1. Put God first
You know this one already, right!
2. Prioritise relationships
He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata! He tangata! He tangata! What is the most important thing in the world? It is people! It is people! It is people! That goes for your team mates, as well as the local people…
3. You have no rights
Most of us come from a privileged Western society, so we expect to be treated a certain way. Well, this almost definitely won’t happen when you travel to a developing country. Give up your “rights” before you get offended!
4. Local culture rules…
Forget about what you think you know, and start learning the local culture. The local people will be so blessed by even a small effort to understand their way of life. Say hello in their language… Ask them how to weave… Find out where they grew up…
5. Embrace food
This is the fun one! Food is a great way to learn more about a local culture. It’s also a great way to offend someone by not eating what you are offered. Keep an open mind and try the culinary delights that your mission trip destination has to offer.
6. Bring “you”
What has God given you that makes you awesome? Figure out what it is, and incorporate it into your mission trip. Use it to bless others, and enjoy doing what you are good at.
7. Serving others
Go with the mindset to serve. Wash the dishes, pick up after your room-mates, help out the slow-pokes. Trust me, you will be a lot less annoyed if you go with this attitude!
8. Water, water, water
Wanna know the best way to get sick while overseas? You got it… dodgy water. Check out where your drinking water is coming from. If in doubt, go bottled and forget about getting that mystery ice with your Coke!
9. Travel light
Passport. Favourite pillow (so you can sleep anywhere). Good book. Comfy shoes. Sarong (which doubles as a sheet, a towel, a tablecloth, a skirt…). What more do you really need?
10. Relax!
Have fun, don’t worry if the schedule changes, and expect things to be different from what you are used to.
