Here goes nothing

I don’t know if you’ve ever decided you might one day just pull out your luggage and see if you could pack for a two-year stint following airline regulations but it is highly impossible. My packing was a disaster and terribly stressful but I’m finally in DC for orientation and ship out tomorrow for Ecuador.

The past 24 hours have been a ridiculous emotional trip but I’m finally ready. My stomach has been in knots all day but I finally put down a cheeseburger and fries from Five Guys tonight. I think I’m ready. Our orientation event has been a lifesaver for me as I’ve been able to meet new people and share common experiences in preparation for such an extensive journey.

Driving along the clean and familiar streets of Nashville before leaving was not a good thing for me. I couldn’t quite understand why I was trading simple and easy for challenging and unknown. Then, after going through our orientation it validated my reasoning and became exciting. Our group is large and fairly diverse. Old and young, experienced and not. Meeting new people really is an exciting thing for me.

Internet may be splotchy over the next few weeks so be patient. Here goes nothing. Ecuador, here I come!