Packing...Packing...and More Packing!

Two years of essentials is A LOT of stuff when you consider the things that may or may not be available in Uganda.  We were very grateful to receive a letter from Connor's Mission President that included a list of "Things Missionaries Wish They had Brought, and Things They Wish They had Left at Home".

Oh, and the fact that all of this stuff needs to fit into one large suitcase and one carry-on suitcase is crazy!  Assuming that the checked back might get lost, we're trying to pack "true" essentials in the carry-on. However, our discussions are, "let's put all of his toothbrushes in the carry-on, since TSA won't take those away", "TSA will definitely take his two year supply of toothpaste and deodorant. That has to go in the checked bag." Everything is taped shut and double zip-lock bagged. Don't want the shampoo leaking all over those beautiful new slacks.

A few months ago we visited Mr. Mac, the best sourcing of dress clothing for Missionaries here in Utah (nice discounts).  I am so glad that we did.  They took his measurements and made a list of the brands that best matched the climate of Uganda and his mission clothing requirements.  They broke it down by price for us so that we were able to budget and save up what we needed.  I created a spreadsheet and added all of the other items.  Most of these we found on Amazon.com (love Prime)...and our local Costco and grocery stores.  One of our biggest challenges was determining the best way for him to shave. Assuming there won't be electricity or hot water, we came up with the traditional brush and disc soap bar and bowl.  Since he can't take a safety razor with blades, he'll just use disposable razors.  He has a wind up alarm clock that we hope he doesn't forget to wind daily! Fortunately, he has a new wrist watch (very modest one) that runs on batteries (extras packed). Hoping he remembers to wind up the clock on the day his watch battery dies.  After months of planning and shopping, I think we got it all and it all makes sense.

One thing Connor has been talking about for years is how he wants to be "that companion" that everyone wants, because of his mad cooking skills.  He does love to cook and he enjoys creating new recipes.  We found a few Ugandan recipes that were deemed good enough to take with him. So, I printed, reduced and laminated them.  We also picked up some small travel bottles and a bag from the Container Store for seasoning and spices.  It was determined that beans and rice will be relatively affordable but spices tend to be pricey.  We labeled the containers, taped the lids shut, and then put the case into a zip-lock bag.  We really hope these make it through customs.

Today was the day that Connors' tailored slacks were ready to be picked up from Mr. Mac.  Now that we have all of his clothing, its time to coat it all in permethrin!  That's right. Insecticide. We picked up two 24 oz bottles of permethrin spray and coated ALL of his clothing.  This will be an ongoing task for him throughout his mission.  Our initial coating should protect him from nasty disease carrying insects for a few months.  Spartan Racers...please note the shirt above Mark's head in the second photo below.  Connor will be representing strong with his "Super" shirt he can wear while working out.

Since Connor will be arriving to Uganda during thunderstorm season, we thought it wise to scotch guard his satchel, rain coat and umbrella.

This brings me to one of the coolest aspects of some of the "Mission Gear" that Connor is bringing with him.  These items are; his shoe shine kit, his mission book bag (containing the four required books) and his mission messenger bag (satchel).

Connor & his best friend, Cheyenne at his farewell

These three items were used by my sweet husband while he served his mission in Santiago, Chile from 1989 to 1991.  The shoe shine kit bag was hand made for Mark by his mission land-lady.  She noticed that Mark didn't have a bag for his shoe shine items, so she made this one for him.  It is a cherished gift. The red book bag was made specifically for Mark's four mission books by Kathy Brown, a woman very dear to Mark's heart and the mother of his childhood best friend.  The messenger bag satchel served Mark very well during his mission. He received it while serving on Easter Island from his sister Lisa. She was replacing his broken backpack. All three of these items lasted throughout Mark's mission and will now be serving Connor during his two years in Eastern Africa.
 
It has been truly fun watching Grandma Huls' excitement build this last week. Connor is her first and only grandchild missionary, so this is a really big deal for her.  She spent a few days teaching him the basics of hand sewing. He mastered the seam stitch, sock darning stitch, and hem stitch. She also taught him how to sew on buttons. We put together a very specific sewing kit (all thread matches his slacks and shirts) with extra buttons and hem tape.  So proud of this guy.

Well, that's the update for today.  We are about to go enjoy a family dinner at our favorite restaurant. The countdown is three days until take off.  It's starting to feel very real.