30.4.07

Ever play ON MY TRIP I'M GOING TO TAKE?

We are now in the midst of making "the list" of what we will take to Tanzania. In thinking about living in another country, continent, and especially culture, we have decided to take absolutely only what we need. Our reasoning is not only for the simplicity, but also the cost of taking extra baggage on the airplane with us, and we want to learn to live like the nationals as best we can.

So we started our list like the game on my trip I'm going to take ___, but instead of remembering things we wrote them down, back and forth looking at what was already listed and then adding more. As our list got longer and longer we began asking the questions-

do we really need that ?
why do we want that?
can we do without that?

I love the challenge it has become, taking the least amount possible.

What I really hope to do is LEARN:

  • learn to do without much of what I have become accustomed to
  • learn to do things in different ways
  • learn to borrow from others and share the things we do have

Now the game is on my trip I'm not going to take _____!!

2 comments:

Mom said...

Jane Ann,
I am learning much fron you! As I think about moving to India I, too, am thinkin - what do I REALLY need to bring? After I visit in late June I will have a better perspective from which to view that question. Now, after reading your blog I can ponder I will rethink that issue. Thanks. Love, Nancy

Mom said...

Oh, by the way, I have tried to change my username but Google won't let me so I guess you will just have to view me as mom "of the Stall and Thorpe families". Ha!
P.S. Sorry about the misspelled words in my last comment. I am writing from school and have only a few minutes on break. No time to proofread! Love and prayers. Nancy