Packing Barrels

We're madly hauling books from the basement and adding them to the 4 55-gallon shipping drums. Last year we crammed all the supplies into 2 barrels. This year we purchased 4 barrels, knowing that we had more books. As we began packing, however, it became clear that even with 2x the space to ship this year, we don't have enough barrels! It seems that every day we're receiving new boxes. Some are dropped off by friends, others by people we don't even know. The outpouring of support continues to amaze and humble us.

This excess of supplies is a good problem to have, though. It just means that we'll be shipping in two different deliveries: one now and the other the first week of February. The priority items will all go in this first shipment, especially the heavy duty wheels we purchased for the book shelves.

We have a carpenter lined up to build the shelves. He comes recommended, but we don't have much to go on other than this recommendation from a friend. Like many of the things we do when we're there, we have to be flexible with our expectations.

In any case, barring highly unusual, the first shipment of barrels will be there when we arrive, and the others will hopefully also arrive while we're still there.

Thanks to all of you who have supported this effort, whether with books, checks to help with the cost or words of encouragement.