T-minus 4 days!

May 12, 2013

Well all the Mother's Day festivities have cleared and everything is quiet here at the Lane house. As I sit back and relax, I am starting to realize how soon I will be leaving for Italy! I am so excited for my adventures to begin, but I have a long way to go before I will be ready to depart from this great nation.

It is so weird to think that today was the last time my family will all be together before I leave. I already know the hardest part of my time abroad will be missing all of my family. Every time I think about the airport, I automatically start tearing up. It is so hard to think that I will not be seeing my family, friends, and of course Gilliam for five weeks. It is a very scary feeling, but I know that they will always be an iMessage, email, or Skype call away. Even though I only have four days until my departure, I know that I will make the most of every second with everyone I love!

How exactly do you pack for five weeks in a hiking backpack? To be honest, it seems unrealistic to me! I can't really understand how I am suppose to pack under the "suggested" thirty-five pounds when I can pack an overnight bag that weighs at least twenty. My list of things I need to purchase and pack seem to keep on growing. I don't think that they will ever be complete. For some reason, my mind keeps telling me that I am going to a deserted island with no resources. However, I keep reminding myself that I will be able to buy things in Italy. Silly me! Although I am extremely worried right now, my numerous packing list and the availability of other's on the internet will definitely relieve some of the burden of packing. I know that by some miracle, I will be able to avoid over-packing and pack the ultimate bag.

Even though I have a lot of hesitation, I know that everything will work out in God's way!

As the time draws near for departure, please keep me in your prays!