The Poisonwood Bible Book 1, Chapter 1

Leah Price

• Before the trip to Africa, the girls' mother set out everything she thought they'd need in the Congo—Band-Aids, a thermometer, pencils, you know.
• It turns out that they've overpacked. The airport will only allow 44 pounds of bags per person.
• The solution? Put on layers of clothing and cram their pockets full of stuff. They are their own baggage!
• At the airport, they're greeted by the good Reverend and Mrs. Underdown, who make fun of their Southern accents and lead them to Kilanga, the village where their mission is located.
• Well, this is off to a good start.