To take or not to take, that is the question...

Well that time to hit the road is quickly approaching! James and I are very excited to begin this journey of deputation. This last Friday, we were blessed to buy a 2007 Honda Pilot with only 68,000 miles on it. (We plan to add a few more miles to that number.)  We praise the Lord for providing a vehicle within our budget! So now that we are very spoiled in our new SUV with heated seats and a sun roof, we are even more excited to travel the country. 

On March 28th we start deputation! This excites me for a few reasons. One reason is that will mean all of my "to-do's" of packing and organizing will be completed. Packing, what an ugly word. Now for those of you who are missionaries know what I mean when I say it is much harder to pack when you are leaving the house for a few months at a time. ( I can't even imagine packing with children!!) It is even harder to sort through all of your treasures and decide what to store, what to give away, and what to send over to Russia. Thankfully, I haven't quite pulled out all of my hair yet. I take it one day, one tub at a time. So far not so bad! And I still have some time left! 


My husband is afraid I will want to take the bath tub and kitchen sink along with us, when really all I want to pack are my twelve pairs of shoes. 

Some of the lucky chosen few. 

Yes, that's right only twelve.  I was so excited to tell him I narrowed down my shoes for deputation to only twelve! You would have thought I told him I was taking the whole house with his reaction. Sheesh... Does he even consider all those other pairs of shoes that are stuffed in a tub completely forgotten about until August? It was a difficult choice but it had to be made. I think this will only make me a stronger woman. There should be an award or certificate for those who successfully pack for deputation. Men just don't realize the sacrifices we make. :) 

I plan to pack for about 2-3 weeks and rotate clothing. And believe it or not I am trying to pack conservatively, even though to my husband it may not seem like it. But after all we did just buy a new  (BIGGER) car, and if he packs light that mean I can pack extra! Right?! 

I know I'm not alone in this packing for deputation/furlough obstacle course. And I am sure it gets easier and there is a science. But I'm a newbie. I would be interested to hear any stories or strategies that anyone has! 

Until next time, good night and good morning to all those on different time zones! 

From the Heart of my Closet,

Amber Pranger

P.S Thank you ladies for the helpful comments! Maybe I will be more careful as to what I pack :). In my defense though, those twelve pairs of shoes include some flip flops and flats. Haha Maybe I'll put a couple more pairs away and go with a solid ten :). I will definitely use all your tips! We can't wait to make lots of memories on our trip!