One week to departure

This morning I awoke at 4 am! Birthdays to be remembered, documents to be completed, last minute purchases for our volunteer work.

Discussions with colleagues and friends about this adventure are interesting - some focus on the language issue, others on safety, others on the pleasure of being in a new place and space. All provide good wishes and I have been tucking them into my heart for the days - and nights - when I need them.

Getting ready

Sunday January 25th

With 10 days til departure I am a bundle of emotions; exciting, trepidation and curiosity. The support for this adventure from family and friends has been tremendous. The cautions about not taking on too much and being flexible to see new opportunities appreciated.

With goals to understand the realities, mostly at a heart and gut level, of a longer term sojourn I am already aware of the huge amount of work needed to prepare to be away for three months. What should I take with me, what will not come home, how to I ensure my family is supported, how do I ensure I am supported, am I leaving issues at work unattended, what medical issues can I anticipate and plan for and on the list goes.

I am hoping to blog on a weekly basis providing you with some insights more into how I am feeling and what I am experiencing rather than what I am doing.

Your reflections will be welcome reading.

Best, Colleen