Travel Packing Tips (from an amateur)

So obviously I'm not a "world traveler" (yet), and a lot of you have done much more than I.  But in preparing for this trip, I've learned a few things I thought I'd share!

1.      Roll clothes instead of folding them. 

I have heard this technique for a while, but have never tried it until now.  In my mind, spreading clothing out completely flat seems like it would take up less room.  However, rolling your clothes saves space, as well as preventing undue wrinkles in your favorite outfit.  I tried this the other evening, and was surprised at how much extra room I have in my suitcase! (Maybe enough for a curling iron?) I have ended up packing mostly dresses and skirts made of jersey or rayon.  They will be soft and comfortable to wear, and won’t wrinkle. 

2.      Put dryer sheets in luggage.

Wherever you travel, you want your clothes smelling fresh and clean, right?  I’ve stuck several dryer sheets in with my clothing for this adventure, and we’ll see how fresh they smell when we arrive!  These are my favorite kind of sheets: Basil scented

3.      Put shoes in a shower cap.

This just prevents the gross bottoms of your shoes from coming in contact with your clean clothing.  In a pinch, I bet you could fasten the caps to your shoes during a random downpour.  If you were desperate. haha  A more cost-effective item to use would of course be the stash of plastic grocery bags you keep under your sink.  J 

4.      Pack foundation in contact lens cases.

This could quite possibly be my favorite tip ever!  It just seems so clever.  I bought a pack of 3 contact cases and filled them up with makeup foundation.  They’re secure, lightweight, and tiny. 

Wanderlust

Jeremy and I have been selected to travel to Romania to visit Sally, a missionary our church (Grace Bible Church) helps support. We'll be going along with 3 other great friends from church: Shane & Melissa, and Pastor Brian. After planning for months and months, we're finally about ready to take off!  It's quite the thought! Here's Sally's website if you want to learn more about her ministry! Website

Here are some questions I have been asked:

How long will you be gone?
Jeremy and I will be gone for 17 days.

What will you be doing?
Well, as I have always heard, traveling to other countries you usually experience "hurry up and wait", which we are well prepared for, and will just go with the flow! :-)  We do know that we will be spending a lot of time with the orphans (which is awesome!), as well as helping with Bible studies.  Sally is an amazing lady who runs House of Hope orphanage, conducts Bible studies with the orphans, children in the village, and a teen group. She also teaches the English language, and has a ministry to the Gypsy population.  I have probably missed something in there, but needless to say, she must be one busy lady!  We will try not to be a burden, but help ease her load as much as possible.  We might help with some concrete work for sidewalks and/or help paint some interior rooms.  Much will be decided when we arrive. 

Where exactly are you going?
Our final destination will be the village of Talpos, Romania.  No, Talpos does not have a Wikipedia page; I already checked! :-)  From what I can find, Talpos is situated in western Romania, near the border with Hungary. The settlement lies along the Crişul Negru river.

What are you doing with the dogs?
Haha, yes this is one of the most often-asked questions I've received!  The dogs are staying at home with a friend, and will be well cared for!  Definitely the hardest part of Jeremy and I traveling is leaving our pups!  There's no way to explain to them that we won't be gone forever. :-)