As I'm making lists and starting to pack, one refrain keeps coming into my mind, "use what you have." Which in theory, sounds like a good idea. But when faced with wanting to bring things that will make my trip more comfortable and even fun, it's hard not to go out and buy it. Besides, I'm already spending some on a new Visa, immunizations, traveling food and supplies, etc. And I'm finding that what I think I need to purchase for this trip, somehow shows up a little later.
As a side note, we moved from Minnesota to Montana a few years ago and are in a rental so we have not unpacked everything. So that's what all those boxes in the basement are about.
- I found one of my trip journals from the 2nd & 3rd mission trips and had a fun few hours reading through it. Then next week, the Missionary said I should do the "Work of Our Hands" devotion I did before. It is only written out as I did it in that trip journal! So I had it before I needed it.
- Along with that journal, I found my first trip journal. It told about my first experience with spiritual warfare on the mission field. Which in turn sparked a renewal for me. It reinforced what I believe God is doing and working in me.
- My hubby researched noise cancelling earbuds for me, one of the few things I thought I might like to purchase. During his research for a good pair, he realized we already had a pair! He got them when we went to England.
- Purses. I have lots of them, apparently but not quite right for traveling with luggage. But then I came across the one that I used for England. It's perfect and it's even cute!
- Outlet converters. Now, I really, really wanted to order one that would convert to a usb port or multiple usb's because I have several things that could use it. But when I found my converters for India, I realized I had 3-4 already plus a small power strip. I should be ok, even though I desire something more convenient.
- Technology. I didn't want to bring my laptop as it could get damaged or stolen. So using my phone with a bluetooth keyboard was a good option. However, I don't have a bluetooth keyboard, so I'd need to buy one. Then as I was thinking about it, I realized I could use an old tabled that we never use. It won't matter if it gets damaged since it's pretty outdated but will still work to type and access the internet.
- Footrest. I need this because my legs are so short, and my hip gets out of whack if my legs and feet don't have support. I do have an inflatable one, but the one I had bought awhile ago is easier to clean and smaller and packs flat. After going through the boxes downstairs, I couldn't find it and strongly considered ordering a new one. But then after my last plane ride, I decided I could get by with what I have. And then today, when we were looking through boxes, I found my original one!! I was so happy.
- I've also found various little things like packing cubes, tote bags, little gifty items and more.
All this is to say, that I really don't need to buy new. Something will work if I think on it. And if not, I can always make do. After all, "use what you have" is also something Indians do very well at. If I do find myself in India without a certain something or another that would've made my life easier, it's not the end of the world. Perhaps it's at that moment that I lean more into God and what He has for me.
