Bags Packed and Ready To Go

My bag has been packed, measured, weighed, unpacked, repacked, and unpacked again. As a last minute packer it feels strange to be prepared so early, even though it is only a few days until we leave. I think that part of this is because I still haven't quite realized that it's already here. I've been excited about it since the day I found out I had been selected, but it has always been on the back of my mind. June 3rd seemed so far away, so as I went through the preparations, paperwork and group meetings I forgot that the date was getting closer and closer. Even when the group met a few weeks ago for our retreat weekend the four weeks until our departure seemed like tons of time to finish preparing. However, those four weeks filled with last minute trips to the doctor and MEC simply flew by. It seemed so soon that I was at the two week mark, when I had to take my first dose of Dukarol (yuck!). And then a week had zoomed by me and I had to take my second dose (which seemed worse than the first).

I've said goodbye to friends and family that I won't be seeing in the next few days. I've checked the weather in Lima, Chiclayo and Cusco several times a day, trying to make sure I'm bringing appropriate clothing. I've purchased my small bottle of SPF 110, because my pasty skin is prone to sunburns. I've snagged a hat from my brother, because even though I'm sure I have other baseball caps lying around I know I like his best. I've made a hectic trip to MEC to pick up a headlamp, because of course the one I've had for years and was planning to bring has gone missing. I've forced myself to get organized; I've made checklists, categorized items, and gathered everything in a basket before stuffing it all into my backpack. I'm prepared for this 15 day journey with my fellow Peru travelers. Or am I?

As much as I can pack the necessities, triple-check that I have copies of ID with me, and ensure I've gotten all of the proper vaccinations I know that there will be unexpected challenges that our group will face and problems we encounter. And as much as I can research fair trade or discuss the historical background of Peru I cannot prepare for how I will feel when I am immersed in a culture so different from my own. I do not know how I will feel when I realize that hardships that I may struggle to witness are a constant reality for others. I cannot prepare for any of this, because I cannot prepare for situations and emotions that arise unexpectedly. However, I do know that I am traveling with a group of people that I can count on. I will have friends to chat with about daily events and people to hug after a hard day. The knowledge of this, that I have people to depend on, makes me feel far more secure and prepared for this journey than checking the contents of my backpack for the fifth time. So with that, I suppose all I have left to do is relax, say some final farewells, and wait for Friday to arrive.