Book 1, The Things We Carried (13-29) Summary

The family comes from Bethlehem, Georgia, bringing Betty Crocker cake mixes into the jungle. All of the girls count on having one birthday each there, during the twelve month mission. Their mother will not go against their father, so when it becomes certain that they are going, she lays out things she thinks they will need in the Congo: cake mixes, a hand mirror, pencils, a thermometer, and so on. In the Congo with their earthly treasures intact and safe, the supplies represent another world in their Congolese house. Mother tries to think of everything, including illness and hunger. She brings along antibiotics and canned goods.

Getting to the Congo is a trial. When they think they are ready, they discover that the airlines will only allow forty-four pounds of luggage per person...