jakorte's blog

For a good portion my life, I have been accused of being a pack rat, over packing, and over planning. I have learned to remarkably minimalize each of these not-so-negative attributes for mission trips. Here's how I Lug-It.

Bedding: sleeping bag, one flat sheet, mini-pillow, pillow case

Work clothes: 3 pair pants (knowing I will only wear two, but keeping one for a spare), 4 shirts I don’t mind trashing (Monday orientation/planning, can wear again Thursday.)6 pair of work socks (5 for each work day and 1 spare in case of wet feet; ones with nearly thread bare heel and toes that I will not be taking home), 6 & 3 work undergarments that have already had full lives and should (and will) be retired after this trip, in case as my mother worries, I “get in a car accident.”

Footwear: steel-toes work boots, mucking boots, sneakers that I don’t mind trashing, flip flops for bathroom use, and the one pair of groovy sneaks I wear on the way down.

Non-work clothes: 1 pair decent jeans (I’m wearing the other pair on the way down), 2 pairs of shorts, 3 & 2 undergarments and 2 pair of socks I plan on keeping, 1 non t-shirt (dinner out), 1 sweatshirt, 1 pair sweatpants

Necessities: tooth brush, tooth paste, floss, deodorant, hair brush, feminine stuff, 2 towels, 2 washcloths, flashlight, moisturizer, hand sanitizer, sun block, Pert (shampoo w/conditioner), soap, powder, Q-tips, medications/vitamins, Benadryl, bath bag to carry it all in, lip balm, tissues, bible, cheap sunglasses, reading glasses, phone, phone charger, 2 pair gloves, respirator, goggles, duct tape, phone numbers (in case I lose my phone), health insurance card, license, cash.

Over prepared necessities for me:
Bandaids, antibiotic, nail kit, tweezers, Motrin, Tylenol, aspirin, nail file, clear nail polish, sewing kit, power strip with multiple plug in spaces, V8 juice, crackers, canned fruit, notebook, pens, other inspirational reading, loose leaf tea & tea bags, extra flashlight batteries, extra gloves, extra hats, hammer, screwdriver, music for the ride, umbrella, anti-shine face powder, AAA card, SAM’s card, emergency credit card, 800 #'s for airlines and trains, gallon size zip locks for dirty laundry, and a list of everything so I brought so I can make sure I leave with what I want to take home with me.

All of the above, including my sleeping bag, fits into one medium size duffle bag with wheels. With the exception of toiletries, pjs, 1 tshirt, change of undergarments, and the over prepared necessities, which are toted in a small soft sided cooler that I keep with me on my lap or on the floor, depending on available vehicle room.

The rule is: You bring it - You carry it. Of course, others are always around to help you, but the point is to be reasonable with your gear. Luggage space is limited to whatever areas are not filled with people or tools, and that’s it. Remember, anything you forget can be purchased in Louisiana, and doing so helps stimulate the local Louisiana economy.

What I don’t lug:
Air mattress, air mattress pump, bottom sheet, full size pillow, blanket, dirty laundry, laundry detergent, hair styling products, makeup, dress shoes, slippers, jewelry, winter coat, ipod, alarm clock, books or magazines.