Today I overdid it. I was inspired to take on some projects, which led to others, which has led to a very sore throat and exhaustion. Why am I still up at midnight typing this, then? Don’t have the foggiest.

I can’t seem to get ahead on this packing thing. Sure, everything I move, organize, or sort is one step closer in the whole process, but I just can’t see that at this point. We need to get more out of here for me to calm down. That and having a better idea of what’s going with us and how much space it will take up in our luggage.

Today I started in on the children’s toys, and was inspired by an idea – why not have the kids help choose the toys to get rid of, and help them to get rid of stuff by giving them the money that they make selling them. It might work, but then again, in a week, I might be wishing I never started this. Emily today cried over having to give up a web cam and microphone – complete in its unopened box!! Just because it looked cute, she wanted to take it with us. What will choosing toys be like for her? Help!

This afternoon the wife of the Chileno couple I met 2 days ago called, asking if she could come over and do laundry. Ummmmm…. What do I say? “Of course! Come right over!” They both came, complete with 3 bags of dirty clothes. (She did bring her own laundry soap, thank goodness!) Four loads of laundry. Each takes almost 2 hours. Halfway into the first one, she went to see if it was done, and I told her how long it took, she became a little nervous. We had had our coffee and snack, had talked a lot, asked questions about each other’s families (How old are your parents?, she asks me…huh?), she asked me for more stuff that I’m getting rid of (they’re just setting up their home for the first time, and need everything. Thank goodness for bridal showers in the states!), before more people show up. Turns out friends of ours, who know this couple very well, are on their way to a party and decided to stop by. They hang out for ½ hour and then leave, promising to come by at 9:30 to pick up our Chileno friends.

Right before the first couple showed up we were starting a movie with the kids, as it had to be returned today. So when the second couple left, I suggested we watch the movie. They watched the movie with us as the 2nd load of laundry washed. It wasn’t done washing when the video ended. I left them in the living room while I cleaned the kitchen (it was after 9:30 at this point) and wondered if I had to serve them dinner – all I have in the house are tapitas for empanadas and cheese, so I was going to make quesadillas for them. And in walks Bryon, on his way out the door to return the video, asking if I wanted him to pick something up for dinner!! Hallelujah!! I turned off the stove and continued washing the kitchen.

Close to 10pm the Chileno couple leave, one bag of dried clothes, one wet, and another load in the washer. They’ll come back tomorrow to pick up the last 2 loads (I offered to wash one for her tonight!), and you better believe I’ll have them washed, dried, folded and in bags!!

Now before you go thinking I’m all nice or anything, let me tell you the truth. I couldn’t say no. Despite the 7 loads of laundry that I hid, which could have been my excuse for not allowing her to use my machine, I invited her over. I knew the time constraint, knew that it was a more-than-3-hour commitment, yet I said yes anyway. Despite feeling terribly sick, the totally messy house (I cleaned up the living and dining areas before they came), despite the fact that I don’t need to use my new motor on other people’s laundry.

But they are borrowing money to get life started. They are both in seminary, and have seen God blessing them in so many ways. I’m part of the blessing, reluctantly. I changed my attitude. They won’t be asking again to do laundry, as this week they’re planning on buying a machine.

My attitude changed when I thought how everything I ever wanted or needed was provided for me when I got married. My first apartment had its own washer/dryer installed. The towels and sheets that I will give my new friend (Soledad) next month were brand new 11 ½ years ago, given to me as generous wedding gifts. I take so much for granted, and really am ashamed that, having received everything free, that I complained over people choosing the wrong shades on some of the items. Soledad will get what she can, and is very happy about it. So if I can be a blessing to her, may God pour down more lavish blessings on her than the 2nd hand items I’m giving her. And may God continue to make me grateful for what I have, and what He provides for me.