 
I didn't see ear plugs mentioned - you never know who you're gonna end up bunking with.

Take a look at your watch - don't wear anything fancy.

Leather work gloves - if you end up having to move bricks or rocks you'll be glad you've got them.

Lollipops - if you end up needing the Imodium a lollipops will keep your sugars up. Even if you don't still fun to have and another easy thing to give away.
 
These folks are making great suggestions....my limited knowledge compared to some of these folks doesn't leave much room for additional suggestions.

But I wish you the best on the trip...may it be successful.
:)
 
I have been to Mexico City back in the 90s for a mission trip, the people we met were wonderful, though it was hard to stay in touch with them because of poor mail service I imagine (before email). Watch out for fruit which may have been rinsed or also ice cubes, logical but overlooked at times. I cannot add more to what has been said, but just remember, the Lord is the same in Mexico, USA or any other place, they just may have a different way to worship Him. Also, I agree with someone who said the inexpensive things from the Dollar store really go far in the kids eyes, such as crayons, etc. Carry stuff that you would not mind losing but is useful and inexpensive, hey give them away if you do not want to pack them back up. Also, they were Baptist, same as us, but from their perspective, they do not consider Catholics as Christians. At least in Mexico City where we were, so it is hard to generalize the whole population. So just be aware that the way we see things from a denominational standpoint, may be different in their eyes. Lastly, any Indian populations may feel intimidated by authorities, I like what someone else said about the curious looks he got from locals b/c his shirt looked like a Federali.
 
Also don't go trying to climb the fence at the border. My brother and two friends thought that that would be a great idea for a photo op- on the Mexico side! Morons, honestly I don't know if he is really related to me. They were wearing dirty ball caps, jeans and flannel shirts they are lucky they didn't get shot. Just remember to use your head and think through actions. And while this sounds stupid stay in groups. There is a lot of kidnapping in Mexico.
the earplug idea is a really good one. Take several sets of disposables. I really messed my ears up cutting stair handrails for a school in Haiti.
 
Sgt. Art said:
Rehydration solution, TP, powered Gatorade, cheap little sewing kits for give aways
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As stated before. I highly stress the following for your comfort:

- immodium ad

- tynenol or other pain reliever
- baby wipes, may not get to shower for awhile
- TP, more TP, then some more TP (Cant hvae to much TP..trust me!)
- I would just bring a leatherman, then have someone ship/mail you a knife you want later.
- iodine tablets for water
- MREs (not a case, but a few, just in case. enough to hold you over till you get to your final destination)
- bug repellant
- BOTTLED WATER

this is just for your comfort now.

flbache
 
If you're planning to take Imodium AD every day while in Meheeko, maybe you should bring back a bottle of their local water to get things working again once you get back home. :D
 
Do you own a GPS ?

If not a small inexpensive (relativeley) one like the garmin geko might be worht while. When you get to your "home base" turn it on and mark the location, do so with bus stops, hospitals police stations etc if you see them. If you get lost or wander away you have a quick way to find your way back. oh yeah and of course a compass.

Also If this is going to be a regular thing you may want to invest in a good purifier, there are many available mabey you could split the cost with other members of your group. You could ensure a constant supply of purified water for yourselves without having to worry about running out of tablets or boiling.


I also think Camelbaks are great investments, I find i tend to stay more hydrated, and if you buy one of the small ones you can wear it while working and not even notice and it doubles as a place for your supplies so they are never out of reach.

Some plastic tarps or heavy trash bags would be good as they could be used to repair, windows etc. plus could be used for water gathering or a shelter if it is necissary

mabey a nylon tarp or a poncho, preferrably in a light color as a sun shade if needed.

bring at least 2 hats I like us mil boonies and 2 pairs of sun glasses as they may walk.

anyway something to think about
 
Make sure you've got a short version and a long version of your testimony to share. You never know when you'll be asked to speak somewhere.

And has anyone mentioned Immodium?
 
Lots of recommendations for Immodium, but I would hesitate to take it prophylactically. I suggest using it if you really have to, but only then.

From personal experience I also suggest the following:

Broad spectrum antibiotic such as Cipro-Floxin (for gastro intestinal or other distress)
Some sort of combined treatment for urinary tract infections (such as Pyridium and Sulpha, or equivalent)....see your MD for a prescription.

Now, you may think me silly for recommending a treatment for a Urinary Tract Infection, but if you get one ---- you WILL thank me.

Do you have traveller's health insurance?
Have you got Hep A, Hep B shots, Malaria? Check with a travel clinic for what's needed. (or C.D.C website)

Lots of hand shaking will occur, so be sure to wash before you eat....wash with your own handwipes, or alcohol based gels.

For water purification, a small package that you can carry in your butt pack is something like this....will kill all the nasties, but won't get rid of the particulates

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_...older_id=2534374302696751&bmUID=1172985008882

Remember to be patient, try to say it in Spanish and smile a lot....smiling goes a long way to making people feel comfortable.

I think that a small folder to drop in your pocket, or clip IWB is valuable to have....not sure I'd carry a fixed blade for what your purpose of trip is, but that's up to you.

Enjoy,
D
 
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