Great Expectations

Well, here we are...less than 24 hours to go until I leave for South America! I don't honestly think it has all hit be quite yet. Yes, I have had my last day at work. Yes, everything is packed. Yes, my apartment is clean (VERY clean :o)). But it still hasn't completely hit me that we leave tomorrow.

I think I have a bit of a security blanket with me since I am traveling with Elyse. It definitely eases my mind to be with, not only my best friend, but also with someone who has done this before. I wouldn't have thought to pack multiple toothbrushes if it weren't for Elyse! (You're bound to put your toothbrush under the faucet out of habit at some point...). Between the two of us I think we have a small library and might qualify as a travel Blockbuster specializing in DVDs of "The Office" and "Friends." I have to say I'm rather pleased with my packing. Everything is extremely organized in my suitcase, and thanks to Matt I have one impressive backpack to bring as my carry-on and for weekend trips. But even though I think I did a really good job at packing for a month, it is HEAVY. I have to weigh it later and make sure I haven't hit the limit.

While I have been packing and cleaning, I have also watched about 10 hours worth of old Grey's Anatomy episodes. I think my expectations of working in a clinic are really high now....

But seriously, I am walking on that plane tomorrow with an open mind. I realize that I will come across many difficult moments. I know there will be times that I will be dying for the comforts of the four walls of Box Office Land. I am ready to challenge myself. I am ready to meet new people and try new things. I am ready to immerse myself in a culture that is not my own. I welcome this. It's not every day that you get to experience something like this, so I hope to live every moment to it's fullest and to really find my place as a citizen of the world.

Alright, there we go! That's a lot to live up to, but I am energized and ready for it (well, not really...really I want to watch last night's episode of the The Office and take a nap, but you know what I mean....).

Hopefully I will be able to update my blog often. Stay tuned to hear about my adventures of sleeping in the Lima airport :o) Much love to each of you. Thank you for your support of my trip, it truly means the world to me.