Preparation

   We met at ONU tonight to gather all the supplies and donated items into checked luggage.  The strategy was to put as many different items into a suit case as possible.  That way if one particular bag would get lost or not arrive in the Dominican, we are not out a large quantity of one item.  So for instance one suit case could have a couple bottles of Tylenol and vitamins, a jar of peanut butter, a box of trashbags, bags of tooth paste and toothbrushes, project supplies, hand sanitizer, kids toys, books, etc. Here is a picture at the beginning as we started sorting through the first of the items.  This is not even a quarter of what we are taking...

Once all the suitcases were full we did a test weigh to get as close to 50 lbs as possible so that nothing had to be left behind (that way at the airport we are not exchanging items between suitcases to get the weight acceptable).
   Other preparations each of us had to do prior to leaving included the required vaccinations.  We all had to get the hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid vaccines.  Updated tenanus shots as well as an oral anti-malaria medication called Chloroquine were required too. We have to carry along either Cipro or Azithromycin on an as needed basis, just in case we would get the ever dreaded traveler's diarrhea. Nice to be prepared!  As far as packing went, all personal items have to fit into our carry-on luggage. We only bring two sets of scrubs (while you are wearing one set, they are washing the other for the following day).  Other than scrubs we were only able to bring 2-3 other outfits to continue to repeat, wash, etc. We do attend a church service while there, so multi-function outfits were quite the thought process! This is my week of no hair straightener either so bring on the hair gel for this curly mess!  One luxury we had to pack along that many of us take for granted is toliet paper, something they do not use/provide!  Bugspray with DEET because their mosiqutos don't mind what time of day it is to be out.  (and if the craze about DEET causing cancer is true, one day I could pin it back to my bugspray!) We were warned you put bugspray back on as soon as you get out of the military showers we will be taking.  The list of needed items we had to fit in that carry-on could go on and on but by process of elimination, I made it all fit!
   Thanks everyone for being supportive, especially my hubby Scott. (As I was typing this he called me and before we hung up he sarcastically asked if he was going to get a shout out, so there is your shout out!)  We have gotten an itinerary a couple of times and every time it has been a little different.  We were warned there is always a plan but never seems to go quite as planned! You never know what you are going get, which is just like working in the ICU so I should be good! Now for a little nap then to the airport in just a few hours! 

Enjoy the weather while I am out of the country! :)