Things to consider while packing:

- Limit what you bring to one bag and leave space to bring souvenirs back home

- In May-June, it can get very cold (in the 30's inside your home!) with frequent rain (you will need long underwear, gloves, scarves, heavy sweatshirts and/or jacket,heavy socks) or may be very hot and humid (in the 90's with 80+% humidity)- pack for both extremes...think layers

-Some students were glad to have hand-warmers (yes,it can get that cold here)

- Even though you will see many girls here wearing clothing that is too tight, too short and too low, please remember that you are representing Christ in how you dress.  Be extra conscientious of the length of shorts you chose to wear and the style of shirts you out on.  You will be able to wear shorts of decent length on free time...remember even sports shorts need to be at least mid-thigh.

- Dressy clothes aren't needed. During times of ministry or church girls can wear pants, capris, or skirts.

- Clothes tend to get very dirty and red-stained so you may want to bring inexpensive clothing items. Your host family will be hand-washing your laundry daily (provided there’s no rain).  All your clothes will be hung up on a line to dry (and for all to see...chose under garments wisely).

- Shoes that you can get muddy and are good for walking in the mud like rubber boots (which can easily be bought here if you wish)

- Pocket Spanish/English dictionary

-Bring Spanish notes from past classes (brush up on Spanish ahead of time?)

- Bathing suit

- Mosquito repellent (no aerosol can), anti-itch cream (because you will be bit!) 

- Sunscreen

-Alarm clock (so you can be on time for clinic!)

- If you are a light sleeper, you may need to bring ear plugs (for the all-night roaster crowing) and face mask (your family may sleep with the lights on)

- Rain coat/poncho

- Travel umbrella

- 5 week supply of your medicines (anti-diarrheal and antibiotics can be found easily and cheaply here)

- Small notebook for language learning

- Bible, maybe even a Spanish/English Bible

- Towel and wash cloth

- Water bottle/canteen

- Flashlight

- Our electricity runs on 220. People here are very conscious of their electrical bills. Anything that you bring that will plug in may be spending money that they don’t have especially if it is a heating (hair dryer) device.

- You will be around small kids in clinic, your families, neighborhood and church - you may want to bring colors and coloring books, stickers, bubbles, balloons, a craft, etc

- Youth in our church and community will be drawn to you so you may consider bringing games or ice breakers to do for youth group

- Our water comes from a deep community well. We drink it and offer it to our American visitors. However, you are welcome to bring a water filter or iodine tablets if you so desire.

- Stethoscope and blood pressure cuff if you have one already.

- A watch with a second hand will be handy when doing vital signs

- Do not bring a computer or other expensive electronics

-Past students have enjoyed having work gloves for their time in Paraguay as well as to leave with their host family when the left

- You will not need malaria prophylaxis medicine in this region of Paraguay (www.cdc.gov)

- Make and bring a copy of your passport tucked in your suitcase. That way, if your passport gets misplaced you will have an easier time replacing it.

- The past TIME students spent an average of $250 on souvenirs and gifts for supporters

- Enough memory/storage device for all your picture taking

- Bring games - they are a fun way to interact with Paraguayans and your host families

-Bring a positive attitude, go with the flow, don’t grumble or complain, be humble, be willing to learn, be prepared to not be able to communicate as well as you would like, get ready for some real fun and be praying for God to open your eyes to some new perspectives.

- Bring a small gift for your host family like dish towels, pot holders, pictures frames, table cloths, something special from your home state, candy, etc. You may also enjoy bringing special foods to share with your family like fixin's for s'mores, Mac and Cheese, pancake mix, trail mix, candies, gum, etc

-Past students have enjoyed cooking an American meal for their host families.Consider bringing spices or other ingredients that you may not be able to find here.

- Your host family will love to see pictures of your family and of your home state. It will be a great way to practice language