The Ultimate Mission Trip Style Guide: "To Bling or Not to Bling?" That is the Question.

I feel like many of us would agree that jewelry not only completes our outfit, but also makes a statement about who we are and sometimes what we value. But what is its place on a mission trip? Should we wear earrings or bring bangles for our Sunday attire during a mission trip? Inquiring minds need to know!

I think it's important to step back and look at this topic from a cultural perspective. Many other cultures view Americans as wealthy individuals who have everything. Of course, you and I know that is not true, but look at it from their viewpoint. All they know of our culture before meeting us on our mission trip is what they see on TV, and while it's a poor assumption to suppose we are all like that, can you blame them? We do the same thing before we go to serve in their country sometimes. So when we show up wearing our CZ earrings, they don't know they're not real diamonds -  all they see is a wealthy American. I have seen how quickly something simple like a ring or necklace became a distraction in a conversation that could have led to sharing the gospel.

Besides that, on many of our mission trips we do work projects. A lot of times it is hard labor like mixing concrete or laying block, and it isn't safe to wear some jewelry while doing these things. You might even lose or ruin them.

I mentioned before, though, that some jewelry makes a statement. Like salvation bracelets or promise rings. It's easy to use these items to steer a conversation towards Christ. Conversations almost start themselves!

So is it wrong to wear jewelry on a mission trip? My personal opinion is no, but be careful not to bring jewelry you wouldn't mind losing or items that would hinder your testimony with those you will be serving. If I wear any jewelry at all, it is meaningful and starts up conversations that I know will help me talk with someone about Christ. Best practice: Leave your jewelry at home for the week - your best accessory on a mission trip is an open heart for the culture and people you will be serving.

Bling it up while you are home though!! Be sure to check out my friend Bethany's site to find out about the awesome bracelets she is selling to help support herself as a missionary as well as the Haitian individuals who made them. These bracelets are beautiful and make a statement worth sharing! I wear mine all the time and get a lot of comments on it. :) Check it out here: http://ericandbeth.us/the-apparent-project-haiti/ 

“The Ultimate Mission Trip Style Guide.” – tips and tricks from Praying Pelican Missions lady missionaries on how to look good, feel good and take the pressure off of packing your suitcase for a new culture, climate and lifestyle. Our heart is to remove the anxiety and focus from timeless questions like: “What do I wear?” and give you a few tips that we’ve learned throughout the years. Ultimately, we pray that these posts would be a resource for you as you prepare for your trip. We want to provide you with a few tools that can help you remain focused on what God is teaching you and doing around you during your time abroad, instead of the length of your shorts, the style of your still-wet hair or how much make-up is appropriate. But of course, throughout it all, we must have fun in the process!"