Recently, I returned from my first overseas mission trip. I went to Montego Bay, Jamaica with 9 of the most incredible team members. I was so excited and nervous for all the unknowns. I did not know what to expect. Here are 5 things everyone should know before going on your first overseas mission trip.

1. Pack lightly

I admit I have issues with light packing. I am one of those people that will pack 15 outfits for a 3 day trip, but that is just not realistic for a mission trip. We had to pay $50 round-trip if we could not fit everything in a carry-on. All you need is an outfit for each day and an extra outfit just in case. Bringing makeup, hairspray, hair dryers, or any hot hair tool is just unnecessary. Depending on where you are going, it will probably be so hot your makeup will peel off and your hair will frizz!

2. IIWII

This is an acronym that my team adopted on our trip. It simply means: it is what it is. You can plan all you want but chances are things will NOT go as planned. You have to be able to go with the flow and be able to adapt to any situation that may arise. For my trip, nothing went wrong in Jamaica but we blew a tire on the way home and were stuck on the side of the road for a good 3 to 4 hours. That was a situation we definitely did not plan for (or want to happen) but we just adjusted and made the best of it.

3. Security and Customs

You hear all these horror stories about security and customs but honestly they are not as bad as they are made out to be. It will be a lot harder if you are not nice to the workers or break a rule. My advice is if you know that something will not get past security or customs do not take it. I watched one of my best friends sunscreen and bug spray be thrown in that garbage because it was over 3 ounces. Follow all the rules and be nice and it will make the experience a lot easier.

4. Prepare your heart

Prepare your heart for the thing you will see and encounter while on your trip. I prayed for days, weeks, and months for this, but the reality is no amount of preparing can help in certain situations. We went to a nursing home and it was the most dilapidated, run down place I have ever seen. The people were still so happy and cheerful. I was not prepared for that at all. I cried when we left. Relying on God is a must. If he had not given me the strength I could not have done it.

5. Be prepared to fall in love

I had no idea how much I was going to fall in love with this place and the Jamaican people. As soon as I set foot in Jamaica I fell head over heels for this beautiful country, but as i met the people and played with the kids at the school we worked in I completely fell in love with every aspect of the country and culture. I never knew it was possible to fall in love so fast with something. If you are truly meant and called by God to be on your particular mission trip, I think it's impossible to not fall in love with the people and the place. Just open your heart and let God shine through!