Progress on several fronts

1. I got a verbal approval of my sabbatical from UMKC.  I await THE letter.
2. I signed up for international health insurance (BTW-their site worked).
3. Did a test pack of my suitcases, and to my surprise, everything fit and was under the weight limit.
4. Bombed out with the Post Office on cheaply shipping books, so I'm rethinking what needs to be shipped.
5. Got the passport out of the safe deposit box.
6. Made contact with a Beer Sheva resident that will be helpful when I get there.
7. Less than 8 weeks to departure!