Well, Departure Day is almost here. It feels so unreal. I’m so ready to leave, but at the same time, I’m not. I’ve been having second thoughts, even though I am so excited about this trip. It’s funny, months and months ago, I couldn’t wait to go, and now that it’s finally here, I want to stay home…I guess that’s all just part of the pre-departure anxiety. I also started having anxieties about the flights…I love airplanes but I can be a jittery flier if I haven’t flown in a long time.

I will miss my family, friends, co-workers, choirs, jobs and all the familiar people, animals, places, foods, rituals and objects that define my life. For the next 4 months, I will meet new people, try new things and develop new routines. It will be an amazing experience, I just know it!!!