The Packing Has Begun.......

That's me packing

As you can see by these photos, I have many, many toys that have been donated. I found out that I need to inventory my bags.  I've started, but quickly realized how hard it is to fit a car seat into a hockey bag. It took some figuring out, but I got it to fit with room to spare! I'm hoping that some kind soul will donate another hockey bag so that I don't have to go out and buy one. The one you see in these photos was donated by my landlord's sister at a recent yard sale. Again, the generosity of others has not yet failed to amaze me.
I found out last night, that we may get the opportunity to visit a Women's Art Fair while in Haiti as well as spend time shopping at local stores that were not destroyed in the January earthquake. I am thrilled to start my Christmas list and know that I will be helping to support the Haitian economy. I'll be trying to pack flattened cardboard and rolls of bubble wrap in my bags so that I can safely transport my purchased goods home (hopefully in one piece).

My living room has turned into a toy factory

An interesting thing happened to me today. I was out shopping with my mom and wandered in a small locally-owned clothing store. The friendly owner struck up conversation with me when she noticed me eyeing a floor-length sundress. "Are you looking for yourself"? "Yes" I replied. "I am going away in November and this dress would be perfect". She got a big grin on her face and asked where I was going on vacation. I suddenly realized that this is a normal question when someone replies that they are going away. We assume it is to go on a relaxing and comfortable vacation. I quietly responded "I'm actually going to Haiti". Right away, she started going on about how brave and wonderful it is that I was going to help. She gave me a 10% discount off my clothing purchase and followed me out to the street praising my good-will and that she had forgotten all about what had happened in Haiti because it wasn't in the news anymore. While it was a bit awkward, I also found myself going on about how excited I was about going and that I feel that I "get to go".
I will be writing more blog entries on "Getting to go" to Haiti. I believe that I am being offered a potentially life-changing experience that very few people are offered, or chose to accept. In taking on this challenge, I feel honoured that I am going to help those in need with nothing more to gain but creating memories and a few new friends,  taking photos to remind myself how lucky I am to be living in Canada, and hopefully bringing back some amazing souveniers. I can't wait for November to arrive. Really, I wish I could start packing now.

Anyone know how to fit a car seat into a hockey bag? Hmm...