Preparing to leave

As I'm down to the last week at home, I'm finding there's a lot to remember and do when preparing to leave the country for 3 1/2 months! I've been making lists of things to pack and things I need as well as things to get done before I go. I'll head back to EMU on Sunday, January 4th and then have Monday-Wednesday packed with orientation things before our group departs. We are leaving at 9:45pm Wednesday from EMU and our flight leaves out of Dulles airport at 2:30am! We'll arrive in Guatemala city that morning, so I'm not figuring on much sleep that night : ) I'm halfway between nervous and excited, and I think leaving will be the hardest part, but once I get there I will be ok.

Things I'm looking forward to: developing my Spanish more; trying new foods; seeing beautiful places; taking lots of pictures; visiting Honduras again; and warm weather!

Things I'm not looking forward to: indigestion; long bus rides; feeling inadequate in my Spanish language; leaving my friends and family; and missing butchering!

I'll try to keep this updated as much as possible while I'm down in Guatemala. I'm not sure how much computer access I will have and it will vary depending on when/where we are traveling. You can feel free to email me anytime at lindsey.grosh@emu.edu and I will try to respond in a timely manner. I'll appreciate everyone's prayers as I embark on this new journey!