With only three months to go before I leave for Papua New Guinea, it’s time to begin thinking about packing and moving. Which is a difficult thing, as everyone who has had to move knows. What to take, what to get rid of, what to do with those boxes of items that are too valuable to throw away.
Now imagine you had a weight limit of 100 pounds per person- the standard luggage allowance for international air travel. Kind of intimidating, isn’t it. Any additional items will cost extra either in overweight fees or international shipping rates.
So, what don’t I need to take? I don’t have to worry about furniture, appliances, or cookware- those things I can either make there or buy in the country. In fact, it looks like I’ll be buying the stuff I left behind 3 years ago. Tools is another thing I won’t have to worry about- I left quite a few woodworking tools there this summer, and I have just been told that the region was able to buy a set of mechanic’s tools for my use- which will save quite a bit of money on my end. And I’ve been told that my old Danelecto bass guitar and amp have been located! So, that should take care of my musical instrument needs (though I’ll be taking a nice little hand drum along-as there are quite a few bass players in the Madang region).
Now that I don’t need to take a whole lot of heavy, bulky items, what do I have to take along? Clothes are one item I’ll need to bring- it’s kind of hard to find things in my size over there. Books are one thing- I’m quite a reader, and have quite a heavy collection of reading material. Sadly, I’ll have to sort through and leave many behind.
And then there is the matter of a few things I’m still trying to find in New Guinea. I’ve had only one lead on a motorcycle, and it’s a little shaky. If it works out, I’ll have to set aside some room in my luggage for motorcycle related items- riding gear, parts, filters, ect.
So, please pray for wisdom in knowing what exactly to pack. Pray also for the Lord’s provision of the items I’ll have to buy there.