39 days to go!

I've started making mental packing lists. I am allowed 2 bags, and a carry-on I assume, equalling no more than 100 lbs. This sounds like a lot, but it adds up quickly. I'm not too worried about clothes. I'll bring 3 or 4 pairs of jeans, 5 plain t-shirts, a few undershirts, socks, underwear, etc. I do need to pick up a few new collared button-up shirts for more formal occasions. I can get any other clothes I need when I get there. I'm excited to buy my first ao'poi shirt!

I am trying to resist the urge to bring my books. They're too heavy, and I doubt I will really need them. I'll bring a few essentials, like my trusty old Spanish dictionary, Cien Años de Soledad, maybe Walden, a few others if I can fit them. Oh, definitely taking Vagabonding and Marco Polo Didn't Go There, by Rolf Potts. Fantastic for travelers.

I'll also bring notebooks, colored pencils, and a small sewing kit. Plastic bags, a flashlight and a good knife. Unfortunately I think my guitar will have to stay at home. I don't have a hard case to carry it in. Maybe I can find an inexpensive guitar there in Paraguay, though I may have to forgo a few meals to afford it.

I only have 39 more days until I'm in Miami for the staging event. That seems like WAY too many! I'm using most of my time to study Guaraní. It's really interesting, but very challenging. There's not much I can say yet, besides a few greetings and the numbers 1-10. My first sentence that I constructed all myself: Che aháta Paraguaype. "I'm going to Paraguay." Correct or no, it's my first baby step. I can also greet a friend: Mba'e tekóiko chera'a!, or greet someone new for the first time: Mba'éichapa.

One last important one: Taiporâ ndéve ko ary pyahu! Happy New Year! :)