Things to Take With You

Clothing (keep in mind that it will probably be hot with possibility of rain, as Zim is going into summer and the rainy season):

  • Pack lightly, as free laundry service will be available at La Rochelle (although we can’t all give them laundry at the same time as the washing is done by hand and dried outdoors or ironed dry)
  • NO short shorts or short skirts
  • Bathing suit and cover up (there is a pool at La Rochelle)
  • Warm clothing for leaving home and in England – Layers are good
  • All girls and women at the Mission Schools wear skirts or dresses. I have always worn a skirt and cotton top while working there. Please dress modestly and appropriately. If you are helping with sports, warm-up pants or jeans would be ok.
  • Male teachers wear dress (usually white) shirts and ties. Not all visitors do, but relatively smart casual works well even for Africa University chapel and church.
  • Casual dress around La Rochelle and for outings is OK. We will be the only guests at La Rochelle.

We typically take some clothes to wear there and then leave when we go home for people who need them. Almost any clothes are welcome. It has been a good way to use up things that we are no longer wearing, but have life left. Shoes are expensive there.

Personal Accessories

  • Umbrella and Light rain jacket
  • Water bottle
  • Wash cloth or two
  • Flash light (large enough to use in evenings for reading — there will be periods with no electricity)
  • Transformer (if needed for electrical equipment) and plug adapter
  • Kleenex
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Sun screen
  • Sun hat
  • Bug repellant
  • Passport — must be valid for 6 months after you leave Zimbabwe

Medicine/First Aid

  • Personal prescription medications for the 2 weeks. Also take a list with you, but do not plan on getting scripts filled there.
  • Immodium
  • Tylenol (or generic)
  • Ibuprofen
  • Bandaids
  • Antibiotic ointment (Marie Heys, a nurse practitioner, will be our medic and will bring a first aid kit.)
  • A water bottle–water is safe at restaurants and hotels, but not readily available at Hartzell.
  • If you think you may be near somebody’s body fluids, (such as helping with an injury) some latex/non latex gloves would be needed.