Ten Essentials (Digression)

As it today I get to write back to family and friends, why not have a little fun and share something that makes missionaries a little more human?  After all, missionaries are just like you-- except they want to share a wonderful message with you.  In whatever language they're assigned.  With the resources that they're given.  With a name tag.  Every day.  Until 9PM.  Including weekends and holidays.  For two years.

So this is my list of 10 things I don't leave home without.  The Bible and Book of Mormon are a definite given, so I won't put that on the list.

1. Daily Planner - A missionary's day is always filled with things to do!
2. Bath and Body Works Cashmere Glow Lotion - Quickly moisturizes skin while making it smell super good!
3. Parker Jotting Pen - These things are tanks-- plus, they (the blue, medium tip cartridge) never run out of ink while you write down an inspirational thought or two.
4. Karabiner - A convenient way to carry a vial of "healing" oil, an inspirational keyfob, apartment key, and car key all in one place!
5. Wallet - For obvious reasons
6. Burt's Bee's Lip Balm - For the arid California weather, chapped lips don't make for good lessons.
7. Wristwatch - You'd be surprised how much punctuality is an issue in the mission field!  Plus, if not the Bible, Book of Mormon, or your planner, you're going to be looking at this all day!
8. Name tag - You're a representative of Jesus Christ; how else are people going to know that?
9. Wisdom from the World according to Mister Rogers - Perhaps the most inspirational and most uplifting little booklet money can buy.
10. Notepad - If you're someone like me, it drives you nuts if you forget something that you had in mind about anything introspective or inspirational.