Today was divided between getting ready to go and watching our teams advance, or not advance, in the March Madness NCAA tournament. Xavier looked GREAT! Go X. UC, well, it WAS 2nd round after all. Next year!

Some have asked for my packing list. It looks very similar to Jim's-2 pair of pants, 3 or 4 shirts, 1 skirt, 1 pair dress shoes to pack, black gym shoes to wear, socks/stockings, necessary undergarments-3 (we are used to hand washing and prefer to travel light). I take an extra T-Shirt and pair of shorts for sleeping/bumming around an apartment, and a bathing suit-just in case. We share a toiletries kit with separate toothbrushes, and I took a little make-up. I usually don't wear make up, but I thought I may want to look a little dressier there. I am borrowing Marie's 3/4 length black leather jacket, and I'm all set. We have a couple of books to read, and we share the laptop and all of that entertainment. I'll stash a prayerbook and an extra rosary in my purse, and I'll be set.

From our list, it seems we would not have many bags. But we have other things to take with us-requested items for our facilitator and his family, plus donations that we have collected while here to take to the orphanage. The only way I am able to get out the door with all of these bags is by reasoning with Jim that we only really have one carryon size suitcase and one personal item each-the rest is all stuff to leave there. We have one very large suitcase packed full of diapers/diaper wraps and infant clothing, thanks to to the wonderful families in our local homeschool group. I used those "suck the air out of everything" bags, and that suitcase is really, really full. Plus another box full of these things. Once we are there, we will drop these things off, and have an empty suitcase in which to put the kids' clothing and all kinds of goodies to bring home! And there will be plenty of room in our suitcases once we remove the gifts we have in there.

I can't believe we are actually going to be on our way. I'm making lists of things to do, making sure everyone has necessary papers (child care authorization for kids here) and phone numbers in case of emergencies.

Tomorrow will be more of the running around stuff. Hopefully Tuesday will be a restful day-then we leave on Wednesday.
Yippee!