I’ve been mentally packing for my trip to Africa as soon as I learned of the country and dates of my assignment.  I’ve been making lists on my computer, on my phone, on random scraps of paper … I’ve been ordering steadily from Amazon and Zappos and returning just as steadily.  I’ve been pillaging my friends closet’s like I’m back in college.  All of this ‘stuff’ has been piling up in a corner of my bedroom, so Monday night I consolidated all the ‘must pack’ lists, added to the growing pile in the corner of the room and set forth on what seemed like an impossible task to get it all into a suitcase, a duffel bag, plus a carry-on back pack. I honestly don’t know if I’m overpacked or underpacked … one entire bag is devoted to non-clothes items, many of which we’ll give away once in country.

On Tuesday I put the final touches on all the items I’m prepping for the kids while I’m out.  We have count down chains made (I got a knot in my stomach when I saw just how long 38 days looks in chain-form!), I recorded audio books, made a photo book for each kid, created a ‘good night kiss from mom’ jar for each (thanks Pinterest!), and stashed cards and gifts for those days when they are just missing me.  The “Nanny binder” is filled with everything from medical authorizations to recipes I usually make to places for Kelsey to take the kids this summer to a master calendar of all the activities.

I have 24 hours before I actually leave, but I didn’t want a mad scramble on my last day … I want to enjoy the time with Dave and the kids!

PS — A huge thank you to those who sent me bracelets — I have over a 100 in my bag — and this photo is just a small sampling of the cool bracelets and pencils you all made and donated!

#ibmcsc south africa