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CHAPTER 9
TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN
Why take your kids at all? That is a question that is often asked. The answer is that sometimes if you are going to answer the Lord’s call on your life, you have to take them with you. But there is a side of you (and often to a deafening chorus of disbelieving and non-encouraging families, friends and even church members) that screams all sorts of objections and questions: Aren’t there all sorts of diseases and dangers? Isn’t it too expensive? Do you have a right to disturb their schooling (soccer, friendships, cheerleading, etc)? To understand better, let’s listen to the words of a “veteran” short-term missionary wife: “At first, I was apprehensive about all of us living in such primitive conditions. I found my fears were overstated and nothing I really worried about ever came to pass. On the other hand, my husband and I saw tremendous growth in our children. They prayed more than they ever had, and the neat thing was that they could see a real and sometimes immediate direct correlation between their prayers and the effect of the prayers. “Our family time was very good and very enriching. My children had a chance to work with my husband and make rounds with him. They developed a new understanding and appreciation of what my husband’s medical career is all about. They could never do that in the US, and their relationship grew stronger because of it. The kids also joined me in ministering to the patients, the staff and the surrounding people. It was a sweet time for me. We all found out through these experiences that our true hope and strength comes from Christ. I think that when we remove the supports of the familiar, we all saw where the strength really came from. As a family, we could explore the Great Commission without the negative effects of peer pressure, media and conflicting demands on our time. They came away with more of a world view about God’s extended church, not just about our little church back home in comfortable North “From a purely ‘selfish’ standpoint, it was a great adventure with our family. We have bonded with shared experiences that will never be taken from us. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” Even with such glowing testimonies, it must be admitted that traveling with children adds a whole new dimension to the trip. Taking your children can be a blessing but it requires special planning in many areas. Passports for Children:
Passports, ticketing, and seats were discussed in Chapter 4. To briefly summarize, in the US, every
child now needs a passport. Children can no longer travel on their parent’s passport. A few hints about
applying for their passport: it is now necessary in the United States that both parents sign the application
in the presence of the person taking the application. This regulation was enacted in response to concerns
about abduction of a child by one parent in case of custody battles.
Another hint about passport photos for infants: take a white sheet or blanket for a background and put it between the infant seat and the child. No part of anyone or anything extraneous is allowed to be seen in the picture. If it is, they will require you to have new photos taken. This stratagem with a blanket allows you to support the infant without being seen in the picture. A Child-friendly Itinerary:
Planning your itinerary when traveling with children brings a different set of priorities into play. Given
the almost universal experience of some previous frustrating time on much shorter family trips, one of the
first concerns often raised is how the kids will tolerate the long trip. One of the questions to be answered
is whether you should arrange a layover? Well, that depends on whom you believe and how well you
know your own family. There are good arguments on both sides of the question. Proponents argue that
direct flights are more expensive and also that children often do not tolerate the long trips to remote
destinations well unless the traveling is broken up into more manageable sections. They would suggest
that you should consider deliberately scheduling a long layover in a hub city so that you can get a day
room or a regular room in a hotel. Use this time to let them nap, blow off steam and stretch their legs.
From “Your Mission: Get Ready, Get Set, GO!” Steffes 2002, 2010 If you are going to do that, consider using connecting hubs that are known to be especially “children friendly.” Many airports worldwide have children's lounges that permit play under parents' supervision. Examples are Kidsport at Logan Airport in Boston; Denver's Stapleton Airport; KLM's Junior Jet Lounge in Amsterdam provides a haven for children awaiting connecting flights; O’Hare Airport in Chicago has another great children’s play area; and London’s Gatwick Airport. When you plan your itinerary, be sure to ask your travel agent about what is available in the hubs where you will be or search the Internet. Opponents of layovers (and any non-direct flight) make the following arguments against longer  It is just one more place that is strange to you and in which you have to try to figure out the layout, to transport children, to transport a pile of luggage, and to exchange money into a confusing and unknown currency so you can buy snacks and drinks.  If you have to pick up your luggage, it is one more hassle with yet another opportunity for someone to lose your luggage, to argue with you about your passport and visa, to give you a hassle about customs, and last but not least, to have you pay extra baggage charges. This is especially true if you had to pick up your luggage at the airport and are now subject to the lower weight allowances of many international and in-country airlines for the next leg.  Your obligation to amuse, entertain and referee your children does not stop just because you are in a hotel room instead of being the plane. One of the adults will still have to stay awake if the children can’t sleep; perhaps both of you!  Layovers mean the actual trip will take even longer from door-to-door. Why would you want to do So, what to do? We will leave the decision strictly up to you! No matter what you decide to do, allow the children to take regular walks about the airplane during long flights. It is good for your own circulation as well. For long trips, seriously consider getting each child a ticket for a seat. It used to be that children under the age of 2 years traveled free on most airlines, but this is usually no longer the case. They will often make some charge (e.g. 10% of the adult rate) even if the child sits on your lap. To provide your children with their own seat, the price is usually 60–75% of the adult rate but at least this is partially offset by a full luggage quota for the child. Check with your agent regarding the airline you will use and their policies for children. In addition to the points listed above, consider the following:  If you can, schedule your flight to avoid the busiest times of day at airports (8 to 10 AM, 4 to 7 PM). This is especially helpful when you are traveling with children who must sit on your lap. When you make your reservations, try to avoid a full flight even in the “non-busy” hours.  Give yourself plenty of time—arrive at the airport and check in early so that you can get the baby  If you have to change planes, be sure to schedule adequate time for the connection.  Airplane food being what it is and children being what they are, you might want to consider ordering special meals for the children. Many airlines have special meals designed for children. If you have strong feelings about your child’s nutrition, you might ask exactly what food they are likely to serve, and then decide if you want to take up your valuable space with a picnic lunch of more wholesome foods. Seats and Child Restraint Systems:
As also discussed previously in Chapter 4, every type of seat location has its benefits and
drawbacks. Select the seats that will best serve your needs. Since, as a parent you are concerned about
safety for your children on the ground once you have arrived at your destination, it makes sense to take a
child restraint system (CRS) with you if it can be used both on the plane and in a vehicle when you land.
Ask your airline if they can provide a CRS – if so, they may require you to check your own as baggage
(you will still need one for the car trips to and from the airport). Be sure you know the difference between
From “Your Mission: Get Ready, Get Set, GO!” Steffes 2002, 2010
a CRS and a child safety device. A child safety device is an FAA-approved alternative to using a hard-
backed seat and is approved only for use on aircraft. It is not approved for use in motor vehicles. For
example, the FAA has approved a new harness-type device (CARES™) appropriate for children weighing
between 22 and 44 pounds. It is light and easy to pack, but is not safe for children riding in a car
however. Not all airlines approve their use – and they will have the final say, so check ahead of time.
Here are some tips for child restraint systems:
Proper use of an approved child restraint system on an aircraft enhances child safety in the event of an accident. A CRS also provides protection for a child during turbulence. The FAA strongly recommends that all children who fly, regardless of their age, use the appropriate restraint based on their size and weight.  Children less than 20 lbs should be in a rear-facing seat.  From 20-40 lbs use a forward-facing seat or booster.  Children over 40 pounds use a regular seatbelt. Place the infant seat in the window seat or on wide-bellied jets, the center seats of the center section, so they do not block egress in the case of an emergency. Let the airline know you intend to use a child restraint system to see if it is permitted. Only ticketed children are guaranteed a seat and therefore only they have the right to use a child-restraint system. Make sure you have reserved two adjacent seats. Some, but certainly not all airlines, will allow you to use one if the seat next to you is empty even if fare for the child has not been paid, but you can’t count on it. The CRS must be FAA approved. It must have "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft" printed on it. Otherwise, you may be asked to check the CRS as baggage. A harness system must have “"FAA Approved in Accordance with 14CFR 21.305(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only" on it. In Europe and the UK, a car seat must be ECE approved (take a restraint meeting the R44 standard), but not all airlines allow them. The use of an FAA-approved seat in the UK (or Europe) or an ECE approved seat in the US may not be permitted. This is more an insurance liability issue than a safety issue. Ask your travel agent or the airlines to check about current regulations and alternatives. British Airway’s and some other airlines now have toddler seat (and carrycot) facilities. Some foreign airlines will not allow the use of any child restraint system. Check the width of your CRS. While airline seats vary in width, a CRS no wider than 16" should fit in most coach seats. A CRS wider than 16" is unlikely to fit, even if the armrests are moved out of the way. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding use of the CRS. Do not place a child in a If you need to change planes to make a connecting flight, it can be very challenging to carry a CRS, a child, and other items through a busy airport. Most airlines will help parents make the connection. Request that the airline arrange for assistance in your connecting city. For more information, call: 1-800-FAA-SURE (1-800-322-7873), 1-866-TELL-FAA (1-866-835-5322) or check the web at http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/. Clothing and Diapers:
Your proposed itinerary, the expected weather, the amount of time you are willing to dedicate to washing and the need for packing light are all factors in what you choose to bring. At the very least, you can get by with two sets of clothes: one to wear and one to wash. Also take extra socks, underwear, a hat, a jacket, nightclothes, and perhaps a dress if you have a girl. Make sure they are mix-and-match, don’t show dirt easily, and are easy to maintain. If your itinerary requires a lot of a time in a crowd, make sure they are brightly or distinctively colored, and throw in a whistle that they can wear on a lanyard or pin. It allows them to signal you when they get lost (don’t give it to them on the plane!). Since they are going to be wearing them frequently, it helps if they like the clothes you have selected. Remember, the longer a term you are serving overseas, the more important it is to remember that children grow. You may need to bring the next sizes with you. Babies are another matter because of their need for more frequent changes. Diapers (nappies) are a major decision. Disposable diapers can be both hard to find and expensive, but can’t be beat for easy disposability while traveling. Check ahead with someone in-country to find out whether the diapers are available and how costly it will be. Cloth diapers can be difficult to find anymore in the United States, given the predominant use of disposables, but may be equally difficult to find in foreign countries, so you can’t automatically assume they will be more available. Cloth diapers do have the advantage of doubling From “Your Mission: Get Ready, Get Set, GO!” Steffes 2002, 2010 as towels and bibs in a pinch. Take a minimum of a dozen if you are going to use them. Safety pins may also be hard to find easily in some foreign countries, so you may wish to take them with you. A collapsible camping bucket, available at camping stores or on the Internet, may be good to take in order to soak the dirty diapers before laundering them. Plastic pants can be hard to find in Third-World countries and in warm climes they can precipitate a nasty diaper rash. Cotton over-pants will not keep everyone else dry like plastic does but they “breathe” better and are sometimes better tolerated by the baby. If you opt for the use of disposable diapers with plans of purchasing them in the country, consider taking a roll of masking tape to use in case the adhesive or fasteners fail. Diapers available overseas are often made with less quality, especially the adhesive used on the tabs. A warning –don’t carry the roll of tape in your carry-on luggage or you are likely to have it confiscated. A good compromise is to take as many disposable diapers from home as you have room for (fortunately, they are not heavy and make great packing material) and use them for traveling, saving the reusable cotton diapers for more stable conditions. As a protection against insect bites and cool weather, also consider a sleeping bag for baby’s nightwear. This refers not to the camping type of sleeping bag but rather the lightweight cotton bags that
are put on like a nightgown but with a closed bottom like a bag. Cotton, flannel or woolen ones of various
weights can be used depending on the climate. Pajamas with feet as a part of them are another option.
Other Accessories:
Port-a-cots or the combined bed/playpen combinations are sometimes a good choice. Often the airline won’t charge for this as a separate piece of baggage, but you will want to call ahead to make sure. The extra baggage charge is often about equal to the price of the accessory, so one alternative is to buy one in country. This obviously requires a bit of detective work ahead of time to find out if and where such an accessory could be purchased in your destination country. Another alternative is to have something made by a local craftsman for the baby to sleep in when you get there, but with that alternative, you either have to arrange to have it done before you get there or wait until it is finished. In any event, leave it in the country. It will save you baggage charges and the missionaries or people you worked with may love to have it. A stroller, or perhaps some other form of baby carrier discussed in the next section, is the one almost indispensable accessory. There are three types to consider: a good collapsible travel stroller, a true travel system (which combines a car seat and a stroller), or a collapsible, wheeled frame that that will carry a number of different models of infant seats. The travel system is the most flexible but often the most expensive and can be rather bulky. The travel stroller is suitable for the largest span in age and weight groups. The infant seat stroller system is only suitable for smaller infants and only for use with certain models of infant seats. Usually, any of these options for strollers can be used right up to the airplane door where they are then checked. Make sure you understand whether the stroller will be returned to the airplane exit at the next destination or whether it is then handled like regular luggage to be picked up at the baggage carousel. The latter can be a problem if you absolutely have to have the stroller to schlep all the children through a large airport. Strollers have the relative disadvantage of being easy to use only when the terrain is not too steep and is relatively smooth. In order to get around those limitations, baby-carriers (where the infant is carried in front of the adult) and infant backpacks (carrying the infant behind you) are alternatives. There is a modification of the backpack that is a combined collapsible stroller and backpack. The model you decide upon depends largely on how comfortable the design is for you, the weight of the child, the amount of time you expect to carry the child, and the type of terrain you expect. The wheeled backpacks are neither particularly good strollers nor particularly comfortable backpacks, but are great if you do not plan to do too much of either mode of transportation. Before you purchase one, see if you can borrow one from someone and carry your child for a few hours. It may well point out the need for another more comfortable model. If you do not expect to have to carry a child in a backpack, but once you are there you find you wish you could carry a child that way, you always have the option of “going native,” carrying the child next to you using a sarong or similar piece of cloth. Admittedly, a booster chair or some sort of portable highchair is somewhat of a luxury, but either is sometimes very nice thing to have. There are also table-mounted chairs that lock onto any table but most are limited to children who weight no more than 35 pounds. Lightweight plastic booster seats that are good for travel when you have a slightly older child are also available. If your child is toilet-training, a small plastic potty chair or a training lid that fits onto a regular commode may be desirable for you to carry along. For smaller children who are already toilet-trained but From “Your Mission: Get Ready, Get Set, GO!” Steffes 2002, 2010 who have small capacity bladders, having one of these along can be a blessing, especially if you are taking long car trips as part of your journey. Feeding Your Baby Overseas:
Checklist for food preparation and feeding
Formula can be hard to get overseas and is often equipment
expensive. Breast-feeding, continued until you return if at all possible, has the advantages of easy availability, Small travel kettle to boil water for easy preparation, low-cost and sterility. If you need to make up powdered commercial formula, ALWAYS prepare it with boiled water to prevent the passage of intestinal pathogens that can make a small infant very ill. Remember at altitude, you may need to boil the water as long as ten minutes. Since refrigeration may be hard to Food mulcher/grinder that allows you come by, make up only what you will use at the time. You may want to take along a hand-operated breast pump in case you need to express milk for some reason. Travel packs are available but remember that you will have to have one that works on the local voltage. Plastic baby bottles are better for travelers. They are lighter than glass ones and cannot break. The American Association of Pediatrics has stated that sterilization of baby bottles is not necessary if you are using a (safe) municipal water supply, however that is not a given in the Third World. Your alternatives are to wash the bottles, nipples and caps with warm soapy water, then rinse with previously boiled water and air-dry (completely). A possibly safer option is to sterilize the bottles by boiling (5–10 minutes depending on altitude and water quality). If you chose the latter option, try this at home before you go to make sure your plastic bottles do not melt or distort with the heat. Pre-processed baby foods can be hard to get and you may need to be able to produce your own. Processed baby food is often not available where you are going. Buying a blender in country is one alternative but in any event, we would recommend that you take a small hand-powered mulcher/grinder. If you have the ability to process a whole can of fruit or vegetables at once and have a freezer, you can freeze the puree in the ice cube trays. This makes a convenient way to store the food and make it easy to warm up and mix and match portions. Bedding:
For baby, take two cotton sheets, a warm blanket, a square of plastic (for changing), and a waterproof undersheet (for those with bed-wetting problems). Consider taking a lambskin. The lambskin can serve
for something to cuddle against, something to keep the child warm on cold nights and when used as
something to sleep on, can keep the child cooler on warm nights. Where insects are a problem, especially
in malarious areas, a mosquito net is mandatory. These can usually be purchased in country and that is
easier to do than hauling them from the home. However, if you want custom-fitted mosquito nets for
playpens and strollers, you will most likely have to buy them in the US or spend time making them when
you get there. Remember, prevention of mosquito bites is ALWAYS better than chemical prophylaxis.
Screening at the airport:
Sadly, in these days and times, everyone must be screened at the airport. Even babies must be
screened. Before you go, you should explain to the older children what will happen and help them
practice the event. You cannot keep the child in the infant carrier, which must go through the x-ray
machine, along will all carry-on bags, strollers, booster-seats, etc. If you equipment cannot fit into the
machine, they will inspect it by hand.
If your child can walk without assistance, they will ask the child and you to walk through separately. If the child must be carried, you may not pass the child to another person behind or front of you during the process and the security officer is not allowed to hold the child. You may be asked to help the officer screen the child if it is necessary. You are probably aware of the 3:1:1 rule – all liquids, gels and aerosols must be in a 3.4 ounce (100 ml) or smaller container (rolled up toothpaste tubes or partially-full bottles that are larger are not allowed). Those must all be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top clear plastic bag. Large bags are not allowed and you may only have one. The bag must be x-rayed separately from other things. But what about From “Your Mission: Get Ready, Get Set, GO!” Steffes 2002, 2010
baby formula, medications, breast milk and juice. Relax. The TSA states that these things “are allowed
in reasonable quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces (100ml) and are not required to be in the zip-top bag.
Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.” (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/)
Before leaving home, give thought to how the children are dressed and how their shoes are fastened – collecting all the stuff, tying lots of shoes and trying to get them re-dressed on the other side of security is not fun! And a final warning: Remind your child that it's illegal to make any kind of jokes about bombs. According to the FAA website, even a child's jest can result in fines and delays.
The Airplane Trip Itself—Ascent and Descent:
For takeoff and landing, if the baby is sitting on your lap and does not have a ticket, put the seat belt
around just you and hold your baby on your lap or put it in a front carrier. Don't place the seat belt around
the baby unless it is one the special ones that is designed for that. If the baby has a seat and you have a
child restraint system, be sure to use it according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Remember that your baby's ears may plug up or hurt on takeoff or landing due to the change in cabin air pressure. Landing is usually more likely to cause trouble than ascent. Swallowing helps equalize the air pressure. You can help keep your baby's ears clear by nursing or feeding when the plane is climbing and descending. Because sucking on a pacifier does not always stimulate swallowing, feeding is a better option than a pacifier. Sometimes getting the child to feed requires some manipulation of your feeding schedule during the flight. Older children can chew gum, use a bottled drink, suck a lollipop or use a spout cup to drink as they ascend and descent. Using antihistamines and decongestants for children to prevent this problem is a point of great debate. If the child is having a great deal of discomfort, having a liquid painkiller for the child may make things easier. Over the counter preparations of antihistamines and decongestants may prevent the trouble and encourage the baby to sleep. If you decide to use it, it must be given at least thirty minutes before it is needed to have maximum effect. If your children have nasal congestion and signs of a cold when they fly, it is something to consider very seriously because such the pressure build-up can make the children very uncomfortable. Be aware that some children have adverse effects to these medications and become more irritable. Keeping Children Occupied in Flight:
Most carriers provide in-flight coloring books and small Child's own pack:
playthings with a travel theme to help occupy time. Airlines restrict the use of portable video games (please— use with headphones only!), tapes, and CD players. There are indications that these items may interfere with aircraft communications and navigation systems. Check with the airline before boarding. Usually, you can use them while Small cars, plastic animals or dolls Chewy sweets for take off and landing Have each child wear his own daypack that contains his own items for entertainment, snacks, and drinks. What Spill resistant cup (or spout) cup you pack is obviously very age-dependant. Smaller children require more thought and attention since they are often least successful at entertaining themselves. Pack a Cassette or CD player with earphones few surprises in there for them. It is very dry in a plane, so have lotion handy for your hands and theirs. Be sure to pack batteries if you expect the electronic gizmo to keep them occupied for the whole flight. If you pack crayons, make sure they are the non-rolling kind in case they fall off the seat tray. Bringing toys is something that mothers either swear by or swear at. It depends on the age of the child. If your child is at the stage of playing the game of throwing something on the floor to let you retrieve it, do NOT bring small toys. Cramped seating makes this game painful for you. Select their favorite toys and plan to bring them out only one at a time. You may want to have a few From “Your Mission: Get Ready, Get Set, GO!” Steffes 2002, 2010
favorite toys disappear a few days before departure so he will be extra happy to see them and play with
them on the plane and remember—hold some back for the flight home, too. Make sure your toys for
babies have a string or ribbon tied on them so you can easily retrieve them. Make sure they are cheap, so
you can leave them if it isn’t worth crawling under the seat two rows back! Do not take musical toys
unless you want everyone to hate you. There is also always the risk that forty-two straight choruses of
“It’s A Small World After All” will cause you to go berserk. For older children, have them help pack the
backpack to be carried on with them.
Babies in Flight:
The first bit of advice is to the mother: forsake fashion and pursue comfort. Dress as comfortably as you
can. Go in comfy shorts/pants, shoes, and shirt, remembering what the weather will be like at your
destination! Given the tendency of babies to spill and sling food, you might wish to have a clean top in
your carry-on to change into before landing. Dress your little one in as little as possible, perhaps only an
onesie and socks. If you are concerned about the baby’s warmth, remember that you are usually allowed
to board before the others, so grab a blanket before they are gone. Pack a couple of changes of clothing
for the baby because they are likely to soil their clothing.
Diapering can be a hassle on the plane. No airplane lavatory is overly spacious and many smaller domestic lines do not have a changing table in their lavatories. Change the baby just before you board. Try to double-diaper or use ultra-absorbent disposable diapers, put on just before you board the plane, and then change in the airport bathroom after the flight arrives. Bring along a changing pad (or piece of plastic) and if push comes to shove, you can change small children on the tray table or an empty seat next to you. Please have consideration for your fellow passengers and do this only if the baby is wet and not if he or she is distinctly malodorous! If you do change diapers on the plane, remember that flight attendants, because they need to deliver food to the rest of the passengers and for their own health, cannot handle the dirty diapers unless they are wrapped in a plastic bag. Even then they will sometimes refuse to do so. Do everyone a favor. Bring plastic bags in your diaper bag and take care of them yourself without asking the stewardess to do it for you. If you forgot the plastic bags, you can use an airsickness bag to dispose of the diapers. The flight attendants can warm baby food and bottles for you. Some airlines have baby meals that you can request in advance. If you use formula, pre-measure the amounts you need and bring disposable plastic bags, add warm water, seal the bag, mix by repeated squeezing and then pour it into the bottle. Also, be sure to bring small snacks your baby can nibble on and play with: Cheerios®, bagels, etc. Be sure to clean up your seat area before you deplane. Given all the equipment you have to carry when you travel with a baby, it is easiest to let other passengers deplane before you.
Children in the Airport:
Do your homework ahead of time and head toward the children’s play area. Allow extra time at the airport – both for arrival and for the layovers. As you know, everything takes l- Give your older child safety rules, such as what to do if you become separated. Should she stay One way to pass time in the airport is to give your child a little "airport allowance." Visiting the shops in search of the perfect snack or a magazine can keep kids happy and busy for extended periods. Even if you don't ordinarily use a child tether, consider using one just in the airport. Remember, you will be distracted when checking in and claiming your luggage. There may be moments when you have to
let go of your child's hand.

Health Issues:1
Please check with your child’s physician and with the latest CDC recommendations (www.cdc.gov) and
look for the sections about traveling with children to get up to date information about vaccinations,
1 The material in this section is presented for your information but it not meant to take the place of an informed consultation from your physician or healthcare provider. From “Your Mission: Get Ready, Get Set, GO!” Steffes 2002, 2010 malarial prophylaxis and treatment of traveler’s diarrhea. There is a wealth of good information available at the other sites listed in the appendix entitled “Helpful Web Sites.” What are discussed below are general guidelines to preserve your child’s health and are not to replace the specific directions of your physician. Remember: To Carry-on with you if traveling with children:
a couple of plastic baby spoons and a bowl with a Formula (premeasured in sealable plastic bags) Bottle of fresh drinking water (for mixing formula in overseas airports and other emergencies  Entertainment surprises for the older children  Plastic bags for disposal of diapers Travel pack of wet wipes or washcloth and soap in Cotton cot sheets if a sky-cot will be available A change of clothes for you and your child Front pack for carrying a small baby Purse or fanny-pack containing your personal items passport, tickets, money, credit card, ATM card, lipstick and a mirror, toothbrush & toothpaste formulations of prescription drugs may be hard to get overseas. Taking some, if you child is known to have recurrent problems with middle ear infections, bronchitis, asthma, etc, is probably wise. A packet or two of
oral rehydration solution may help you.
Traveler’s diarrhea in children is one of the greatest risks of traveling for two reasons. First, children do
not tolerate dehydration well and secondly, many of the medications commonly used for diarrhea should
not be used in children. Most pediatricians would recommend that antibiotics, e.g., ciprofloxacin or other
fluroquinolones, and tetracyclines, are contraindicated. Talk with your child’s doctor about treatment
regimens before you leave on the trip. If, despite your precautions, the diarrhea begins, begin treatment
to prevent dehydration before it sets in. Soups, thin porridges, and other safe beverages are advised. Milk
should be avoided both because of a possible lactose intolerance induced by the infection and because it
may aggravate the situation by causing an osmotic diarrhea. Infants with diarrhea who exhibit signs of
mild dehydration, such as thirst and restlessness, should be given an oral rehydration solution (ORS) to
drink. This is a packet of salt and carbohydrates that should be prepared following the package
From “Your Mission: Get Ready, Get Set, GO!” Steffes 2002, 2010
instructions and using boiled or treated water. It is widely available abroad. If it is not available, in an
emergency, make up a solution with 8 teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt to a liter of water.
With either ORS solution, continue to have the child drink even if the child initially vomits the fluid back
up. Much of it will have been absorbed. If bloody diarrhea, dehydration, fevers in excess of 102° F and
chills, or persistent vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical help.
Vaccinations:
There are some general CDC guidelines specifically for vaccinations in young children but the schedule
should be reviewed with your physician as far in advance of your trip as possible.
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis:
Infants and children up to 2 years of age should have received at least 3 and preferably 4 doses of
diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine by 2 years of age. One dose of DTaP affords
little protection, 2 doses provide some protection and 3 doses 70%–80% protection.
Parents must be aware that a child with less than the minimum of 3 recommended doses of DTaP may not be protected from pertussis. Travelers should consider receiving the remaining doses of the vaccine at the recommended intervals (at least 1 month between each of the first 3 doses; 6 months between the third and fourth dose) while abroad, but it is very important for travelers to realize that the potency and efficacy of vaccines depends on the strict maintenance of what is known as the “cold chain.” This means that the vaccine must be kept refrigerated to maintain its potency and any relatively short exposures to warm temperatures can deactivate the vaccine. Maintenance of a cold chain can be a difficult thing to do and to maintain in many developing countries, so it is important to check the source of any vaccines obtained overseas. If the cold chain were broken, there would be a risk that the child will not receive an effective vaccine. A booster of Tdap is recommended at age 11 – 12 (or later if not received). Ideally, it should be at least five years from the previous dose but can be used if pertussis immunity is required.
Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR):
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine should be administered to all children 12 months of age or
older with a second dose at age 4 – 6. The second dose may be given before age 4, provided that at
least 28 days have elapsed since the first dose.
Measles vaccine or MMR may be given to infants 6–11 months of age who are going to areas of high Infants less than 6 months of age are protected by maternally derived antibodies. Polio:
Four doses of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) are recommended for all infants and children by 2 years of
age (usually 2 months, 4 months, 6 – 18 months and 4 – 6 years).
If an accelerated schedule is needed, the minimum interval between the first three doses is 4 weeks and the minimum interval before the 4th dose is six months. A dose of IPV should be administered at age
4 or greater regardless of the number of previous doses.
Hepatitis A:
Under 2 years of age, immune globulin for protection against hepatitis A is recommended for infants and
children traveling to areas of the world with intermediate or high rates of hepatitis A. Hepatitis A vaccines
are not currently licensed for use by children less than 12 months of age
Over 12 months of age, the usual vaccination program (all children aged 12 – 23 months with two doses six months apart) is recommended if there is time; if not, immune globulin should be considered
Hepatitis B:
Three doses of hepatitis B vaccine are recommended for all children by 2 years of age. The vaccination
series may be begun at birth before discharge from the hospital. The first 2 doses should be separated by
at least 4 weeks. The third dose should follow the second dose by at least 2 months, and be given at
least 4 months after the first dose. The third dose should not be given before 6 months of age.
Hemophilus Influenza Vaccine:
Two, three or four doses (depending entirely on the brand of vaccine used) of Hib vaccine are
recommended by age 2 years. The vaccine can be given as early as 6 weeks of age, and each of the first
2 or 3 doses should be separated by at least 4 weeks but usually 8 weeks. The last (third or fourth) dose
of the series should be given on or after 12 months of age.
Human Papilloma Virus:
The first dose should be administered to (only) females at age 11 or 12 years. The second dose is 2
months after the first and the third dose 6 months after the third dose.
From “Your Mission: Get Ready, Get Set, GO!” Steffes 2002, 2010
Influenza: Administer annually to children aged 6 months through 18 years. Two doses are
recommended (separated by at least 4 weeks) for children under 9 years of age who are receiving the
vaccine for the first time or who only received a single dose the previous year.
Typhoid Fever:
As mentioned above, small children are most easily protected by breast-feeding and careful preparation
of their food. There is no vaccine now approved in the US for children under the age of 2 years of age.
The injectable ViCPS typhoid vaccine (Typhim Vi, Sanofi Pasteur) is recommended for children between
2 and 6 years of age traveling to areas where there is questionable sanitation. It is given as a single
injection but the child must be vaccinated every two years. It must be given 2 weeks before exposure.
The oral vaccine (Ty21 a, Crucell/Berna) is not recommended for children under 6 years of age. It consists for four capsules taken every other day and is good for five years. It should be completed 1
week before exposure. Do not give within 72 hours of any antibiotic agent.
Meningococcal Vaccine:
The first dose is usually at 11 or 12 years, but can be administered earlier in patients who are high risk
you’re your provider for advice). Protection may not be completely effective in children vaccinated
between 3 months and 2 years, especially for vaccination before 3 months of age. It is usually only given
in children 2 years of age or older. The vaccine may be given to infants safely, but it may be less effective
than in adults. If the child was originally vaccinated with MPSV (meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine)
three years or more earlier and remains in a high-risk area, the child should be revaccinated with MCV
(meningococcal conjugate vaccine).
Rotavirus:
Administer the first dose at age 6 through 14 weeks (maximum age for the first dose is 14 weeks and six
days). If older than 15 weeks or older, it should not be initiated. The next two doses should be given two
months apart with the last one given no later than 8 months and 0 days. Rotatrix® does not require a
dose at six months if the doses were given at 2 and 4 months.
Pneumococcus:
There are two vaccines available. PCV (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) is recommended for all
children younger than 5 years in age and is given as a single dose. It is usually given during ages 24 –
59 months, but the minimum age is 6 weeks.
PPSV (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine) has a minimum age of 2 years of age and is indicated for
those certain underlying medical conditions. Please see your healthcare provider for specifics.
Varicella:
The first dose is usually given at age 12 months (the minimum age) with the second dose at age 4 – 6
years. The second dose may be administered before age 4, provided at least 3 months have elapsed
since the first dose (although not recommended, 28 days is accepted as the minimum).
Yellow Fever Vaccine:
Infants less than 4 months of age: not recommended.
Infants 6–9 months: give if travel to area of risks is absolutely necessary and there is not a high level of protectionfrom mosquito bites. It is advised that your physician contact 800-CDC-INFO for further advice. Infants greater than 9 months: as required for travel to areas where the vaccination is required (South America & Africa)

Malaria Prophylaxis for Children:
Please remember that there are many other diseases that are insect borne besides malaria and the best
prophylaxis for all of them is not to be bitten at all. See the section in the chapter on health tips to review
the things you can do to avoid insect bites and to get a good general background in mosquito-borne
diseases. For children, use something approved for children with the following CDC-recommended
repellents:
1. Repellents with DEET concentrations no greater than 30% to 35% (including, but not limited to: 2. Picardin (including, but not limited to: Cutter Advanced, Skin-so-Soft Bug Guard Plus, Autan (the 3. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (PMD). Products include but are not limited to: Repel 4. IR3535 (including but not limited to: Skin-so-Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition) From “Your Mission: Get Ready, Get Set, GO!” Steffes 2002, 2010 The effect should last about 4 hours with one application if the concentration of the active ingredient is >10%. It will need to be reapplied if the child stays out longer, sweats profusely or gets wet. Use according to label directions, wash it off when the child returns indoors, avoid applying to wounds or broken skin, avoid breathing or swallowing it, and avoid use on the hands (where it might get transferred to the eyes or mouth). Use permethrin treated mosquito nets for sleeping. When you visit your health care provider before you leave on your trip, be sure to discuss malaria prophylaxis. Here are some general tips:  Buy your drugs in North America: the reliability and availability of generic drugs in other countries  Some medications have scored tablets and the prescribed dosage may mean you can use a half or a fourth of a tablet. For children who require dosages that do not easily yield to such a method, or who do not easily swallow tablets, have the prescription filled at a full-service pharmacy that compounds drugs. The pharmacist should grind the tablet, weigh each dose, and store the powder in a gelatin capsule. This service usually takes 3-4 days.  Since mefloquine, chloroquine, and Malarone taste very bitter, prepare the child's dose of medication by breaking open the gelatin capsule and mixing the drug with something sweet, such as applesauce, chocolate syrup, or jelly. The dosage, contraindications and appropriate drugs are listed at the web site http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/travel/drugs_children_public.htm. The recommended drugs for chloroquine-resistant malaria are mefloquine, doxycycline and Malarone® (atovaquone/proguanil). Primaquine has some limited applicability as well. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are recommended only if the malaria in the area is known to be chloroquine-sensitive. One drug combination, used for prophylaxis in some countries for children because it is tasteless, is not available in the US. This is a combination of pyimethamine and dapsone (Maloprim). Resistance is increasing to this drug. It has a small risk of wiping out your bone marrow’s production of certain white cells (granulocytes) and is less effective against P. vivax. It is not a recommended drug. These drugs have the same indications for usage in children as listed in the malaria section of the chapter on health but have some differences in the pediatric age group and they are listed by drug below. As always, leave the final decision up to your health care provider. Mefloquine: Can to be taken by children of all ages and weights who are not allergic to it, who do not have seizure disorders, or conduction abnormalities of the heart. Prophylaxis should begin 2weeks before departure, continued weekly on the same day of the week and taken for four weeks after leaving the malaria-risk area. Take on a full stomach to reduce nausea, the most common side effect. Nausea and vomiting usually do not require stopping the drug. If the child vomits the drug within 30 minutes, the parent should give the child another dose of the drug. Remember to mix it with something sweet. If the child vomits after 30 minutes, he or she has absorbed enough of the drug and a second dose is not required. The incidence of neuropsychiatric symptoms has not been well documented in children, but appears to be low. It is contraindicated in those children with documented depression or other neuropsychiatric diseases and in those with a history of non-febrile seizures. Doxycycline: Do not give to children under the age of 8; teeth may become permanently stained. Since children have the tendency to play outside, the photosensitivity of tetracyclines is an important side effect. Children should avoid the midday sun, use a high-SPF sun block, and wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat. Parents are advised to give doxycycline on a full stomach, for example, after dinner, to minimize nausea. Do not let the child lie down for 1 hour after taking the drug to prevent reflux. Malarone: Do not give to children less than 11 pounds (5 kg) in weight or who have severe renal impairment. Although the CDC states that it may be used for infants and children who weight between 5 and 11 kg, it also notes that this constitutes off-label use in the United States. From “Your Mission: Get Ready, Get Set, GO!” Steffes 2002, 2010 Prophylaxis should begin two days before arrival in the country and, because of its mechanism of action against the malaria parasites, can be stopped seven days after return. It is given daily after a meal or milk. Although side effects are rare, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and headache may occur. It is expensive. Chloroquine & hydroxychloroquine: Use if, and only if, traveling to areas where chloroquine-resistant malaria is NOT a problem. It can be given to young infants with dosage based on weight. Start 1 week before entering the country and continue for four weeks after leaving the country. It is Although side effects are rare, nausea and vomiting, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, and itching have been reported. Give the drug on a full stomach to minimize the nausea. Both drugs may worsen the symptoms of psoriasis (not a common problem in children). Hydroxychloroquine may be better tolerated than chloroquine. Primaquine: Children must be tested for G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase) deficiency and have a documented normal G6PD level before use. Primaquine can cause a fatal hemolytic anemia (bursting of the red cells) if the child is deficient in G6PD. Dosage is based on the child’s weight. The first dose is given 1-2 days prior to travel, continued daily at the same time each day and continued for 7 days after leaving the risk area. Do not share the drug
with others!
The most common side effects are stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.
Self-treatment for a Presumptive Diagnosis of Malaria:
Malaria can be fatal, especially in small children. Malaria symptoms will occur at least seven to nine days
after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Fever in the first week of travel is therefore unlikely to be
malaria; however, travelers should be advised to have any fever promptly evaluated. It is always better to
treat the flu like malaria than to treat malaria like the flu. With this in mind, if the child develops fever or
other flu-like symptoms, and professional medical care is not available within 24 hours, a self-treatment
dose of Malarone™ is recommended Parents should be advised to seek professional medical care as
soon as possible after treating their child (see Table 2).
Fansidar is considered by some to be a second-level option if you know that the malaria in that area is Fansidar-sensitive). Fansidar resistance is known to occur in the Amazon basis of South America, Southeast Asia and the African counties of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Mozambique, and South Africa. Use Fansidar® only if the child is NOT allergic to sulfa drugs. Use Malarone™ if your child is not taking Malarone for prophylaxis. Children on Malarone prophylaxis who take presumptive self-treatment should use Fansidar if they are traveling to an area without Fansidar resistance. Consult the CDC Malaria Hotline (770-488-7788) or consult your physician for advice for children who cannot take Fansidar or Malarone for presumptive self-treatment. If the child becomes ill during the first year after your return from a trip, always consider the diagnosis of malaria and make sure your health-care provider knows where you have traveled.
Table 1. Prescription Drugs for Malaria
(modified from the CDC web site http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2010/chapter-
2/malaria.aspx)
DRUG USAGE
COMMENTS
From “Your Mission: Get Ready, Get Set, GO!” Steffes 2002, 2010
Table 1. Prescription Drugs for Malaria
(modified from the CDC web site http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2010/chapter-
2/malaria.aspx)
DRUG USAGE
COMMENTS
**(adult tablets contain 250 mg atovaquone and 100 mg proguanil) psychiatric disorders; or with cardiac conduction abnormalities. Table 2. Prescription Drugs for Presumptive Self-Treatment of Malaria
From “Your Mission: Get Ready, Get Set, GO!” Steffes 2002, 2010 DRUG USAGE
Self-treatment drug to be used if professional Daily dose to be taken for 3 medical care is not available within 24 hours. Seek medical care immediately after self- adult* strength tablets: 5-8 kg: ½ adult tablet 8 – 10: ¾ adult tablet 10-20 kg: 1 adult tablet 21-30 kg: 2 adult tablets 31-40 kg: 3 adult tablets >40 kg: 4 adult tablets *(Adult tablets contain 250 mgatovaquone/100 mg proguanil.) Self-treatment drug to be used if professional 5-10 kg: 1/2 tablet medical care is not available within 24 hours. Seek medical care immediately after self- 21-30 kg: 1 1/2 tablets 31-45 kg: 2 tablets >45 kg: 3 tablets
Once You Are There:
As a spouse, you too have a big job on the mission field. The success of the trip depends as much upon
you as it does your spouse who seems to have the more “glamorous” role. How is that? You are settled
into your new place. You have learned the truth of the axiom that it takes a lot of time just to live on the
mission field. Your family is safe from water borne diseases, well-fed and clothed in clean clothes. But
there is still more that falls to your shoulders: keeping them emotionally content, spiritually fed and
adequately educated. Don’t worry; you can do it with God’s help!
Preparing Them for the Trip and Helping Them Document It:
The amount of preparation to get the children ready for this change in their routine varies on both the age
of the children and the health of your relationship with them. Small children do not need to be consulted
about whether you go, but woe to the parents who uproot their teen-agers without having previously
discussed it with them in detail. Educating them about the trip and your goals and motives is probably the
most important thing and it may take some time to help the children work their way to the point that they
are excited about going.
Before you make the final decision, let them know about the mission field you are interested in and why you might be interested in going there. Use videotapes and pictures from the mission agency or the mission agency itself as a point of discussion. If possible, have someone from that mission field in your home for a visit. Be honest with them about your own motives, hopes and fears as you go along. Do some homework yourself and know what the missionaries are doing in the country, what needs are present and how the whole family might help. Concentrating your information on the plights and problems of families and individuals helps personalize the problem. Encourage the children to research a specific problem, people group, or country in order to encourage them to understand better what they will see and to get a better emotional “buy-in.” Involve them in the planning. Make an itinerary of each day's plans and include a couple of activities that are flexible and optional. Make time for free time and for fun time as a family. Stopping off in some country you have always wanted to see on the way to or from the country may be a special treat for all of you.Encourage them to prepare information and present it to their class, Sunday school class, AWANA, children’s mission group and other groups. For smaller children make a calendar and mark off the days each day during your prayer time. Pray specifically for your trip and for each of the members of your family. Be sure to include them in the spiritual preparation for the trip. Present books, toys, animals and other items with a focus on the upcoming adventure. For small children, plastic zoo animals might help them understand the country and its fauna. For older children, a book or ViewMaster with slides about your country may help. From “Your Mission: Get Ready, Get Set, GO!” Steffes 2002, 2010 Let the children chose their favorite items to take with them. You give them a basic list of what must be included in their suitcase, but let them choose their outfits. Each child can pack his own bags to carry on with him. They can be small knapsacks or wheeled carry-ons, depending on the age of the children. The contents of their bags will depend on their age, but be sure to include items that have good entertainment value over a period of days or weeks. Pack hard candies, gum, snacks, pre-moistened wipes, a journal and pen, etc. If you decide to include something that runs on batteries, be sure to include extra batteries. Before departure, discuss safety and security rules. Be sure they know what to do and where to meet if you get separated and who to call if the adults become ill. Discuss rules about spending money and reinforce your rules about ordering food in restaurants and Documenting the trip can help to build and refresh memories from your great adventure. Here are some ideas, but it is by no means exhaustive. Let us know what has worked for you by e-mailing us at info@brucesteffes.net Talk about what they have seen each day and their reaction to those events, peoples and places. This is a great way to help them interpret what they have seen and in doing so, you may change how they look at other people for the rest of their life. Children in particular may have lasting impressions of the poverty, harsh conditions and deprivation often seen in the mission setting. Talking about (and living out) how a Christian should respond can be very powerful in this setting. Buy a cheap camera. A cheap digital camera or several disposable cameras are options. Don't worry about how good the pictures are. They will be meaningful to the children. Take tape recorders to record their journal and any special sounds or music. Extra tapes and batteries If we could shrink the earth's population to a Create a project book: blank and lined pages for a village of 100 people, with all the existing journal, recording interesting trivia, pasting in human ratios remaining the same, it would look souvenirs, etc; plastic pages with a resealable top can help organize small items. Save ticket stubs, brochures, leaves, napkins and paper placemats from restaurants to paste in your scrapbook. Don’t forget 37 Europeans 21 from the Western Hemisphere (north & south) Have the children write serial letters to people at home and keep a copy of them for a scrapbook. If you have a laptop and access to the Internet, send serial 70 would be non-Christian, 30 would be Christian e-mails and your copy is automatically saved. Older children may use a laptop computer to 59% of the entire world’s wealth would be in the create a web site for posting once they get home. hands of only 6 people and all 6 would be citizens Identify some theme: animals, flowers, stamps, children’s books in other languages, and have the 80 would live in the substandard housing 70 would be unable to read children collect a sample from each place they visit. 50 would suffer from malnutrition, 1 would be Have your children write a report about each place they visit. Share them by mail or e-mail with their schoolmates, Sunday school class, scouting troop or children’s group. This has the added bonus of possibly solving their “What I did this summer” theme problems Emotional Support:
Be aware of the stresses of culture shock. This will not only affect the adults, but will affect everyone in
the family in some way or another. Be prepared, there may be a reversal of roles if you are the one who
handles the culture shock better. This can cause some marital relationships to be a little rocky for a while.
This is particularly evident if the doctor-spouse, who whizzed through advanced scientific training, gets
too discouraged at language study. Languages are a real gift and sometimes the spouse, who may not
have achieved anything else that the couple considers particularly noteworthy, has a fluency in language
that the more accomplished partner does not. Anger, jealousy, frustration and discomfort at these new
and extremely uncomfortable personal and relationship dynamics can be a problem. Most ultra-short-term
From “Your Mission: Get Ready, Get Set, GO!” Steffes 2002, 2010 missionaries don’t face this but may recognize this dynamic at work in the lives of relatively new career missionaries with whom they are working. Be sure to extend sufficient grace, and pray for them as well. Other more common sources of frustration for the short-term doctor-spouse can include all of the stressors that are somewhat unique to the practice of medicine in the Third World. It may help both the spouse and the doctor to read the chapter on the challenges of short-term medical missions in Medical Missions: Get Ready, Get Set, GO! before you go and at least once or twice after you are there a short time. Homesickness can be a problem for both the adults and children. Education before you come and involvement after you get there are the best solutions. Don’t let the “Back home we…” syndrome get a
foothold. Make a game out of it with some silly penalty to the first one who starts saying it. One thing that
works well for adults is a selection of pictures of important people in your life. For children, a special
pillowcase that has been painted with fabric paints (names, hand- or paw-prints) can bring a sense of
connection and familiarity in a strange place. It has the additional advantage of being useful and easy to
pack.

Educational Support:
You have basically two choices in educating your children overseas, both of which require a fair bit more
parental involvement than you might have at home. This is because you may have to be both teacher and
coach. There is actually a third alternative called summer vacation but not everyone can do their short-
term mission experience during school vacations! The first is to work some sort of accommodation with
your children’s school. Contact their teachers before the children go to get homework and make sure you
can help them with it. Try to minimize the amount of books they have to take (consider scanning and
putting the material in the computer on a disk). See if they can submit homework by Internet and make
sure that the teachers understand the frequent problems with third world Internet service (and the
possible delays in meeting deadlines that would result). The second choice is some sort of online or
home schooling alternative. For longer stays overseas, this is the only practical alternative, but there can
be significant choices to make. Start your self-education about alternatives and your selection very early
in order to give you time to make wise choices, order appropriate materials, and do the necessary
paperwork. See the appendix of web sites or use any Internet search engine to identify the hundreds of
resources that are available to you. If you have certain skills or knowledge in certain areas, you might be
able to share teaching duties with other missionaries who are home schooling. For example, if you are
great in science and math but so-so in English and history, you might find someone to whom the whole
field of algebra is one big unknown but is excited about split infinitives and dangling participles. You teach
what you know and they teach what they know, and you both get some time to yourselves.
One bit of advice from a veteran home-schooling mother, “Establish and keep a routine.” Easier said than done but good advice, nonetheless.

Family Time:
Without the boob tube, some families find themselves at somewhat of a loss when they actually have to
communicate with each other. This is a great time to communicate with each other in a way that you may
have not done before. Family game times can become a very special memory in progress. Given the
realities of limited luggage space, games, especially card games of various sorts, are a mainstay. Some
board games are suitable for travel and, with imagination; some can even be made out of easily found
items. Some board games and other types of games are specially made for travel using magnets, sealed
dice, and other ways to minimize the loss of pieces. Decorating your house for holidays, making
ornaments and decorations with limited resources, can stretch your imagination and be good fun. A
packet of colored construction paper, tape, glue and scissors are always helpful.
Look your calendar and note any special holidays or events that you should celebrate. This is true for those who are left at home as well as those you are traveling with. Arrange for cards and gifts to be delivered to your loved ones at home. Give careful thought to taking along with you gifts to give for birthdays and anniversaries. You may want to bring along flags, banners, decorations, candles and paper goods to give some gaiety to the occasion. Even a special cake mix can be carefully packed and hoarded for a special surprise. If you are carrying your laptop and have access to a printer, software for making greeting cards and other announcements can be immensely popular, not only with the family but with the nationals and missionaries. From “Your Mission: Get Ready, Get Set, GO!” Steffes 2002, 2010 Perhaps one of the greatest benefits will be the spiritual times together just as a family. If you are not used to having regular family devotions, here is the perfect time to begin. Meals on the mission field tend to be more regular and less hectic and it is a great time to talk with each other bringing in spiritual applications as they come up. Having regular family Bible studies and teaching can be a daunting concept. If you are concerned about the challenge, there are now many resources available for you. As a suggestion, use the search engine on the Christian Book site and type in “devotions” and “children” as key words. A long list of readily available resources will appear. Some suggested ideas are below but there are dozens of options you can find if you go to www.christianbooks.com or other sources and search for “family devotions”: Wiliford, Carolyn. More Devotions for Families That Can’t Sit Still. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991, ISBN0-896930-252-4. She also has the first book in the duo: Devotions for Families That Can’t Sit Still. Nappa A, and M. Nappa,.52 Fun Family Devotions. Augsburg/Fortress, 1994 ISBN: 0806626984 Miller, Jamie. 10-Minute Life Lessons for Kids: 52 Fun and Simple Activities to Teach Your Child Honesty, Trust, Love. HarperCollins, 1998 ISBN: 0060952555 Consider taking along a translation of the Bible aimed at children of your children’s ages. Read from Good resources are available at either of these two sites: www.heritagebuilders.com or the Focus on the Family web site (www.family.org). Look for the Family Nights Tool Chest books that may also be available from your local Christian bookstore. These are great pre-planned evenings that will help you and your children communicate about spiritual truths. Don’t forget that audiotapes or CDs of children’s radio programs (the Odyssey series from Focus on the Family), audiotapes or CDs of Christian radio dramatizations of books (e.g. the CS Lewis tales for children), or other similar types of media may give a good time of entertainment and lead to questions of a spiritual nature. For the more dramatically inclined, puppet shows or dramatizations of Bible stories can take up a great deal of creative time and energy as they combine the use of their imagination and their knowledge
of the Bible stories.
Summary:
Take your children. You won’t regret it.



From “Your Mission: Get Ready, Get Set, GO!” Steffes 2002, 2010


Suggested Reading:
Arthur, Kay, Diana Hagee, Serita Jakes, and Beverly LaHaye. Free to Soar: How You Can Love the
Church, Serve with Your Husband, & Fulfill Your Destiny as a Woman in Ministry. Gospel Light, 2005, ISBN: 0830737901 Bree, Loris, M. Bree. Kid’s Trip Diary: Kids! Write About Your Own Adventures and Experiences. Marlor Briscoe, Jill. Renewal on the Run: Embracing the Privileges and Expectations of a Ministry Wife. New De Francisco, Fawzia Rasheet. The Rough Guide to Travel with Babies and Young Children, Rough Franklin, Sarah (ed.) How to Fit a Car Seat on a Camel: And Other Misadventures Traveling with Kids. Hawkins, Susie. From One Ministry Wife to Another: Honest Conversations about Ministry Connections. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2009, ISBN 0802460305 Hoekstra, Elizabeth. Keeping Your Family Close When Frequent Travel Pulls You Apart. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1998, ISBN 0-89107-975-0 Hughes, Barbara Devotions for Ministry Wives: Encouragement from Those Who’ve Been There Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002, ISBN: 0310236320 Kalb, Rosalind and Penelope Welch. Moving Your Family Overseas. Yarmouth, ME: Intercultural Press, Keener, Craig. Paul, Women and Wives: Marriage and Women’s Ministry in the Letters of Paul. Hendrickson Publishers, 1992, ISBN 0943575966 Lanigan, Cathy. Travel with Children, 4th ed. Victoria, Australia: Lonely Planet Publications, 2002, ISBN Piet-Pelon, Nancy J, and Barbara Hornby Women’s Guide to Overseas Living, 2nd Ed. Yarmouth, ME: Intercultural Press, Inc., 1992, ISBN 1-877864-05-6 Rivoli, Shelley. Travels with Baby: The Ultimate Guide for Planning Trips with Babies, Toddlers and Preschool-Age Children. Travels with Baby Books, 2007, ISBN-10: 0615159257 Williams, Joyce. She Can’t Even Play the Piano: Insights for Ministry Wives. Beacon Hill Press, 2005, Williams, Joyce. Quiet Moments for Ministry Wives: Scriptures, Meditations and Prayers. Beacon Hill From “Your Mission: Get Ready, Get Set, GO!” Steffes 2002, 2010

Source: http://www.s3ministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Chapter-9-Traveling-with-Children.pdf