January 8th is coming fast! That is the day I leave Maryland and go to Georgia for launch. I'll spend a few days there and then I will leave for Costa Rica. 

There is a lot to to do and to process before I leave for Georgia. I have to physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually prepare myself for this journey. 

Physically- I'm packing for a whole year. I am known to overpack and now, I can't do that. I'll have to make sacrifices in what I value more to make it fit. I can't take everything I would like to have; there just isn't room for all of that.

I'll have 7 outfits, a tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, pillow, hammock, toilet trees, shoes, travel mug, utensils, medicine and vitamins, clothesline, masks, essential oils, universal power adapters, power bank to charge electronics as well and that's not all of it. I'll have my important documents, Bible, journal, coloring book, writing utensils, games like playing cards, and somehow I want to make room for a jar of peanut butter, chocolate, tea bags, and some kind of seasoning. Minus a few odds and ends, it has to fit within a certain weight in my 62liter pack and my personal bag. This task isn't easy and I've been strategizing what I need, things I want and can buy in the country or live without.  

Mentally/Emotionally- I lived in California for almost 3 years. I didn't see family or friends from MD all the time and in many ways I lived on my own. Comprehending not seeing family and friends for almost a year is hard to grasp. Goodbyes/see you next winter are hard to do. Makes me sad to say goodbye to the people who have poured into my life. I know the year will go fast, but still doesn't make it easy. 

I won't have my favorite restaurants or my dads cooking. I won't have the comfort of being in America where I know the culture, the freedoms that I have and where I can easily read the billboards or road signs.

I won't have the comfort of being able to call or text all the time like I do here. Only when I have wifi is when I can, which will be a learning experience for me. 

I know that there will be so much growth from doing this trip and something I have to do and something God has called me to do! Wouldn't change it.  

Spiritually- I have to lean into God. That is the only way I will get through this year. I am doing something I've never done before. I don't exactly know what I'll be doing or where I'll be with Covid constantly changing things. I can't lean onto my understanding, but His; something that is hard to practice. On top of that I have been praying prayers that honestly, I don't know if I'm ready. Things like break my heart for what breaks His, for boldness and confidence, faith that doesn't waver. 

I'm excited for this journey and how God is going to work in my life and in your life in 2021. 

God gave us each other for many reasons and one reason is doing life together. Thank you for all your support! This journey wouldn't be the same without you!