a delay that allows me some breathing room

I was supposed to leave for Africa on Saturday, August 4th. This schedule only allowed me one week after summer school to shop, pack, organize, and say bye to friends and family. However, the departure date has been postponed - a true blessing as I now have time not only to shop, pack, and organize but I can relax and work on lessons for teaching ESL and read the last Harry Potter. This last month has been so wonderful. I have been able to see almost everyone near and dear to me, some of whom I haven't seen in a couple of years. My family, friends, and students have indiviually thrown me 4 different going away parties (one was a complete surprise), and Cliff Temple, the church where I grew up, had a commissioning service with a reception following. I could not have invisioned a more memorable time before leaving the country.

Packing

How do I pack everything I need for teaching and living for one year in two 50 pound bags? I must keep in mind that there are no Walmarts, Targets, Tom Thumbs, or anything close to the sort anywhere near me. With these limitations, what would you take with you? We do have electricity most of the day but I have to use a converter.

I have been thinking so much about what to pack that I have had numerous dreams of packing. Just last week I dreamt that I had packed everything I needed and my bag was still light. After realizing I could pack more, I quickly placed the new Harry Potter book in my bag. I was thrilled to be able to take the very heavy 750 page book with me.

Medication is the biggest area I have to consider, even before clothes. I have to imagine what all I might get sick from in one year and take the medication needed. As for shopping, town has what would be equivilent to our Thrift Store and even sells some American clothes. While I was on my trip last year, I recognized a dress that the compound nurse was wearing. I used to own the exact dress from the Gap and bought it in 1997. She chuckled after I told her and said, "That's what happens with some of your clothes you give away. They end up in Africa." What a wild thought - our old clothes may travel to far, tucked away places in the world.