Reflections on packing

We have found a renter for the year (YEA!!), and are now in the throes of packing up the house. Fortunately, our renter wants the house to remain furnished. Thus, we only have to pack up personal items and the contents inside the closets, on the shelves, etc. Amazingly, this is still a lot of stuff. We are also having to evaluate our belongings according to the following criterion: "Should I pack this because I would be bummed if something happened to it while I was gone?"

Interestingly, this has heightened my awareness regarding which material things I value and why. Most of the stuff I opted to put away has very little monetary worth, but has value to me/us for sentimental and relational reasons. Things like photo albums, sculptures and pictures the kids have made, my favorite coffee mug, etc. I am surprised by how many things I am leaving unpacked because they don't meet the aforementioned criterion.

How did I acquire so many things I don't really care about? Well, ok, there is a lot to be said for things with a function. Our pots and pans are not near and dear to my heart, but I sure do enjoy their functionality. I realize this is basic economics 101, but this packing process has made me tangibly aware of how "irreplaceability" is key to the value I put on my belongings.

Cleaning out has also taught me a few things about myself. For example, I apparently have a fetish for organic body lotion, but don't have a thing for using it.
Anyone have dry skin? :-)

What is most striking about this packing process is just how MUCH stuff we own, which, if given some thought, adds more clutter than convenience to our lives. I have already made 3 trips to Goodwill -- and have one more pile waiting to go. MY RESOLUTION: starting now (!), stop unconsciously accumulating STUFF!!!
Remind me I said this! ;-)

We leave for Nicaragua on August 14th. Both girls say they are excited, but sad to leave their friends for such a long time. Jordan (age 8) specifically states she is looking forward to learning a new language. Devyn (age 5) is still very much in the NOW: "Can I play with Lola tomorrow?" "How many days untill we see Mema?" Nicaragua for her is still a long way off. I, too, am thinking about the good friends I leave behind, but am comforted that the "cyber world" will keep us connected.

If you pray -- pray for safe travels and sleeping children (it's a red eye flight).
If praying is not your thing -- cross your fingers for us ;-). THANKS!!!
Chow,
-Kelli