This Time Next Week!

This time next week I will be far above the Atlantic, most likely under the influence of Tylenol PM or some other sedative, ten hours from landing in South Africa. And of course, right now, I am plagued with excitement, joy, fear, anticipation, anxiety, and a little confusion with so many emotions pulsing through my head - but I know, despite the emotional roller coaster, its all going to be OK.

So, last week I quit my job, shoved all my belongings into my little Honda Civic, said goodbye to my beloved friends, and drove back home to Ventura where I sit now, still a little dazed. I'd like to say that I've been busy doing all the things I have ever wanted to do here at home, but the reality is that I've been laying around, watching TV, and rolling around on the floor with my dogs. Its all I really wanted to do right now. But, in between watching movies with my mom and going to the beach with my dog, I have managed to pack all my gear, finish all my shopping, and read all the pre-orientation PC materials. Just enough that I don't feel too entirely unproductive.

My last few days here are going to be amazing. LeeAnn is coming up to Ventura on Saturday and will be here till I take off. I feel so comforted by the fact that I'll get to spend my last days with her in the states - I'm really looking forward to her arrival. Then the same day my parents are throwing me a going away party with all our family and friends - a definite source of entertainment and joy! Then I have a few days to center and calm myself till Tuesday 11:50 pm - my departure time from LAX. I'll fly to Chicago and then to D.C. where I'll have three days of training and uber-vaccinations. Then on the 29th we take off on our 17 hour plane ride to South Africa - only to get back on the plane again to fly to Lusaka, our ultimate destination in Zambia. And like I said, my head is spinning in anticipation, excitement, anxiety, and...well, you know.