Clothing
BMC has washers and driers available so you don’t need to bring your entire wardrobe. Bring enough changes of clothes for 3-4 days without washing.
With the exception of two or three “cool” months (temperatures as low as 70F/21C at night) it is hot all the time, sometimes very hot. Bring lightweight, washable clothing that you would wear in the summertime in America. Most people wear cotton, cotton blends, and wash-and-wear trousers, shirts, blouses, skirts, and dresses.
Sandals are usually worn in the daytime, even to the hospital. We recommend that you bring one good pair of enclosed shoes, either for night wear to and from the hospital or for hiking at the Nakpanduri escarpment. Rarely, if ever, are pantyhose worn.
Missionary women wear slacks and modest length shorts only inside one’s own home and when visiting another missionary’s home. Few African ladies wear them, especially in the north. Plan to wear dresses or skirts and blouses when working with the African community. Ladies, bring cotton underwear, including some half-slips; full length ones are too hot! Men usually wear sport shirts and lightweight trousers. We suggest you avoid double knits, knits, and Dacron and nylon blends, as these are not suitable for the heat of the tropics.
You might have occasion to swim at a private hotel pool or on the beach; one suit should be sufficient. If you are a jogger or runner, running shorts are acceptable for this sport, even for the ladies (if not too revealing). There is a tennis court available for use as well.
We prefer that scrubs not be worn outside of the operating room.
