Preparing for a Weekend Trip -- Grace

I found out some exciting news this Sunday!  The Women's Department at my family's church is going to Ohio in April for a weekend!

Why Ohio, you might ask?  Kirtland, Ohio, is quite important in our Church history.  Our Church was formed in 1830, and later our founder, Joseph Smith, was instructed by the Lord to build a temple in Kirtland, Ohio.  The people were valiant in witness and testimony as they gathered together to help build the Temple of God.  It was dedicated on March 27th, 1836.  It is said that that was one of the most beautiful services ever held. 
    I have been there once, and it was the most beautiful experience I have ever had.  I truly felt God's love physically for me, and I also felt a very real guilt for not living up to His expectations.  Ever since that experience in July, I've been dying to go back.

So when I found out our WD is going in April, I was SO excited.  My mind is now buzzing with things that I have to do before I leave.  Here is my to-do list! :-)

1. Spiritually Prepare
Spiritual preparedness is the most important thing, anytime, anywhere, but especially for a pilgrimage like this.  Before I went in July, I was not preparing myself.  Then, during choir practice one afternoon, I was chatting with one of my friends.  He told me, "I KNOW that if you will pray and set your heart in the right direction, you will have an AMAZING experience."  I took his words to heart...and I had the best experience I have ever had.

2. Clothing
Remember to find out what you'll be doing, and plan your wardrobe accordingly.  For me, we'll be driving for 24 hours round-trip, thus I'll need two days' worth of comfortable clothes.  We'll be having two worship services in the Temple, so I'll pack two dresses. Then we'll take a day for tours, so I'll pack one more days' worth of jeans and a t-shirt.

3. Don't forget toiletries.
If you'll be staying in a hotel, you could be okay if you forget your shampoo, conditioner, and soap.  However, I like to bring mine anyways. 
You should make sure to bring your toothbrush and paste, deodorant, a hair comb/accessories, and other things like that.  If you have glasses, make sure to bring your case.  If you have medicine, bring those as well. For instance, I take Vitamin C on a daily basis, and when I eat lactose I take Lactaid.  I'll bring both of those just in case.

4. Bring something to entertain yourself.
Like I said, it's going to be 24 hours round-trip.  I'll be packing a book, my Scriptures, a journal, perhaps an easy-to-carry craft, and stationery and pens to write letters with (since no one else in my family is going, I'll write them each letters, and write some of my other friends letters as well while I'm on the road). 

Another thing: Don't forget plenty of extra cash.  You never know when you'll run out of something or find some cute souvenir, or have an emergency. 

Comment if I should...should...do a how-to-pack-your-suitcase tutorial!!?