Things to ask before you pack

Here are some things I have learned since I have now prepared for two different missions. I hope this helps you as you prepare to serve on your mission. These are just things I have learned to ask right away so you can edit what you are taking and leave home the things you do not need.

You will also get a packet with your missions specific instructions with your packet but it may be a good idea to also get a hold of your mission directly and ask a few questions.

1. Find out if you are in a biking, walking, or driving mission? Why does this matter?
   
   Walking - Invest in good walking shoes at least two pairs and some cute flats for church. I wouldn't bother taking wedges or heels. You're feet will hate you if you do.
   
   > If you are going foreign make sure you take enough for you're entire mission. I was in Ecuador and shoes in my size were super expensive and they were Payless brand. So what you could normally get in the states was about $45 for a pair of flats.
   
   > If you are going state side it is not as hard to find more shoes. So you do not have to worry about making sure you take everything with you. I would still get at least one good pair of walking shoes in black or brown and then some cute flats.
   
   Biking - Invest in shoes that have straps so that your shoes do not fall off when you are biking around. I would also make sure that you purchase bike shorts of some kind to wear under your skirts.
   
   > Check with your mission to find out if you need to buy a bike. For example, I spoke with the mission secretary who told me that I could just use one of the bikes they have (It's just a bike that an old missionary left, so they didn't have to ship it home). Otherwise you have to ship one to your mission and then take it with you each and every transfer.
   
   Driving - You are just spoiled lol. I would still get some comfy shoes and of course cute flats and small wedges are not so bad when you do not have to walk in them all day.
   
   >You will also need to head to your DMV and request a copy of your driving record. I paid about $8 for this and it is basically so you can drive in your mission. You can ask your mission as well and they can send you what to ask for.
   
   Tip: Wear your new shoes before you leave for at least a month so that you can stretch them out and hopefully not get blisters. I didn't and the entire time at the MTC had blisters on the back of my heals. The Elder's just laughed at us.
   
   
2. Wait until you know where you are going before you buy anything...
   
   This was probably one of my hardest rules to follow and quite frankly I didn't follow my own advice. So I shopped and bought things only to find out that I didn't really need it, so it was a waste of money and shopping time. I know it is hard, but wait until  you know where you are going before you buy. Of course things like bras, work out clothes, and white or black t-shirts is okay, but I wouldn't buy much more.
   
   Why? Because if you get called to Hawaii, that cute wool skirt you just bought is staying home. If you get called to England, the super cute light skirt you just bought is also staying home.
   
   
3. Ask if the mission is an iPad mission?  Why is it important?
   
   If your mission uses an iPad, then you do not have to take as many books, for example you can leave the following at home:
   - Missionary Reference Library
   - Gospel Art Book
   - Preach My Gospel (Large size...take the mini's)
   -Gospel Principles (in your mission language)
   
   Plus, you will get about 20 lbs of books from the MTC, which include most of these plus a new set of scriptures in your mission language and language learning books. So why not save some lbs for clothes or other things you need.
   
   
4. Ask if your mission supplies bedding, blankets, or pillows?
   
   If you are going foreign, ask! When I served in Ecuador, our mission supplied Hygienic Bed Covers, throw blankets, a pillow and mosquito nets. So obviously this saved me on having to take all of these things in my luggage.
   
   If you are serving in the states, you are responsible for supplying your own bedding. So, here is what I would bring...
   - 2 sets flat sheets
   - 2 fitted sheets
   - 1 light throw blanket
   - 1 pillow
   - 1 comforter
   I went online and shipped my comforter and sheets to my mission. I purchased my bedding from Target because I liked their designs and the comforter was reversible and then I just got the mission home address and shipped it for $5 to my mission.
   
   
5. What can I listen too? Your music questions....
   Each mission is different, so make sure to ask what music you can listen too. In my mission, we were allowed to listen to anything that was instrumental but it also had to be uplifting. So obviously no Metallica here. Music is what made my day on my mission and could make a hard morning so much better by just listening to something spiritual.
   
   Here are a few places to find great music.
   > Free and downloadable at LDS.org Youth Music
   > Purchase CD's from Dessert (kind of expensive)
   > Get them on iTunes
   
   I purchased a USB and then downloaded all of my music beforehand and purchased a speaker to plug my USB into with a wall charger. All in all, about $30 dollars. I paid about $15 for the speaker in Ecuador and then about $15 for the USB.
   
   I would think about how you are going to listen to music and what you are going to do before you leave. I never realized how much I loved music until I couldn't listen to it on my iPhone using Pandora.

Here are just a few tips that at the moment are helping me decide what to take and what to leave. Hope this helps you. Let me know if there are other questions you may need advice for.

Happy packing!

Your Sister Missionary, Hermana Weller

Travel Instructions for those going to the Mexico City MTC

If you are getting ready to head out on your own missionary adventure. Here is an email I got from my travel helper (someone will be assigned to you based on where you serve). I got this email on Sept 24 which was the night before I left. So I thought I would post it on my blog just in case you are like me and like to know what is happening before you leave to the MEXICO MTC.

Below is your e-ticketed itinerary for your travel to Mexico City.  Please arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled flight time.

Make sure to have your Sponsor Letter (mailed to you two weeks before you leave), FMM Instructions Sheet (mailed to you two weeks before you leave) and a copy of your mission call letter with you (you need this when you go through CUSTOMS)!

NAMETAGS-    Will be issued at the Mexico MTC.

AIRLINE TICKET- You have been issued an ‘E-Ticket’. It is an electronic ticket. Actual ticket numbers are listed on the itinerary, therefore, at check- in you will only need to provide the airline the flight itinerary listed below.

PACKING – When packing your bags for your trip to Mexico City, pack a clean shirt, socks, garments, etc. in your carry-on bag.  This is just in case your bags do not arrive with you in Mexico City. By being prepared, you can still look professional even though you may not have full use of your clothing.

BAGGAGE FEES – Please visit your airline(s) individual website(s) for information on baggage fees and weight allowances. You will be responsible to pay airline baggage fees when traveling to the Mexico MTC. According to the Missionary Department, each missionary is allowed 2 bags at 50 pounds each, unless otherwise stated in your call packet if serving in Central or South America. You will have to pay for baggage to the mission, but will be reimbursed once you arrive in the field if you have your receipts. Fees paid excess bag weight will not be reimbursed.

My tips on Baggage Fees: I would suggest checking the airlines with who you will travel. For example when I was flying to Mexico City, I flew on an international flight through AeroMexico and the carry on could only be 22 lbs! So check the airlines before you leave thinking you are at the 150lb limit for 2 checked and one carry on. 

AIRPORT – Upon arrival at the airport, go immediately to the airline’s check-in counter. Make sure to check your bags all the way to Mexico City then proceed directly to the boarding gate for your flight—check departure screens to make sure you go to the right gate.  Board the flight as soon as seats are called so the flight will not be delayed and your seat will not be given away.  Please be aware that it will be your responsibility to pay for your baggage fees from your home to the MTC.

EN ROUTE – At each connecting city where you change planes, go directly to the boarding gate and check in for your next flight.  If your flight plans change en route, immediately call Church Travel and advise them of all the changes.  Stay close to the departure gate so you will be aware of any updates or other changes.

DELAYED FLIGHTS – If, for any reason, your departure is delayed, call the Church Travel Office as soon as you have been advised of the new schedule.

LOST BAGGAGE – If all your bags do not arrive with you at your final destination, you MUST file a “lost baggage report” with the baggage office of the airline on which you arrived before you leave the airport!

My tips on Lost Baggage: I printed and taped luggage tags to the inside of my bags (click here for free luggage tag printables). I also printed a few extra for when I traveled from Mexico City to my mission. It was suggested by the airlines. So luckily I looked into that my last night at home.

VISA – Your passport will be stamped with a visa by an immigration official at the Mexico City Airport.

ONCE YOU ARRIVE IN MEXICO CITY, you will pass through immigration, you will then collect your baggage and pass through customs inspection. After passing through customs please exit the terminal, stepping to one side to avoid blocking the doorways. Please stay in a group with the other missionaries. There will be a greeter from the MTC waiting for you; please look for them. DO NOT TAKE A TAXI OR ACCEPT A RIDE FROM OTHER INDIVIDUALS.

I hope this helps! I was a bit scared to fly to Mexico City by myself but once I got there I saw about 20 or so Elders in suits and knew I found the right place!

Love, your missionary! Hermana Weller

Where to shop for Sister Missionary Clothes??!!

Photo: BSGStudio

Shopping for Missionary Clothes is one of the hardest and can be one of the most frustrating things to do as you prepare for your mission.

But do not worry...I thought I would put together some sites that are helpful for the future missionary who is on the hunt for cute-modest-ready to wear clothes. I am not from Utah so I don't have 100 different missionary stores to shop from. But with the age of the internet you can find whatever you need by just shopping online.

Online Stores:
*Down East Basics
*Sis-Miss Clothing
*Sorella Bella
*Sister Missionary Fashion
*Jen Clothing
*Missionary Mall
*ModCloth

I also love love love going on scavenger hunts at THRIFT stores to find great finds for low prices. For example whenever I shop at Goodwill, I am there for hours. Just because it is cheap doesn't mean you don't have to try it on. And I also do Saturday Goodwill Tours...you are probably asking what is that. (Basically, I go to 4 or 5 Goodwills all within 20 minutes of my house and browse the racks). You have to find the GOOD deals.

Stores I shopped at:
*Goodwill
*Thrift Stores - Second Hand
*Ross/Marshalls
*Forever 21 - I also picked up all of my jewlry from here
*Old Navy
*Walmart - Look for a brand called Bella Bird

I hope these shops help you find what you are looking for. I know I was able to find everything I needed by shopping at Goodwill, Walmart, Ross, and getting some basics at DownEast.

I hope this helps and ENJOY!

Love, Hermana Weller

How to use the Pouch Service through Salt Lake City!

I have been called to serve an LDS Mission in the Ecuador Guayaquil West Mission. I will leave for my mission on September 25, 2013! 

I know life can get busy but if you would like to write me, I would love to hear from you!! 

My email address is:annaalicia.weller@myldsmail.net

If you would like to email me please do, otherwise you can write me a letter or send a package. Click on the Write ME to find out where to send longer letters, packages, care packages, post cards, and pictures using the US Postal Service. 

I wanted to dedicate this post to using the Pouch Service which is provided by the LDS Church as a way for missionaries to keep in touch with family back home. It provides a safe, reliable  and cheap way to send letters home and to the mission. 

You can use the Pouch Service while I am at the MTC or when I am in the mission. Here are some important dates to keep in mind. I will be in the Mexico MTC until November 6th, 2013, so don't send letters to Mexico City after November 6th.  Then you can send them to the Ecuador pouch address.

The MTC Pouch address is:

Hermana AnnaAlicia Weller

Mexico MTC

POB 30150

Salt Lake City, UT  84130-0150

After November 6th, Mission Pouch Address:

Hermana AnnaAlicia Weller

Ecuador Guayaquil West Mission

POB 30150

Salt Lake City, UT  84130-0150

Important Things to know about the Pouch Service:

• Can only be a one sided on page letter or a post card
• Cost to send to SLC - One Forever Stamp
• Cost to send the letter from SLC to the Missionary - FREE
• Do not include any other item in the letter such as printed pictures, currency or medication, etc.

How to use the Pouch Service:

1. Write a letter on a single sheet of paper (8 1/2- inch x 11-inch sheet of printer type paper). Note: Envelopes CANNOT be used.
2. Fold it in thirds - The sheet is to be folded into three parts, as is commonly done to insert into a business envelope.

• Lay the blank side of the single-sheet letter facing down with the writing facing you.
• Fold the top of the letter about one-third of the way down, and crease.
• Fold the bottom of the letter to the top of the first fold, and crease.

    3. Tape it closed - The top edge of the sheet should be fastened with tape on the top  edge only, no closer than one inch to either side.

    4. Address it directly on the outside of the paper in the middle of the sheet write the pouch address. Pick the appropriate address:
        
        The MTC Pouch address is (use from Sept 25 - Nov 6):
         Hermana AnnaAlicia Weller
         Mexico MTC
         POB 30150
         Salt Lake City, UT  84130-0150

         After November 6th, Mission Pouch Address:

         Hermana AnnaAlicia Weller

         Ecuador Guayaquil West Mission

         POB 30150

         Salt Lake City, UT  84130-0150 

     5. Write your return address in the top left hand corner.

     6. Apply a Stamp in the top right hand corner and mail it directly to Church                        HQ using the US Postal Service.

50 days until I leave for the MTC

I have less than 50 days until I leave for the M.T.C. and I cannot wait. It seems like the five month wait to serve is just crawling at a turtle pace. So I thought I'd liken this weeks post to the tortoise and the hare book. In the last 50 days I feel like at times I could have been the hare just sitting around waiting for September 25th to come around and it would be my time to leave. Instead I have been the tortoise. I have been working so hard to learn the lessons in PMG in English so I am grateful that I have had the extra time to prepare. I am so grateful for the LORD and that he knows when I should serve!

So many things have happened in the last 50 days! Most importantly Spanish speaking sisters are now assigned to my WARD. Not only are they the first set of sister missionaries specifically assigned to my ward but they are also speaking and teaching in my mission language. I have been able to go with them on appointments almost every day after work and am learning the teach the gospel in both English and Spanish. 

This past week we went to an investigators house who just turned 15 years old. His entire family is Catholic and his mother said that she doesn't care where he goes to church or with whom but wants him to be a little bit older before he makes the decision on which one to join. It was just such a great experience and I could feel the spirit so strongly! We shared scriptures and taught him various principles thorugh out PMG as we tried to determine what the Elders had covered with him already. I left feeling so excited to be a missionary. That is just the first of many experiences I have had in the last two weeks!

On Monday I also had the opportunity to drive the sister missionaries out to the Coast for their P-day. They were meeting with another district to have a devotional on the beach and then sight see. It was such an awesome day and you could just feel their desire to share the gospel as all 20 missionaries gathered together on the beach and talked about why we share the gospel with others. 

I also happened to run across this video about the Mexico MTC this week and I can't wait to get there! 

I love this Gospel so much and the Lord knows all. I just need to continue to prepare myself spiritually so that I can serve him to my greatest capacity! 

I thought I would end this post by sharing my testimony in Spanish. I know it is not a lot but I am working on it!

Yo tengo un testimono de el Evangelio de Dios. Yo se el Evangelio de Dios es verdad. Thomas S. Monson es un profeta llamarse de Dios en los Ultimos Dias. Sé que José Smith restauró el Evangelio y tradujo el Libro de Mormón. Sé que Dios es nuestro amoroso Padre Celestial y nosotros somos sus hijos. Doy testimonio de que esto es verdad porque yo oré para saber. Amen.

Love, Hermana Weller

Mission Specific Questions with Sister Dennis

Once the new mission president and his wife got settled into Guayaquil and their new home, I wrote Sister Dennis and asked her a few mission specific questions. If you have any that you would like me to ask please let me know and I will email her personally.

Do you recommend a backpack or shoulder bag? The packet says no back packs but I have heard this is mission specific. 

The missionary department has asked that missionaries start using shoulder bags instead of backpacks to give a more professional appearance--not so much student-like.  Of course, not all the missionaries that have backpacks now will be able to change right away (or at all if they don't have the money), but all the new missionaries that go out are asked to use shoulder bags.

Can sisters wear sandals? If so, what are the requirements? 

Only closed-toe shoes to protect your feet when you are out working, but on P-days you are free to wear sandals.

Do you recommend short sleeve cardigans or longer? I have heard it gets chilly at night.

Yes, I would bring some long sleeve sweaters as well.  I was very surprised that it can be chilly at night and in the morning.  In some of the areas along the coast, it get pretty chilly even during the day so a jacket is a good idea, too.

Are rainproof boots required? Do you think I would use them with the humidity and how hot it gets?

I really don't know what to tell you about boots.  I haven't been here during the rainy season yet, but the sisters tell me it rains a lot and that in some areas they are walking through water halfway up their calfs, so boots might be a good idea.

Are ped socks okay? I have heard that tights are required in this mission...but that may just be a rumor. :)

Peds are fine. However, I have asked our sisters to use stockings or knee highs to go to church, and on the occasions that they are able to go to the temple, to show respect for the Lord's house.

What is the weather really like?

Right now it's alot cooler than I thought it would be.  It's still humid and warm, but not awful like I thought it would be year round.  It's very pleasant right now--high 70's or low to mid 80's during the day.  High 60's at night with a cool breeze.  So far it's mostly been cloudy which is nice because on the days that it's been sunny it's felt alot hotter.  However, I hear that come November and December, the heat and humidity are awful and when it rains (and it pours), it just makes it worse.  It's like a sauna.  That lasts until March or April, so I've been told.

Are the wattage and outlets the same as the US?

Wattage and plugs are the same; however in some of the missionary apartments you 

might need the little adapters that can use the plugs we have up there where one prong 

is longer than the other.  Here alot of them are just the same size.

Tips from Sister Dennis on preparing to become a missionary:

Tips:  read the Book of Mormon in Spanish and study PMG as much as you can.  Also be 
very familiar with the missionary handbook -- obedience brings great blessings but exact 
obedience brings miracles, just as with the stripling warriors who obeyed every command 
with exactness.  We want our missionaries to be protected and be able to teach with power 
from the Spirit and see miracles in their missions, so we ask all of our missionaries to obey
with exactness. But to be able to obey with exactness, you need to know the mission rules.
They are in the missionary handbook. Just do all you can to be led by the Spirit and you 
will be a successful missionary!  You are going to love your mission, even with the trials 
and difficulties that will come.It's all good!!

Other things I have found out from friends who have served in Ecuador before and also from people who have traveled there are:

1. Tampons are only available in the big cities like Quito and Guayaquil but they are expensive so take enough to last your trip.
2. Take garlic pills so you do not get eaten by the mosquito's.
3. Don't drink the water at all unless it comes in a bottle. (Don't worry the MTC gives you a nice water bottle with a filtration thing)
4. Invest in shoes, the streets are cobble or dirt and your feet will hurt and the shoes will break down if you do not invest.
5. Bring your own sheets, bedding, and pillow (the ones in the missionary apartments are bad).
6. You can eat the fruit if it has a skin on it.
7. They DO HAVE PEANUT BUTTER!

Help the Missionaries!

I don't even know where to start this post but our Ward finally got SISTER MISSIONARIES and they are Spanish Speaking. What a blessing for our ward and stake. When the new mission presidents were sent to their areas, our Spanish Branch was moved to a different Stake, so we lost our spanish branch. :(

Since then we gained two fabulous spanish speaking missionaries. They called me today after church and asked if I could go with them on a few appointments today. I was so excited to go even though my spanish is broken to say the least. The first appointment ending up falling through because only one of the two people were there. The father only spoke spanish so I helped translate the few words and sentences that the sister missionaries did not know. It made me realize that I need to know a lot more spanish but I was also amazed at the words I remembered. 

The second appointment was with a member and since the missionaries are new in the area we did a "Get to know you" visit where we just learned more about the member. It was really cool how the missionaries LISTENED and shared their own experiences and then also tied it into a Spiritual Thought. 

The third appointment was also with a member and we got to know her as well. I felt the spirit so strong speaking with her about her family. Her goal is to go to the temple with her husband and be sealed and to continue to do family history work. I was able to share some experiences about my family going to the temple together and preparing family names for family history.

I am so grateful for the Lord and that he has sent our area sister missionaries that I can go on missionary visits with. It is such an experience, if you have not gone on out with the missionaries yet, you need too. They will be so grateful for the "Joint Teach" (member missionary present during a lesson).  

What I learned today:

• Learn how to listen and stay attentive (the sister missionaries were both tired)
• Find a way to tie the discussion back into the lesson by sharing a story
• Always keep an eye on the time, so you are not horribly late to your next appointment
• Carry your "area book" with you so if an appointment falls through you know where to go next
• Keep your planner up to date for the same reason
• Have a scripture or two memorized for each major topic (atonement, prophets, modern day revelation, repentance, sacrament, sabbath day, word of wisdom ect), this helps a lot during the discussions so that you can easily flip to the scripture and share it.
• Ask members questions to keep the conversation going
• Always relate your experiences back to the  members so that they know you are listening

Tips from the Sister Missionaries:

• Pray before each visit, today we prayed in the car, next to the car, and outside next to the apartment, pray for the spirit and to know what to say.
• Memorize your scriptures for each topic!
• Be prepared (always have your scriptures, Book of Mormons, pamphlets, pass along cards, and memorize your number to give out).
• Write your name and number on the back of a pass along card, to pass to people you track into, members, ect.

Hope this helps!

Hermana Weller

Am I scared?

I get asked a lot if I am SCARED. Am I scared of where I was called to serve a mission? Am I scared to go to a different country? Am I scared to leave home? Am I afraid for my safety? Am I scared because I don't feel prepared?

The answer is...I would be lying if I said NO. But the real answer is I worry. I worry a lot that I won't be prepared enough, or that I won't pick up on the language as fast as I would like. I worry that my mother will be worried for me 24/7 and not get enough sleep. I worry that she will feel lonely even though she is surrounded by family and grand kids. I worry that Satan will distract me as I wait another 3 months to leave for my mission.

I am a planner. I literally plan all the family vacations, where we are going, what we are doing, how much everything costs, and places we should eat. As you can image I like to know what is going on. When it comes to going on a mission, I have no control over anything (this must be a test in patience and complete patience :D). So I constantly have to remind myself that the Lord is the master planner, he knows what needs  to happen and when.

So I have to constantly remind myself that:

1. The LORD will be with me every step of the way!
2. I must be OBEDIENT in all that I do.
3. I must act on FAITH in everything I do and I will be blessed.
4. I must do all I can to prepare spiritually, emotionally, and physically and through Christ I will receive GRACE and he will make up the difference.
5. I must continue to strengthen my testimony.

I know that if I am a faithful servant to the Lord that I can make it the short 18 months on a mission. I have been called as a Missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and I can't wait to fulfill that calling. It is my greatest calling thus far. I know that while I am on my mission my family will be blessed and I will have the constant companionship of my father who is in Heaven. I know that he will be with me every step of the way and that he can also comfort my mother and be close to her as well. We will all 3 be able to be missionaries for the Lord, what a dream come true! (My mother and father were called as Ward Missionaries in 2011. My father served as a Ward Missionary until he passed away in March 2012, he know serves as a Missionary in Heaven. I was called to serve as a Missionary in Ecuador Guayaquil West on April 25, 2013 and I report in September!)

Left to Right: Mom, Me, and Dad :)

My Complete Sister Missionary Packing List

Updated list as of April 2014. I have edited this list since I first left for my mission, as I have a little more experience with what is really needed. 

I leave in a little over 3 months for my mission. Packing is one of my least favorite things to do. Anytime we travel I usually pack the day I leave or late at night the night before. When I pack for my mission I hope I don't procrastinate that much but we will see. I am so worried I will forget something but I know it will be fine. Here is my list of things I am not leaving home without! I hope this helps someone else as they prepare for their mission.

You can also watch this awesome video by International Luggage on the best way to pack your suitcase so when you get the field it's easy to hit the ground running!

Spiritual Preparation

-          Finish Book of Mormon

-          Memorize Articles of Faith

-          Read D&C

-          Study and become more familiar with Bible

-          Share testimony repeatedly

-          Finish online mission prep

-          Study PMG, focus on Ch.1, 3-6 (Strong focus on Ch 3)

-          Go to Mission Prep class

-          Go on splits with the Sister Missionaries/Ward Missionaries

Language Preparation

-          Study at least an hour a day

-          Use duolingo.com and mango languages!

Physical Preparation

-          Work out at least 1 hour a day

-          Carry at least 10 lbs so you get used to carrying all of the missionary supplies

Bags and Suitcases

-          A larger cross-body purse

-          A smaller cross-body purse

-          Backpack/Shoulder bag

-          2 suitcases (62 dimensional inches)

-          1 carry-on suitcase (45 dimensional inches)

-          Luggage Tags

-          Camera case

-          Toiletry bags

-          Scripture case

-          Passport holder (waist)
            >Check with your mission, they may keep your passport in the office,                if that is the case, you really don't need to spend money on this. 

Underclothes

-          14 regular garments

-          2 white running sports bras

-          3 white bras/nude

-          3 slips (white, black, tan)

-          3 white Boyfriend Halftee shirts (high quality, long lasting)

-          1 black Boyfriend Halftee shirts (high quality, long lasting)

Feet

-          3 Dressy flats for Sundays

-          2 pairs of good quality walking shoes (black & brown)

-          Waterproof black flats - If you are going somewhere where it rains a lot                and is sunny.

-          Black waterproof boots

-          2 pair shower flip flops

-          1 pair of slippers

-          Tennis shoes (used for woring out & Service)

-          10 pairs of ped socks (6 nude/4 black)

-          5 pairs of running socks

Workout Clothes

-          3 short sleeved running shirts

-          2 Knee-length shorts

-          1 Running pants (leave at home if you are going somewhere hot)

Service & Sleep time clothes 

-          2 pairs of PJ pants or 2 pairs of PJ shorts (depends on where you serve)

-          2 pj t-shirts

-          1 pairs of jeans (used for Service & Pday)

-          1 robe

Outer wear 

-          1 hoodie

-          1 light weight rain coat & 1 light weight rain coat waist length
           OR
       1 jacket & 1 peacoat (if you go somewhere cold) 

-          2 blazers (black and a fun color)

-          5 cardigans (solids and prints)(if you go somewhere hot, leave at home)

Everyday Wash and Wear 

-          10 skirts (4 print & 6 solid)
       3 - 4 dresses

-          8 shirts (2 white, 2 black, 4 colored)

-          Belts, belts, and more belts

-          Earrings, bracelets, necklaces

-          2 small leather watches & batteries

Bathroom Supplies

-          2  micro-fiber bath towels OR 2 regular towels (depends on where you                serve) 

-          1 face towel

-          Face wash

-          Face lotion

-          Mascara

-          Eyeshadow

-          Makeup brushes

-          Eyeliner

-          Chap stick, lip gloss, favorite lip butters!

-          Body wash

-          Razor, Refills, and Shaving cream

-          Perfume

-          Deodorant

-          Body lotion

-          Nail polish

-          Toothbrush

-          Toothpaste

-          Floss

-          Hair spray

-          Hair brush

-          Hair ties

-          Bobby pins, lots of

-          Mini Blow drier

-          Curling iron

-          Straightener

-          Shampoo

-          Conditioner

-          Feminine supplies (Enough for 18 months – tampons & pads for foreign)

-          Midol (Enough for 18 months if serving foreign)

Protection from the elements

-          Umbrella

-          Insect Repelent (contains DEET, 20%-35%)

-          Sunscreen 45 SPF

-          Aleo vera

Bedding

-          2 flat twin sheets
       2 fitted sheets

-          2 pillow cases

-          Blanket or Comforter

-          Small travel pillow

Other items 

-          Alarm clock with no radio

-          Tide TO GO pens

-          Small photo album

-          Workout Book

-          Hair style book

-          Recipe book

-          Address book

-          Stamps

-          Envelopes

-          CD’s with CHURCH MUSIC or USB

-          First Aid Kit (multi-vitamins, cold meds, decongestant, fever reducer, pain reliever, anti- diarrhea meds, antibiotic ointment, anti-itch cream, anti –fungal cream, band aids)

-          Diabetic Medical ID bracelet

-          2 sets of Glasses (cases and cloth to clean glasses)

-          Sewing Kit

-          Thermometer

-          Laundry Bag

-          Hair dye 2 boxes

-          Space bags

-          Gallon zip lock bags to carry items in my backpack

-          Duck tape

-          Flash light

-          Batteries

Church studying

-          My Scriptures

-          Permanent markers

-          Journal

-          Spiral notebooks

-          Pens, pencils, colored pencils, highlighters

-          Copy of blessing

-          Copy of call letter

-          Mission approved books

-          Pedigree chart (4 generations back)

Medical Items

-          Prescription for any perscibed pills

-          Prescription for Eye glasses

Items to not leave home without!

-          Current temple recommend

-          Government issued ID

-          Immunizations Record

-          DMV Driving Record

-          Passport & Visa

-          Give parents a copy of all cards/items taking in my wallet (front and back)

-          $200 dollars for travelling expensive

-          Quarters to make calls from the airport

-          Sign Power of Attorney for Mom & Sister

-          Give LastPass login/password to Mom & Sister

-          Make sure School Loan is deferred

-          Sign papers for tax information while I am gone

I hope this helps you future sister missionaries!

Hermana Weller