Happy day!

On the eve of our departure, my 40th birthday, I got the best present ever: notification that our Visa 37 (reprint approval) is en route to Ethiopia. That is hopefully the last paperwork hurdle we'll encounter in this long journey. Now we can board the plane with peace.

I hope our cheap old suitcases hold together. They are stuffed to the gills, mainly with donations and gifts.

Last Sunday, our church held a send-off party for us and gave all these items to donate to the various organizations we'll visit. Many also gave us money so we can purchase one or more big-ticket items once we learn what their specific needs are.

And this is what Caroline did to her room this morning while I packed. Allison, you asked for a housesitter's to-do list. Here's item #1.