The Suitcase

By John Ross · Ukraine, Romania

I think my suitcase was bigger than some of the refugees.

I guess it makes sense that when bombs are going off around your house, you’d only grab the essentials.

I didn’t start packing until maybe 10:30p the night before I was leaving. Which still allowed me plenty of time to pack up some jeans for work, some khakis for church, some sweats for lounging, and some shorts for working out. Eventually, my suitcase made its way to full.

At the end of many of my humanitarian trips, I just leave my clothes behind.

I thought about doing that this time.

But then as I thought about it.

They’ve all just got their suitcase with their essentials. An extra pair of worn shorts and a T shirt is just more stuff on a journey that isn’t for or about stuff.

I don’t think I overpacked by much. I rewore some clothes, 2 to 3 times. But I guess it’s all in perspective.

Regardless, I don’t think I’ll ever look at a rolling suitcase the same way.

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