The countdown...

6 days left of the norm; the expected. Then what? I have so many questions all fueled by anxieties and excitements. To say I'm not nervous would be a lie, change is always uncomfortable in one way or another. Thankfully, I have so many wonderful people around me who have perfect words of encouragement. I am reminded that everyone I meet is a mother, father, husband, wife, son, daughter, or grandchild of someone. Everyone has been loved and has loved. We are all essentially the same, with only language or culture or circumstance as our differences.
I'm trying not to focus on the "what ifs" but rather my excitement for the experiences to come. I can't wait for all the new smells and tastes, for fresh and local fruit, for laughter over my awkward Spanish, for getting to know the people in the group, and for having a family in 2 countries.
Soon there will be a new normal, but hopefully it will still be filled with the unexpected.
I think I have bought and collected everything that I need for the trip; there is a rather large pile accumulated on the floor of my bedroom. It all has yet to make it into the backpack that I'm taking. So thats what I'm working on. Estoy casi lista.
-Jenn
Also, I received an email this week with the mailing address for CASAS where I will be studying.

Street Address:
26 calle 15-56 zona 11, Colonia Las Charcas
Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala

If you feel led to send me a letter at some point, the thought would be greatly appreciated [but no pressure ;)]

"Change is hard because people overestimate the value of what they have—and underestimate the value of what they may gain by giving that up."

— James Belasco and Ralph Stayer