Retreat Expectations

1. Arrive at the church early enough to pull out at 4:30 PM on Friday.
2. Arrange to cover the cost of 2 fast-food meals for the round-trip.
   
3. Arrive at the resort between 9 and 10 PM on Friday.
4. See list for what you should (and should not) bring.
5. Expect communication from me regarding food.

Google map of the retreat location
Website of the retreat location

We expect to depart Williamsburg at 11:30 AM on Sunday, thus arriving back to Bethel sometime after 4:30 PM, but Greg and I have also made arrangements to be absent from our home group, just in case we are significantly delayed.

Packing List:

• Pack everything ONE backpack (or backpack size bag).
• Bring minimal clothing. (Suggestion: one full change of clothes, plus however much underwear and other "personal" garments you need.)
• Bring a bathing suit if you would like to swim (outdoor pool, not heated)
• Bring personal hygiene items. (Cosmetics won't be needed, we're not trying to impress anyone, and may have neither the time nor resources for them in Bunia.)
• Bring the one food item that you have been called about.
• Bring your Bible and Congo Notebook
• Bring your Swahili flash cards and instructional papers, cultural handout, and English language training references.
• We do not need any Personal Electronic Entertainment Paraphernalia. (General rule of thumb - if it requires a plug or batteries, it is not likely to work in Bunia, nor is it probably necessary.)
• We do not need any bedding or towels.

Other notes:

• Backpack - in order to go to Congo, you will need to have a simple backpack that serves not only as a daypack for carrying your essentials (like TP, hand sanitizer, water, Bible, teaching materials), but also for our excursion to the game park, which is likely to be via a matatu (dinky little van) in which luggage space is limited to what you can hold in your lap and what will fit under your knees. That being said, I understand that some of you have not had time this week to search out such a bag. I do have a couple that would be suitable, and I am willing to lend them for the weekend. As an alternative, you may consider using a bag that is comparable in size to a backpack such as what I described. Not a rolling suitcase carry-on, not a dufflebag big enough for a field hockey stick, but something that will fit on your lap on under your knees.
• Homework - yes, there will be a block of time in which you can work on some homework, and no, I wouldn't consider that the materials you need to complete that work should constitute a portion of the very limited luggage space you have been apportioned. We will assess the situation upon arrival at church and figure out the best way to ensure that there is space aboard for your homework supplies and textbooks.