Leaving TODAY (well, tomorrow)

I am all packed and ready to leave in the morning. It's so weird that after all the planning that I've done for this trip I'm finally about to leave. I can't believe it.

Here are the two huge bags I'll be taking...



I'm so nervous. I can't wait to go. I'm really excited.

I'm so grateful to have this amazing opportunity. I want to say thank you to my mom and dad -- I'm so blessed that they are understanding and supportive enough to let me take a four month journey across the globe. I also want to mention my Uncle Marty -- without him I might be normal, instead of following through with crazy, crazy things like this. And my grandma -- she was such a supportive, inspirational person and I think about her almost every day. I wish I could be sharing my experiences with her, but I know she'll be there in spirit. And, I wish I could share stories with my great-grandma, G-ma Alice, who once also took trips overseas and used to regale me as an awestruck child with tales about all the artifacts that she brought back. She also is part of the reason I can take such a journey -- she faithfully gave savings bonds for every special ocassion, and I find it only fitting that she inadvertently has funded most of my trip. To all, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Now, I should get some rest before beginning my adventure! I'll miss you all. My next post should be after leaving the below 30-degree weather in southwestern Pennsylvania and safely landing in the 70-plus degree weather in the Bahamas.