To Pack or not to pack - that is the question!! not to mention new luggage

As our saga continues I wish I could say that we had packed lots of more boxes. But that would be a lie. Steve packed up a box with his model airplanes that used to hang from the ceiling of our office. But that still only makes 7 boxes packed.  Although I did wash my blue glass so it is ready to be packed.

Life seems to get in the way of serious packing!!!

And we have to decide what we really want to come home to after a 2 year absence. It is hard to decide. Do we want the expense of replacing a number of items when we get back - but I will want new pots and pans since mine are getting worn out, even though it seems I do not do much cooking any more. And of course our towels and linens will not store well. But what else should we store and come back to use again? What furniture do we really want to keep?

And what about our hundreds of books? Will we read them again or should we just pass them on. But I have worked hard to create a good library, so...

And then we also have to decide what to bring with us for 2 years. We are each allowed 2 check through suitcases not to weigh over 50 pounds each as well as our carryon and personal item. We looked over our luggage and realized we needed to buy new luggage that was lightweight to give us maximum opportunity to bring what we need without paying extra for exceeding the weight limits.

This week our Macy's store had luggage on sale and closeout. We found 3 matching 29" cases in our local Bellingham store. The helpful sales staff located more in the Burlington store and the next day we drove that short distance to pick up the 4th piece.

And yes, they are ORANGE!!! Not really our first color choice but we think they will be easy to spot on the luggage carousel at the airports. :) And the price was right!! Now we just have to figure out what we will pack into these cases for our 2 year adventure!

A special shout out to the staff at the Bellingham Macy's Home store. They were so helpful and friendly!!

Our education continues as we read booklets called "Study Buddy Group", "Mum's Preschool", "English Study Group", and "Leadership Guide" all of which have been developed for use in the self reliance program. 

There is much for us to learn so we can have a storehouse of knowledge to use to help those who want and need our help. I love that the Church invests so much time and effort in lifting and strengthening its members. I love that educational opportunities are available for all.

I love that there is a spiritual basis for all that is offered and that people are not just "given". I love that there is a way for everyone to learn and to grow and to be productive and to increase their feelings of self worth. I love the concept of everyone doing all they can for themselves and then sharing what they know so that others can follow their example. I love that Heavenly Father loves all of His children and wants us all to be the best we can be.

Elder Bednar said: "Our individual responsibility is to learn what we should learn, to live as we know we should live, and to become what the Master would have us become."

Galations 6:7 states: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

The adventure continues.... hopefully with more boxes being packed soon!