39 Days...

As I made my breakfast this morning (Zambian porridge with chocolate chips), I'm realizing that time is flying by quickly.  I leave in 39 days.  That's just over a month!  It's hard to believe because winter keeps hanging on!

(this is porridge with cinnamon and raisins)

WOW~39 days.  

Now my brain is in overdrive of everything I need to do:
~raising support 
~figuring out what I'm packing and taking
~getting the essentials 
~ordering medications
~getting to Chicago
~having a plan to pay bills while I'm gone
~and the list continues.

Today, I was able to check one thing off of my list:  Picking up toothbrushes and toothpaste from my dentist.  I have to admit, I HATE going to the dentist, but I really like my dentist.  He is pretty AWESOME!! At every visit, he asks about my recent travels around the world and takes time to listen to stories and look at pictures.  I had asked if he would be willing to donate toothbrushes and toothpaste (the small tubes you get when you go) and he did.  He is providing 100 of each!  I am so excited to take these with me (and the total weight of 100 of each=10 pounds).  

I know we tend to take a nice toothbrush and toothpaste for granted in the States.  In Zambia, there are numerous dental issues.  Just last week, one of the students needed to head to Lusaka to have a tooth pulled because he had an abscessed tooth with a severe infection.  While most of the students at the college have had some dental care, there are numerous Zambians in the bush who have not.  

As of right now (not thinking about any of my stuff~clothing, personal needs, etc), I have 30 pounds of luggage room spoken for.  20 pounds for yearbooks and 10 for dental care products).  (I get a total of 100 divided by 2 checked pieces and 26ish for my carry-on + one accessory).  I'm wondering if my HUGE camera bag will count as an accessory :).  I'm probably pushing it with that.  

Please continue to pray for me as I prepare for the trip.  I leave May 3 and return May 19.  If you would like to become a prayer partner, please contact me and let me know.  I would like to have at least 2 people praying for me everyday that I am gone.  

Twalumbu~