Saturday, June 29, 2013

Packing

Yesterday I spent about 3 hours packing.  There is so much to bring! I'm actually proud of myself for limiting the clothing.  I followed the suggested list provided by RVCV, and didn't sway from that list.  Most of the cloths I'm bringing will be staying at the Village for other volunteers and kids.  I packed layers of clothing. The nights will be in the 50s, and the day time highs will be in the upper 60s to lower 70s.  Those of you that know me well will laugh at this---my shoe collection is not typical for my outfits.  I went for comfort, sturdiness, and coverage; not color coordinated, strappy, and tall.  You can expect most of the pictures with me in them to be waist up!  Half, if not more, of my bag consists of supplies needed: sun screen, LOTS of medicine, batteries, head lamps, LOTS of bug spray, Listerine, soap, snacks, and more!  The two pictures below are only part of the non-clothing contents. I also took a picture of my personal bag.

17 medications so far--a few are still at CVS.

SOME of the Supplies

My Bag

On Monday I'm going to my cousin's warehouse to sort through the donations and fill the duffle bags.  I'll be brining 3 bags of gifts, shampoo and medicine, and a 4th bag of book bags and paper --which were collected last year. (There were some left over last year.) My cousin will ship the remaining items to Boston, where a warehouse stores donations for RVCV.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Selsun Blue

June 19, 2013:

I finished moving my classroom today!  Now I can concentrate on preparing for my trip.  I leave for Columbus in 2 weeks.  The flight leaves in 15 days! This afternoon I spent some time organizing the donations.  I need to swap out one of the gift bags for some paper and book bags that were collected last year.  (Some were sent last year, and the rest are being stored until they are needed.)  I'm bringing four large bags stuffed with needed items: gifts, Selsun Blue, paper, book bags, and medicine (Advil, vitamins, eye drops, Calcium tablets). There are so many donations--I can't bring them all!  (What a positive problem!)  My cousin will store and the ship the remaining items to a warehouse in Boston.  Today I taped the 26 shampoo bottles shut so that they won't leak out on the airplane.  My cat, Hosta, had lots of fun watching and playing with bags.

Taped Shampoo Bottles
Hosta




Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Insurance, Donations, and Packed Car


 June 11, 2013:

I leave in 3 weeks and 2 days! Over the weekend I purchased the emergency travel insurance. I don't plan on getting sick, but just in case I do-- I'm covered.  Emergency travel (helicopter) and costs are covered under this plan.  My class and school community have been extremely supportive and generous!  We collected over 400 items.  I'll be bringing 4 duffle bags with me to RVCV.  A couple of more bags and boxes will be stored in a warehouse. There are more pictures of the Boulevard Service Project on my class website.  If you would like to learn/see more, please visit http://www.superbecerra.com/1213/Action1213/ActionProjects12-13.htm
 
Packed Car

Packed Car
Packed Car  

Many of the donations behind my couch