The Long and the Short of it

Today, as I told a friend I was going to Haiti, she remarked how very hot it was going to be. I laughed (inside) because it is the same temp as here in Central Florida. I had on a light weight, long-sleeved shirt. I was no where near hot. There is a light breeze, so it keeps it very comfortable.

Here's where we will be from the 3-6 of March

Here's where we will be for the 7-10 of March

I only bring this up because I am debating, over and over, whether to heed the advice of the International Travel organization that vaccinated me (those meanies!) that suggested I wear long sleeves and pants. Now, I know I have to wear shirts with sleeves, and no above the knee shorts are considered acceptable at all. But long sleeves? In 85-90 degree weather seems a bit excessive to avoid mosquitos. Having never been to Haiti, I am unsure as to whether I want to take all long sleeves or all short sleeves, or a mix. My inclination is a mix, but then I tend to over pack. UGH! I hate all this "I have no idea what to plan for" planning.

Now mind you, this isn't like trips I have taken in the past. Where we were part of a construction team, or hiking down a mountain to help a family in a hut, or climbing through major brush to get to a village. All of which I wore longer shorts and short sleeved shirts (it wasn't considered in appropriate to wear shorts in that area) at times when it was okay and safe, and jeans when it wasn't (like the middle of the night slide down the mountain). So it was HOT, and we were working hard. I knew what to wear. I didn't have fear of Malaria. I knew the people who were escorting us and taking care of us. I know NOTHING of the people who are going with us, escorting us, or taking care of us.  I know we have a few days of working, some days of just loving on folks and playing with children, and some days of getting to know more about Compassion International and the needs of Haiti in general. We won't be building anything, we won't be climbing through the jungle in the dead of night, and we won't be trudging through mucky land to get to a village.

So do you have a vote?

Long sleeves to avoid malaria (and having to use the 98% DEET mixture I was given).

Short sleeves and take my chances.

Or a mix of both, and using that POISON on my body?

I am really starting to lose my mind by over-thinking this.