Packed, packed and repacked.

Good morning to you. I hope you are doing well and enjoying your day.

Well, we continue to prepare for our time in Haiti at COTP.
Sara and I (mostly Sara) spent a significant amount of time yesterday packing and repacking our luggage. In the process we found out why the suitcase we bought at Goodwill was at Goodwill: the handle/side support bar is broken at the handle which compromises the ability for the airport baggage handlers to lift and throw that bag with confidence and assurance that the whhole thing won't come apart (remember the gorilla behind the plastic luggage conveyor belt curtain in the old commercials?) But, have no fear. a few minutes on the bench with drill in hand and an added piece of strap metal, a few bolts, washers and nuts and we're as good as new-well hopefully. 
Sara calculated what we expect to pay the airlines to get the "extra" stuff to Haiti and I'm thinking that luggage is where they're making their money these days. Rather shocking...!
I must say we seem to be pretty close to ready; just need to tie up a few loose ends as far as house care and bill paying and dog care and yard care and oh, allright, so we've a bit more to do, but we're getting there.
Oh, did you know that the vacuum bags one can buy that collapse things down to a fraction of their former selves don't all stay collapsed perfectly? My hope is that they will last at least two days-please, just get us to Haiti-pleeeeease... Hmmm, wondering if the newly repaired suitcase will actually hold the vacuum packed queen sized foam pad if the vacuum bag leaks? Oh, the trials of a modern-day missionary!
Good to "see" you (if only in my mind!) and thanks for being there.
More later,
J