To Do List

I have put my Swahili lessons on hold for the afternoon so that I can get at some of the things on my "To Do" list. I am amazed at all the things that need to be done before moving to Africa! If you are planning a similar move here are some of the things you need to do (in no particular order):

• Tell all your friends and family about your plans
• Purchase plane tickets
  
• Quit your job
• Obtain an International Driving Permit
  
• Find a good friend who is willing to look after things while you are away
• Get the house rented out
  
• Hire a Property Manager
• Sell your car(s)
• Update your immunizations
• Get a passport
• Go to the dentist (because you definitely don't want to go to a dentist in some places!)
• Downsize your stuff (get rid of all your junk)
  
• Store all your furniture
• Pack all your belongings
• Rent a truck to move your furniture and belongings
• Find a foster home for your pets
• Obtain the appropriate visas for your new country
• Set up a webcam and Skype
  
• Update your will
• Sell your son's canoe that's been in the garage for 4 years
  
• Obtain landlord insurance for your house
• Figure out how you are going to get to the airport
  
• Extend your OHIP (unlimited if you are a Missionary)
• Buy additional health insurance with medical evacuation
• Find a storage unit for your other son's stuff
  
• Pack your two suitcases with everything you need for two years
• Change your address for the zillions of places that need to know, i.e. Revenue Canada, banks, credit cards, driver's license, property tax office, professional affiliations, . . . . . . . .
  
• Register with the Canadian High Commission in your new country once you arrive
• Cancel your phone, internet, long-distance provider, gas, hydro, car insurance, . . . . . . .
  
• Learn a new language
• Clean and paint your house
• Get one last haircut because you may end up doing it yourself for the next two years
  
• Start a blog
  
• Say goodbye to your family and friends