About a month before I head to Casablanca I left my job, moved out of my apartment, transported my apartment contents (whatever I didn’t sell)  across multiple states back to my parent’s house as they graciously allowed me to store some boxes with them. Then came the really fun part…deciding what to pack in under 100 pounds.

The last four weeks stateside have been filled with pre-service paperwork, finding packing guidance, reading blogs or watching YouTube videos on what others suggest to pack and then of course the formidable task of actually condensing all items to fit into two checked bags.

My original plan was to use a large rolling suitcase and a large hiking style backpack. You are only allowed to have one of the checked bags with you for PST (pre-service training)  so I thought I could survive with just the large hiking backpack and my carry on totes. Turns out the hiking backpack, while a great backpack, does not actually fit a great deal. It was all about utilizing the maximium size and weight allowed by the airline. So, after days of packing (and repacking) I made a last minute change and went with two large rolling suitcases, a backpack and medium tote bag for my carry on items.

Once PST is complete, I will do an update on what I brought and what actually turned out to be useful or not so much.

As I enter my final week stateside the focus will be on enjoying the last bit of New England, spending time with family and friends and of course eating all the food I will miss out on for over 2 years.