The Art of Packing 2014

I don't know if you remember a picture of my luggage when I first arrived in Azerbaijan (see below, a little reminder).  My family and friends do because I had to luge them all across America before I went into Peace Corps.  No easy task and the funny thing is that I didn't need about 50% of what I brought and the other 50% was the wrong type of clothing for the harsh winters and for teaching here.

2011 Going into the Peace Corps

2014 Leaving Peace Corps

Well, as you can see, I have downsize considerably.  I checked the weather for Israel and Japan, where it will be warm hiking the Jesus trail but it will be cold climbing Mt Fuji (12,000 feet).  So my small case has the warmer clothes (which I will get rid of once I finish climbing) and also has my sleeping bag.  My backpack has my cooler clothes and my electronics.  All my clothes are wash and wear. And I will be doing a lot of hiking so I don't want to be stuck with suitcases.  I can leave the small one at hostel.

It is so funny what you think you need and what you really need are very different.  I have packed 2 pairs of long pants, 3 pairs of Capri, 2 skirts, a dress and several tops.  A sweatshirt, a sweater and a jacket (yes it is all in those two bags plus a sleeping bag)!!!  And I think I have over packed.  I may repack again before I leave.  Most of my clothes I have given to several families in the villages and my counterpart in Aliabad.  My schools supplies and posters to my counterpart here in Zaqatala and a lot of my house stuff to a volunteer and another family locally.  I sent one small box home (as it is really expensive to ship as some of you know sending me care packages).  In the box was mostly pictures, cards, 2 jackets and 2 pants, and that's about it. I have a lot of stuff at home in a lot of places, so when I get back that is a whole different organization I need to do (not looking forward to that)!!!!  In less than 2 weeks, I will be going to Baku with my brood of cats, sending them off to GreyFoot Cat Rescue Sanctuary.  Please keep me in your prayers that all the documents and stamps I need to get will run smoothly and my cats will have an easy and safe journey to California!!

Life Challenge: Why would you want to do anything else but rescue a pet?  Paul Shaffer