footwear

Don't buy ugly shoes. EVERYONE buys those heinous Mary Jane/Shape Up things, and it's simply not acceptable. I firmly believe that you can break in any pair of shoes well enough if you want to. Just think of Gloria, from Modern Family, who is never caught in anything besides stilettos (except in the Disneyland episode where she is featured in MinnieMouse slippers). Yes, she is fictional, but I'm sure there is a weirdo somewhere who only wears heels. Anyways...out of all of the traveling that my mom and I have done, I have NEVER been the tourist trotting around in jeans and Nikes, and I'm not about to start doing that to myself now. I swear by Converse, but because they're not permitted as a daily walking shoe, breaking in sturdy, but not ugly shoes, is the clear option. 

From left to right:

Born, A&E, Nike, madden girl, hollister, converse, Jcrew. 

'Born' is well known especially for orthopedic comfort so I'm not too concerned about that. Pack a few pairs of old flats that are broken in because you know that you'll be able to go pretty far in them, and well they are flat so if you're feet start to hurt just switch out what you're wearing for a little while, and you'll feel better. Bring your Nikes, because YOURE GOING TO EXERCISE EVERY DAY. NO EXCEPTIONS. fact: you're only going to get fat if you let yourself get fat. Madden girl had a good selection of simple oxfords and even lace up booties. These are shoes that will definitely require some breaking in, but by popping in a pair of insoles, it will automatically make the shoes 10X more comfortable. Bring flip flops because all apartment floors are probably going to be discusting; it's safer just to plan on that. Go for something rubber or waterproof so that they can double as shower shoes if you so please, but if you don't have that then just grab sandals that you're okay to ruin. I'm bringing a pair of converse for the service/fun activities that we'll be doing.  As I said before, I refuse to do any of that in tennis shoes. So whether it's converse, keds, or vans, bring something that is you and that you'll enjoy wearing. Lastly, I'm bringing rain boots, because there is a chance it will rain every single day I'm in Argentina, so for me that is a necessary item.

I am very fortunate to have been called to a location where I only have to pack for one climate: warm. This of course gives me more room to bring lots of the lighter clothes, and more shoes. it is unfortunate that it is recommended not to have packages sent, and that if you do it is common that they will never make it to you. This is why I am taking all of my shoes at once. So based on where you are being called to, you can decide for yourself if you have the room to take everything or if you will want stuff sent out to you throughout your mission. 

I would rather be in pain and pretty, than comfortable and ugly. but maybe that's just me. and maybe I'm just ridiculous for caring so much, but I know that when I think I look better, I feel better. and if I feel better, I'm happier. and if I'm happier, then I can better serve the people of Argentina. and THAT is what it all comes down to.

Shop wisely. Yay missions!!!!!!