Thursday is fast approaching. I spent the last six hours doing a packing test run to ensure that everything I think I want to bring will fit into my one large suitcase. The Peace Corps limits Volunteers to 80 pounds of luggage total to take along on this journey. This wouldn't be such an issue if it weren't for the two heaviest types of things I'm interested in bringing: books in English (for entertainment and escape purposes) and shoes (because my size 9.5 feet will not fit into the shoes of more petite Chinese women, whose feet generally max out at a dainty size 7). There are also strange luggage size dimension regulations that I do not fully understand and hope to avoid by my one-suitcase method. Simplicity is key.

Luckily, I have an excellent support crew of family and friends who provide a voice of reason as I weed out my gigantic t-shirt collection and shop for the appropriate light-weight, space-saving gear. My A#1 helper is Signe, who makes a great travel planner and packer, and even picks up Indian take-out for dinner. I must thank you (again) Sig, for being so stellar at helping me out.

Also today I confirmed with my friend Emily from GAC that she will be my Stateside education partner. Emily is an English teacher here in MN, and the Peace Corps has a program that connects US classrooms with PCVs. The really exciting thing is that my English students in China will have the opportunity to correspond with Emily's English students here at home. I do not have all the specifics yet, but the international exchange will certainly be fun for me and Emily, and with luck our students will like it, too.

Alright, to bed I go. More from me later. Signing off.