For the Work Site:
Sturdy closed toe shoes – work boots or strong sneakers are fine. No sandals!
Don't forget socks.
Old clothing that can get dirty/stained.
Personally I love my overalls!
Bring a combination of shorts and long pants. Most people bring pants that can zip off at the knee.
2 pairs of work gloves. I recommend the leather gloves. For women, you may want to pick up leather gardening gloves. I find that they fit much better. Additionally, we will be doing some gardening, so they can be multi-purposed.
Hat or bandanna – for sun protection
Water bottle. There is fresh, mountain water on site.
Let’s respect the Molokai initiative to be green - please bring a SIGG or Nalgene bottle for your water fill ups.
Daypack or small backpack. It’s very helpful to carry a simple day pack for the site. You can also use that bag for your usual "purse" items and camera. In other words, figure a way to keep it all together in one place.
Raincoat or poncho. Remember we will be in Hawaii where every day brings a here a light rain.
Small zip-lock bag with your own Band-Aids, ointment
(I will have a larger first aid kit for team use.)
Anti-bacterial wipes (large “Wet Ones” are great to help get dirt off)
Anti-bacterial gel. Personally, I don’t use this as I find it irritating to my skin. If you have the time, I would recommend myself to make your own natural gel. I found recipe this through Mary Jane’s Farm Magazine:
Antibacterial Gel
1/4 c. witch hazel
1/4 c. pure aloe vera gel
1 Tbsp. cider vinegar
1 tsp. vegetable glycerin
10 drops tea tree essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a container with a lid and shake well. Use as an antibacterial rub on your hands when you aren't able to wash your hands.
Nifty Thrifty Tip: Use an empty trial/travel size lotion bottle so that you can create your own purse-size antibacterial gel container. Cool, eh?
You can find witch hazel and glycerin in the pharmacy and/or health & beauty section of most stores that carry personal care products. You can find pure aloe vera gel and tea tree oil at your local health food store, and thankfully both are fairly affordable as far as natural products go. Cider vinegar (aka Apple Cider Vinegar) can be found at your grocery store near the regular vinegar.
For Evening and Other Activities
Jeans and a clean shirt will be appropriate for you to wear throughout your stay. The sun can be intense, and keeps things warm throughout the day. Wearing layers is the key! Make sure to bring long sleeve shirts, a sweater or fleece for evening. Temperatures can drop to the 60s in the evening.
Comfortable shoes for walking/hiking
Flipflops
Casual clothing - Bring a nice outfit for our dinners with the affiliate and the partner family. It should not be too fancy. Women usually bring a casual skirt and top. Men can wear jeans & button-down.
Yoga Mat and appropriate clothing
Other Items That are a “Must”:
Sunglasses
Sun screen
Toiletries
Laundry bag with your name on it (mesh or old pillowcase)
Insect repellent. I’m recommending this, but I don’t think you’ll need it.
Bathing suit & towel for beach
Camera
Motrin, Advil or other anti-inflammatory for muscle aches
Alarm clock
Optional:
Flashlight/batteries
Bathrobe
Reading and writing materials/journals
Materials to lead spiritual focus (favorite poem, speech, song, story, insight, etc.)
A few photos to share with your new friends - Remember that you may be sharing these with homeowners, or others who live very simply... we want our pictures to show who we are more than what we have. Please be aware when choosing them.
Binoculars – some people enjoy having them, but remember that I cannot guarantee security.
Tools: Label all of them with your name.
Nail apron or tool belt
25 foot tape measure
Work gloves (2 pairs)
Eye protection (goggles, clear or tinted plastic glasses)
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Tips on Packing and Traveling
- You will need mostly work clothes. Your other activities are quite casual. Don't let the weather keep you from doing an activity just because you don't have the proper clothes. Be prepared. Temperatures in December/January average a high of 81 and low of 65 F.
- We are also in a tropical environment, so count on some rain & humidity.
- Think "layers" - for the work site all of them should be suitable for work and getting dirty.
- Jewelry – It is recommended that you not wear jewelry at the work site, especially earrings and necklaces that dangle. Please don’t bring anything of value to wear at other times because security for it cannot be guaranteed.
- Bring all of your medications clearly labeled. Make sure you have all of your prescriptions and let me know in advance if you have any medical conditions I need to be aware of.
- Have a carry-on with whatever you'll need for 24 hours after arriving in Molokai, just in case your baggage does not arrive with you.
- Pack ALL of your tools in your checked luggage!
- If you are extending your trip in the area and think you might do some shopping, pack lightly or try to keep your luggage to one piece. If you only bring one piece, you might want to pack a lightweight roll-up duffle to use as your second piece on the way home.
- Travel light, but DO bring enough for the entire trip (you COULD get dirty enough that you will want to change work clothes each day). There is a laundry mat in town, and we will recruit two of you to handle the team laundry day on Wednesday or Thursday.
- Pack leaky items (shampoo, lotions) in zip lock bags - and tighten the cap right before you put them in.
- Keep your airplane tickets in a safe place.
