This is actually happening? I'm actually going through with this? This is actually coming together? WHAT?!?!
These were my thoughts on August 20th as I stared at the itinerary that Yanick (the amazing Logistics Master for YASC) sent me for my trip to South Africa. The date on it read September 17th. I just stared at it for a second. I knew I was going to be leaving for my year of service soon, it was always supposed to be late summer or early fall, but having that date, that copy of tickets for an 3 stage international flight sitting in my email inbox, made it more real. Made it so SOON. After all the work and preparations and forms filled out and training undergone and travel done, I find that I STILL have so much more to do, to pack, to figure out, to get done, to say, etc.
And so begins the scramble to make sure I have everything. Last week I flew up to New York to apply for my visa, so hopefully that will be done soon. I am starting to figure out what I need to bring and how to do it. As an aside, I realize while preparing that I do not own a single piece of luggage. All my life I've either borrowed suitcases from my parents or someone else. I have a few small suitcases and duffel bags that, along with backpacks, have been sufficient for any trip that I did not need large luggage for.
Even with all the challenges that still stand between me and my (hopefully) September 17th departure date, I am extremely excited. I am looking forward to starting this wonderful experience and embracing all the challenges and joys that are coming my way.
Thanks for coming along with me for them all. (Hopefully I will keep up with updates better than what I have been).
After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.- Neson Mandela
