Packing. Ugh.
This is how it started. Piled all up on our futon in the spare bedroom. At first things we’re going swimmingly:
I spent about 3ish hours organizing and packing up my bags…. except it wasn’t quite that easy. I have my bags just 5” under the amount we’re allotted so I figured I’d have plenty of space, just have to constantly weigh them to make sure they stayed under the 80lb limit.
BUT NO! I’m barely to 50lbs and outta freakin’ room! 
Look at the bulging overflow in my duffel bag!
Oh my, oh my, oh my… Packing for 2 years is turning out to be a much bigger ordeal than I had anticipated. And I was trying to keep a realistic attitude going in, but my goodness! It’s so unreal that I won’t see my things for 27 months, and then I start having these thoughts, “How wasteful to leave all these bottles of lotion…” or “I know I’d wear these shoes and those… and those… and these…” But then I’m like, “Get it together Ashleigh! You don’t need 10 pairs of shoes!”
Really I think my problem is: the tent and sleeping bag… *sigh* things many current PCVs in Malawi suggest bringing and even describe them as essential! However, DAMN they take up a lot of space!!
I even got some of those “Space Bags” that vacuum when you roll them, but they aren’t making much of a difference since the stuff is already taking up all my bag space. Hmm…
I leave in ONE WEEK! Well six days now since it’s technically not Wednesday anymore, but still. I can’t believe it!! This last week of my time in the states and with my family and friends has come up so abruptly. I’m feeling very stretched thin. Everyone wants to hang out “one last time.” And not to sound too harsh, but I just don’t have time. That’s what my going away party is for! lol I have something going on pretty much everyday till I leave so squeezing in even lunch or coffee is nigh impossible. And you know what? That sucks. But I guess I knew this day was coming and I think it sneaked up on all of us.
In attempt to stay at a stress… minimum, I’m trying to not dwell too much on leaving and am going to sleep tonight to attack my packing dilemma tomorrow with good night’s sleep and a yummy breakfast in my tummy (pre-Thanks to Maria!)
I shall keep you posted if I ever get packed and in the mean time don’t forget my Going Away Party is THIS Saturday! *happy dance* It shall be fun fun fun! 
I already miss you all!
Till next time…
The tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat are probably 1/3 of all of my space. 1/4 at least! Despite the infinite lists floating around of all the things you should bring, you have to remind yourself that once you get there you must blend with your community as much as possible. If you look too American, in the city you could be a target for theft. Also your community will respect you more the more you live and look like an Malawian. Keep that in mind.
I have to edit my things, again! Luckily I kept the tags on most of the stuff I bought. It is so hard that everyone is saying to bring all this stuff, when we probably don’t need the majority of it. Good luck and keep me posted on your project.
Oh, and this is how I am packing: Expedition backpack = 2yr stuff: sleeping bag, mat, tent, hiking shoes, cooking stuff, 1/2 clothes, extra toiletries, etc. Small duffle bag= training stuff: clothes, writing stuff, books, toiletries, gifts, etc. Carry on = Camera, computer, book, etc. I hope this helps!!
Hey Briana! Yeah, I am not taking that much clothes really because I’m super excited about getting clothes there and being as Malawian as I can be. The things I’m taking I don’t even feel like are things that will make me stand out as an American, at least I don’t think so lol. Who knows. I am going to try and edit my things today and try again.
I think I’m gonna take back the tent I bought and just try to get one in Malawi. A PCV just said on our fb group you can get them there, so maybe I’ll just save my self the hassle and room and ditch it.
I think I’m just having a hard time with how much stuff I’m just leaving, it seems odd that I’ll be gone so long and it will all just be sitting here lol.
Btw, what kind of “cooking stuff” are you taking? all I really have are knives and a thermos.
Blah! End point: I have too much stuff. lol Time to refocus! ttyl