Packing for six months in a backpack and carry-on was a total challenge! I love the thought of packing and everything being organized, but I really procrastinated packing after I left my job two weeks before departure. I had plenty of time before I had to leave, but I kept pushing off the challenging task of packing.
The organization had sent us a packing list, which was really helpful while I was shopping and figuring out what to bring to the base and outreach. I had to carefully decide what clothes to bring, considering I would be living for three months on base and could do laundry, and then two and a half months in outreach where washing clothes daily would not be possible. Plus, we’d be hiking into remote villages, so I had to balance comfort and practicality. I was torn between packing jeans and nice clothes for the Lecture Phase, and the other side of me worried about carrying that much heavy cotton while out on outreach. It was so hard to choose! One of the more challenging decisions was deciding which hoodies and sweatshirts to bring. I love my baggy comfy clothes, but they take up so much space. It was hard to choose which hoodie, sweatshirt, and sweatpants to bring and how many. I ended up bringing one North Face hoodie that would keep me warm, one pair of black sweatpants, and a couple of cozy fleeces
Luckily, I had amazing parents who had backpacked and lived the outdoor life. They gave me great advice and helped me pack. My family had already equipped me with some quality outdoor pieces, so I didn’t need much more for this great adventure. I ended up bringing quick-dry clothing and some nice gear I already had from other outdoor adventures. We also found some really cool and practical gear at a Duluth Trading Post store and REI in the metropolitan area near my hometown.
My parents were a huge help in my packing process. I’m so grateful for them and their knowledge. I don’t know how, but we got everything packed! Thanks be to God, I managed to pack everything in my bag and suitcase. It will definitely be a challenge trying to embrace the minimalist backpacking culture, but I’m really excited to learn!
Thank you again to all the friends and family who are walking hand in hand with me through this exciting adventure. Your support means the world to me.
Going-Grace 
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