Packing

Do you enjoy going on trips? If so, do you enjoy packing? It seems this summer that I have lived almost solely out of a suitcase. I'm even almost starting to enjoy packing!
This next week we will be at youth camp and I've needed to pack once again.
My favorite way to pack is to first be sure that the laundry is done and put away. It's so much easier to pack when you have everything that's clean to choose from.
Next I find the appropriate suitcase. This summer I decided to try to put 1 weeks worth of clothes in one of those pull on the plane types. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.
I think about each day of the week and what I would be doing on that day. (ie: meetings, swimming, sleeping)
I proceeded through the week putting out what I'd need for each day on the bed. Sometimes I'd try on an outfit just to be sure it looked suitable. :)
Lastly I'd start at the top of my head and think down my body, shirt, necklace, jacket or sweater, underwear, skirt, slip, shoes, socks etc. I do this for each day and each outfit just to make sure I have everything I need.
I have a nice cosmetic bag that holds most of the things I use. Since I'd be pulling it on the plane I had to make sure that no liquid item was more than 4 oz. 4 oz. easily lasts for a week!
I also have a second hairdryer and curling iron, brush and comb that I keep in my suitcase. I don't use an alarm clock but some like to put one in.
At the top of the list for things to forget were my P.J's or swim suit. I'm getting better at remembering them.
For camp I'll need to add a towel, beach towel and a sleeping bag and pillow.
I've found that if you want to bring tennis shoes, it's best to wear them on the plane as they take up lots of room in the suitcase. If you don't want to wear them you can roll your socks and other items and stuff them inside the shoes.
I put the shoes on the bottom with my hair dryer, curling iron, brush, comb and then on top of that I fold my clothes. I've heard you can put paper towels between them or plastic bags or even roll them to keep them from wrinkling but I've found folding them is quite forgiving once they are hung up.
On top of the clothes I put my cosmetic bag because some airport security people want them put into one of those plastic trays and it's much easier to grab it off the top of the suitcase rather than on the bottom.
Be sure to charge your cell phone and tuck in the charger.
I also gather a second bag to put my Bible, books and magazines inside as well as stationery because I like to write letters on the plane. It's great to have lots of things to do on the plane if the person next to you prefers sleeping to talking :). Airplanes are great places to share the Lord as you have time to build a little relationship.
Hopefully now I have it together and all that is left is to enjoy the trip.

P.S.: When I get home I try to replenish my cosmetic bag so that it's all ready for the next trip.

"Underneath are the everlasting arms." Deut. 33:27