Heading Out!

         Well everyone, I'm packed and ready to go! I don't leave until the 11th but I thought I'd better take a picture now so I don't forget to amidst the fluster of leaving. Those bags are so heavy! 41 lbs of supplies and food plus 9 lbs of clothes in the big one, 36 lbs of supplies and food in the smaller one plus 14 lbs of clothes, a backpack of airplane entertainment along with laptop stuff, and a small carry-on packed with everything else. I had every day of this last week planned perfectly of what I would get done each day but I was always surprised how things took more time than planned and of all the little things that popped up.
         I've had to plan things for now, while in China, and for the time after. I also had to find 2 different housing complexes for the Summer semester and Fall semester, get everything in order for my parents to do my taxes, prep all scholarships for my parents to send after taxes are done, clean and dejunk my room and car, set up phone and bank accounts, do the homework for my online class that's due for the next 2 weeks, find a job for during the Summer semester, and prepare/register for classes when I come back. Whew! Plus all the little things that just need done like visiting the dentist, going visiting teaching, helping out in the primary, attending the Singles and Home wards, buying last minute items, putting together a picture book to show the Chinese children, writing up a Contact/My Information form for my parents (just in case), and shoving my face with American food! Tomorrow (Friday) we're having a family get-together, then Saturday-Monday I'm nannying for a family, then Tuesday I leave at 8am to catch the Salt Lake Express Shuttle.

Here is a picture of me and all my bags.

I'd like to give a quick shout-out to everyone who's helped me prepare for this trip:

Parents- There is not enough thanks that I can give you for your support, advice, and love. 

Shawna- Lending the huge suitcase.

Kendra Sanders- Lending the much needed power converter.

Ward Members- Donating ALL of the supplies and donating money.

Westmark- Shipping over the stuff I couldn't fit.

Mcdonalds, The Dollar Tree, and Idaho Potato Commission- donating toys.

Kate Hansen- Job and school advice.

Golds- Welcoming me into your home and listening to my adventures.

Janessa Russell- For answering and helping with ALL of my questions!

And EVERYONE ElSE! I am stunned and amazing by all of the love and support that people have given to me; you guys have made the preparation for this trip much easier! Thank you!