Well, it's a week and two days till we leave, and now it feels more real. I am feeling a bit apprehensive this week- mostly conflicted about leaving the rest of my family. I know that God is in control, and they are all safe in His hands. I have just never been away from them for more than a couple of days. I feel a bit like I am deserting them, but I know that is silly. I am really excited about the trip though. I have been packed for two weeks now, and everything I can prepare for has already been researched, tickets bought, hostels booked, etc. There is nothing more to do but wait, and that is what is weighing on me!! I need to remember to enjoy the anticipation!! You certainly do not get much in a backpack! I have packed and repacked it several times. I have discarded several items, only to decide that they really are essential after all. I'm sure I will have a new appreciation of what is essential after this next month! I got a cool gadget this week from Amazon- its an external battery that can recharge an iPhone 10 times before its charge is depleted. It is roughly the size of your hand, so not too large to carry either. I'm guessing that recharging a phone in a dorm style hostel or on an overnight bus might be challenging. Kinda cool. Well, that's it for now. Tick tock, tick tock. Time moves like a rock.