This morning I learned that everything I own would fit into a 200 cubic foot crate. (Everything except the car.) I was required to be present and watch them crate everything. They wrapped several of the items in brown paper, even boxing and plastic wrapping my mattresses, to protect them from moisture damage as they travel by ship. If I get to Chile around March 2012, unwrapping everything will be like getting a birthday present. This will be the largest birthday present I have ever received. I won't receive this crate until I arrive in Chile. It was difficult to decide whether or not to crate anything at all. When I arrive in Chile, I will need to furnish the apartment I will be staying in. Being new to the area it will be hard to get around and being a new country and culture I wouldn't know where to shop. With that said, I crated items that I would need immediately, dishes, a camping chair, towels and bathroom items, and bed with bedding, so that I will not be unnecessarily stressed. With the extra space, I chose to pack items that I would want with me or that I thought might be beneficial to other families in my city such as, books and games. I constantly asked for wisdom throughout this process and am confident that this was a good choice and will end up being beneficial to me and others.
