Help me fill my bags!

A big part of any mission trip is the supplies that we can bring down with our luggage.  Usually, travelers pack what they need in their carry on (a huuuuge backpacking pack that makes flight attendants cringe) and use are two checked bags for supplies.  Because it's an international flight, we don't have to worry about those pesky baggage fees either.  I have one hockey equipment bag and am trying to find a military bag or other extremely large duffel bag to use as my second.  The first one is almost fully packed, but I could use some help filling up my second.  If you are interested in helping, I have attached a list of requested supplies


wet wipes
Children's Tylenol
emergency blankets
dental supplies
mylanta
maalox
tums
zantac, axid, pepcid
prevacid
artificial tears
Benadryl
Decongestants
Robitussin
Iron pills
mulitvitamins
vitamin A supplements
Vitamin D supplements
folate
Calcium supplements
infant vitamin drops
children's chewable vitamins
adult vitamins with iron
acetaminophen
aspirin
ibuprofen
medical gloves
baby bottles
pregnancy test kits
feminine hygiene pads (mostly pads, tampons aren't too common there)
socks
tshirts
baby clothes
diapers
rain gear
toy cars
stickers
pens
coloring books
notebooks
flip flops
shoes
tents
tartps
water containers
water filters
sharpies
candy
paint
nails
basic hand tools
wrenches
screw drivers
zip ties
duct tape
rope
batteries
toolbox
electrical tape
electrical wire nuts
extension cords
fans
power strips
pads of paper
whiteboard markers
condoms
pedialyte
mini or sandwich sized ziplock bags
small white boards and markers


WHEW!!!!! That is quite a bit, but I think it proves that even though Haiti has left the headlines, the needs there are very real and haven't lessened. And don't worry about giving me more than I have room for, Janae has bags to fill too :)

It's back on!

I am heading back in less than 3 weeks (Jan 28)!  After closely following the developments in Haiti and a few prayers, I have decided it is safe enough for me to rebook my ticket.  I was very hesitant, as American Airlines refused to waive my cancellation fee and I didn't want to lose more money in the case of this trip not happening. 

Originally, the Haitian Runoff Election was set for Jan 16th, with results being released on Jan 26th.  So the idea of going on Jan 28th was a little daunting, knowing the violence that broke out after the initial election results were announced.  However, OAS (The Organization of American States) has been reviewing the results and will not have reached a decision in time to hold a runoff on Jan 16th.  The election has been delayed till at least February.  So off I go!

I am going with the same group that I signed up with in November, New Reality International.  I will be in a tent city that houses 55,000 displaced Haitians and is very active in Cholera relief and prevention.  I am lucky enough to be taking a co-worker and friend, Janae, with me.  She has never been to Haiti before and I can not wait for her to get this experience.  

Of course, I am taking two large duffel bags stuffed with supplies.  I will post a list of what is needed shortly.  

As always, thanks for reading!