Packing!

The time has come to tackle the challenge of packing.

Thanks to some lovely Mercy Shippers who read my blog and emailed me; I have some insight into what to pack and how much.  And with their advice in mind, I did a packing dry run through (yes, I know, I still have 5 weeks, but I'm a teacher: I like to plan ahead and be organized!).  So, without further ado, here's what I am taking to Africa:

4 pairs of pants
3 skirts
4 dresses
6 t-shirts
6 nice shirts
3 pairs of knee length shorts
2 pairs of capris
4 dresses
4 cardigan sweaters
1 fleece jacket
1 rain coat
1 hat
6 pairs of footwear
+ Socks, underwear, swimsuit, etc


This packing list is a huge accomplishment for me. I look at this picture and think, "I like all these clothes and I am excited to wear them." Which is good since I will wearing them over and over.

Something about pulling all my clothes out of the closet and choosing what to bring (and what I can't bring) was a catalyst for the 3rd stage in my emotional state. To recap:

Stage 1 (Jan-Feb) - 100% Excitement
Stage 2 (March)  - 50% Excitement + 50% Bittersweet Goodbyes
Stage 3 (April-May) - 110% Freaking Out

Freaking out = intense feelings of nervous energy, fear of the unknown, and overwhelmed-ness, Luckily, this season of standardized testing at school is also intense and busy and and it keeps me fairly distracted.  However, I am slightly worried about showing up at Onboarding training 6 days after the end of the school year as a messy heap of stress and turmoil.  I wish I had more time to process the transition before I arrive at the IOC (International Operation Center in Lindale, TX). But I am very grateful for the 5 weeks I will have before leaving the continent and look forward to some quality alone time with God during those weeks.

Here's my itinerary for the summer:

June 5: Leave Houston

June 6: Training begins in Lindale, TX

July 15: Fly from Dallas, TX to London to Johannesburg to Durban

July 17: Arrive in Durban, South Africa

July 17-29: 2 Weeks of a Field Practicum here 

July 29: Board the ship!