I leave in mere weeks (any parting advice?)

[Mason]

i still haven't purchased all of the clothing i need, but that wont be hard to do. I got my suits and shirts and all of the vitals. What sorta things do you wish you would have had on your missions that wasn't on the list, or things that were on the list that maybe you didn't need.

And also anything else you think i should know.

[Blindspot]

Any returned missionary worth his/her salt is going to tell you not to focus on the material things, but instead to focus on the spiritual.  And they would be right.  To survive, and in fact to enjoy your mission you need to have your faith grounding in a firm testimony of the truth of the restoration of the Gospel and The Book of Mormon.  Spend your last few weeks pondering, praying, and reading.  If I could go back and do it again, I know I would instead of worrying about what to bring.

Having said that, Bulgaria is a developed country and just about anything you discover you "need" can be purchased here.  My opinion is that it is better to save your money and your back than to haul a bunch of stuff you don't need.  There are a few things that don't weigh much that I might recommend that you can't find here.  It may sound strange, but Kool Aid packets are great.  They are really cheap, light, and impossible to find here.  That goes for anybody sending packages as well...Kool Aid is something light that you can send that will be appreciated.  It's also a good idea to have couple pictures of your family....not so you won't get homesick, but to show people where you come from.  People love to see pictures.

The most important things that you bring with you aren't objects.  They're inside you.  Your personality, your love for the Savior, and willingness to work.  Bring that and follow that guidelines they sent you and you can't go wrong. 

I'll probably see you when you get here.  I live in Bulgaria.

[Brinton]

I echo what Blindspot said. 

Be willing to put your heart into it, be obedient to the rules, study the Gospel and the Preach My Gospel book and have fun, and love your time there.

One thing that I regret as a missionary was all the time I spent being homesick.  When I got home, everything was the same and ok. 

As for things to bring...I was really happy I'd taken a pair of rubber dishwashing gloves.  They were very nice to have around when we had to un-clog a drain or a toilet.  But maybe being a guy those things won't bother you.

Have fun, and don't get discouraged if you're not fluent in Bulgarian when you leave the MTC, no one is. 

Joyce

[Mason]

Thanks guys. That really boosts my spirits. Im not sure why im so anxious, i just wanted to be prepared thats all.