Necessity vs. Luxury

So, the packing has started. That may seem nuts as it is still several weeks until I leave. However, I am trying to condense 3 months of personal affects, requested medical supplies, and desired items for needy babies into 2 suitcases. The trick is that I will need to be able to manhandle and keep safe all that I am taking in a few questionable airports and through some rather sketchy layovers.

Suddenly, things you consider travel necessities are weighed on a different scale. Wrinkle cream vs. diaper cream for little bottoms waging war against cholera. So I may resemble more of an African elephant when I return. Sun screen seems fairly vital given my coloring, but pacifiers for infants without living mothers certainly don't seem luxurious. You see the dilemma! I have no concern for matching or accessories. My only color palette concern is that mosquitos seem to be less drawn by lighter colors. Clothing is getting 1/4 of one suitcase. That should allow for a week of work before I must figure laundry out.

Part of this packing, is asking favors for medical supplies needed in Nkhoma. Lise Liles has always been a huge supporter of mission trips and has done them herself. She came through today in a big way with a big box of gloves, spinal needles, syringes, and catheters. A perfect example of a sender playing a huge role in this adventure. I love Lise!!!! She and her sweet family will be praying those supplies will be the perfect things needed and that the zippers on my suitcase will hold up! I am so thankful.