packing

We have just received a packing list from SIM Benin-Togo. It isn’t a list of things we are obliged to bring, but will give us an idea of what is and isn’t available over there. Some things we already knew we needed to take, for example:

- Cotton clothing

- Strong sunscreen (I guess the Beninese don’t need it as much as us!)

- First-aid supplies (though the basics are available there) and personal prescription medicines

- Contact lens solution

- Extra passport photos

- Bed linen (not cheap over there)

- Computers and equipment

There are also some things I never would have thought of taking, such as:

- Oven thermometer

- Knife sharpener

There are also things which I had thought about but which require a certain amount of thought, like:

- Gifts for Christmas and birthdays for the entire term (2 Christmasses and 8 birthdays!)

We are also advised to take our own decorations, photos, pictures, as we’re told that “these make your new home YOUR home”.

We also have to think about books, CDs and DVDs for ourselves and the boys, and of course we have big decisions to make about which toys to take! I’ve decided that one quick way to rule out a lot of toys is to exclude anything that needs batteries. Not that you can’t get batteries over there, but it will make things simpler!

The list was obviously written by Americans. Or at least I hope so, since it states that it is inappropriate for women to wear pants :o) :o) :o)