Packing...I'm Going to Forget Something...

I feel like it's the month before college began; you know, when you go to Linens'N'Things and get twin-xl sheets, a shower caddy, the works. In the past two weeks, I did my shopping for appropriate attire in Ethiopia. I'm pretty satisfied with my purchases, but I realized most of my shirts are darker in color. I think this is because all the Fall fashions are out and Autumn generally has darker colors than Spring. Last night was my big trip to Walmart. Here is a random list of some things I bought:

• Chapstick
• Dental floss
• Small notebook for address & important phone numebrs
• Notebook for notes
• Markers (for preparing for children's classes)
• Colored pencils (children's classes)
• Pens
• Pencils
• Fleece jacket
• Several different face washes (I still haven't found one I like, so why not force myself to try different ones?)
• 2 bars of soap (I'm going to buy more in Addis)
• Contact cases
• Lotion

The travel iron I wanted wasn't in stock, so I bought it online this morning. I also made some purchases from hanes.com (they have a t-shirt sale: Buy 2 Get 1 FREE). Hopefully all of this stuff arrives sooner rather than later so I can get everything packed! Mom, Emily, and I are heading to Toledo on Friday to hit up Sam's Club and the Gap Outlet in Monroe. That should take care of my bulk purchases of toothpaste and other toiletries.

I still haven't purchased luggage yet. Dad said to lay out all of my stuff on the couches in the living room and then we'll decide what to get. While I like this idea because it enables me to purchase everything sooner rather than later, it delays the sense of "completion" because I will have to wait until next week to have my bags actually packed. I am also nervous that I am going to forget something. It rarely happens, but for my short weekend trip to Louhelen I forget some pretty important essentials. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

One of the joys of buying all of this stuff and getting ready to pack is that it makes the trip seem more real. It still hasn't sunk in that in 11 days I will be heading to Ethiopia. That's in Africa. What? I'm going to Africa?! AWESOME. I'm guessing it won't really sink in until I'm there for a week and I finally realize I won't be coming home anytime soon.