All smiles at the Tulsa airport
Yesterday I left the comfort of family and familiar surroundings. Today I woke up in a Holiday Inn in Philadelphia. Tomorrow I head to Ghana.
I’m on my way!
My brother Larry took this picture at the Tulsa airport. I’m all smiles because I had only walked two steps with all my belongings for the next two years. The red rolling bag weighed 49.8 pounds. The blue/tan backpack weighed 29.5 pounds. I didn’t weigh my red computer bag (a “frontpack” in the photo), but I estimate it’s between 25-30 pounds. My small red Bagallinni purse was light – perhaps two pounds.
I had carefully packed and re-packed the larger bags to achieve the 80-pound limit, putting everything else into my computer bag. The weight didn’t bother me on the 50-step trek to the American Airlines check in desk.
I realized I packed way too much stuff when I met another volunteer at the Philly airport and he only had two bags - his 50-pound checked bag and a carry-on. His comment: I could have packed lighter but I have lots of candy and some Hotwheels.
My over packing was reinforced when I walked from Terminal A to Terminal E at the Philly airport to meet a fellow volunteer to share a cab to the hotel.
My current challenge: What can I leave in Philly or perhaps mail it to myself?
Good Luck! We’re following you!
K, B, and the girls
You go girl…
You have so much love to give, you needed more bags to carry it all….LOL
Laughing, praying, thanking you for allowing me to be a part of your journey
Catherine’s Sunday scripture: Joshua 1:9
“Be strong and courageous,
Do not be terrified;do not be discouraged,
For the Lord your God
Will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Hugs Mah Jongg Barb (MJB)
Linda, I, too, overpacked when going to Ghana in 1971. I should have taken bed sheets, but chose to take needlepoint project instead. I bought yards of cloth in the Ghana market to make bed sheets for my cot. Cant wait to read future entries.
Just be sure to leave all of that American stuff in Ghana….and only bring back the coolest stuff you purchased or you made on your trip back with you to America! BTW…I bet you will never use half of what you packed but long for many items you did not pack. Its always like that…it can’t be helped.
Hey there,
I would opt for shipping any excess to Ghana. You never know what will come in handy. Those items that you don’t ever use there, could probably just be donated to the ‘Peace Corp Trainee Musuem of Useless things packed’ Hey, maybe you could start the Museum while you are there. LOL
You can guess and wonder but you will know soon! Praying for your safe journey.
That’s awesome that you left from Tulsa! That’s my hometown
Welcome to Ghana (and the hot season!)
Hello Linda,
I don’t think I could even cary that weight. Good luck and best wishes on
your trip.
Peggy