Two Suitcases

[brasswillow]

On Friday I leave to teach in Africa for two years. I am so excited, but really nervous too. Part of me can't wait to get there! The other part is dragging my feet, I haven't started packing yet. Seriously, how do you even begin to decide on what to take in two suitcases for two years?

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I wouldn't be able to decide either, but I would have to make sure to take plenty of pictures with me.

 

[mrsv98]

On Friday I leave to teach in Africa for two years. I am so excited, but really nervous too. Part of me can't wait to get there! The other part is dragging my feet, I haven't started packing yet. Seriously, how do you even begin to decide on what to take in two suitcases for two years?

Wow, what an adventure! My DSis and her DH just left for 3 years in Haifa, Isreal and faced the same issue. They took a lot of basics, with only one or two "nice" pieces.

Consider laundry availability and temp/humidity when choosing. If I were you I would stock up on cotton in mix and match colors so you can have a new look with the same pieces.

I would also consider getting some space bags. You can load them up and then suck the air out to get more space. Don't worry too much about the return trip at this point. You will most likely add and subtract pieces and you can always ship stuff home.

Good luck and have a wonderful time!

 

[NHdisneylover]

It sounds like a fabulous adventure

Our family moved to Germany, indefinitely (but should be at least 6 or 7 years) about a year and a half ago. We came with 4 suitcase each (we came over to look for a place in December and brought full suitcases, left the stuff here and then could bring another set when we moved).

I am not sure what the situation will be like in Africa, but we went light on clothes--only bringing specific pieces we were very partial to and knew would be expensive or impossible to replace here. That left us about half our space for "other" stuff. For us that meant, choosing a few beloved books wisely (we now have Kindles--fantastic for readers who live abroad but I am not sure if you can get the downloads where you will be), DVDs, copies (originals are with family safe on the ground in case luggage got lost) of family photos (in a tube, no frames) to hang on the walls once we arrived, board games (leave the boxes at home--you can fit a LOT in a little space that way), extra glasses and perscriptions/meds (our doctor was happy to write longer ones so we had time to find good care here and get new), and a new laptop (and power converters) because electronics are so much cheaper in the US than here and the computer is often a sanity saver.

 

[Ilivetogo]

On Friday I leave to teach in Africa for two years. I am so excited, but really nervous too. Part of me can't wait to get there! The other part is dragging my feet, I haven't started packing yet. Seriously, how do you even begin to decide on what to take in two suitcases for two years?

I'm interested to find out where you'll be teaching? I have a (sort of) cousin who is/has been teaching in Camaroon now for about 1.5 years.

.

 

[DawnM]

Yes, where are you going? I grew up in Kenya.

 

[DawnM]

If you are able to take two 72 pound bags, do you have large enough suitcases to carry that much weight?

I would start with the basics......mostly solid colored items and well constructed. Most of the laundry soap is very harsh on clothing.

Dawn

 

[GoofyforDisney3]

This post reminds me of a book I just finished reading "The Poisenwood Bible" about a family of missionaries going to the Congo and the beginning tells about what they took and how they put all of there clothes on for the trip over so they had room for other stuff in the suitcases. LOL.

 

[brasswillow]

Thank you all for your suggestions! I actually started putting things in the suitcase this afternoon. More is fitting in than I expected, it'll be a weight issue before a space issue.

They put all of there clothes on for the trip over so they had room for other stuff in the suitcases. LOL.

Hmmmmmm that's an idea!!!

 

[Silent1CB]

Does mail get delivered where you'll be? Online shopping for everything you can't pack or forget.

A reusable Diva cup (or similar brand) instead of worrying about where you'll buy feminine supplies. Popular with military females & outdoors people for that reason. You can find at health food store if you don't have time to order one online.

 

[tigercat]

mrsv98 what are your dsis and her dh doing in Haifa? I was there 3 1/2 yrs ago.
tigercat

 

[mrsv98]

mrsv98 what are your dsis and her dh doing in Haifa? I was there 3 1/2 yrs ago.
tigercat

They are Bahais and have the incredible opportunity to work at the Universal House of Justice. DSis will be working as as assistant to one of the elder members and BIL is working in IT.

It is a bit of a culture shock but after an adventurous trip over, they are settling in and of course they have each other.

 

[brasswillow]

A reusable Diva cup (or similar brand) instead of worrying about where you'll buy feminine supplies. Popular with military females & outdoors people for that reason. You can find at health food store if you don't have time to order one online.

I was told we wouldn't be able to get the products we're used to in the US, I will have to look into this. According to their website some of my local stores carry them.

 

[tigercat]

I am a Baha'i and went to Haifa. I have a friend working at the International Teaching Centre. Several other friends children have done a year of service there and one friends son works for the UHJ doing camera work. I would love to do service there but don't have anything that would be needed and my husband is not Baha'i as well. My kids were not happy I went and were scared that something would happen to us but we felt fine and it has been the best trip that we have ever taken. I can't wait to apply to go again.
tigercat