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Wait a minute...We leave in two weeks? But I'm not ready!!

Whew...D and I leave for Ecuador in 14 days. We have only two more weeks before we are immersed in a totally different culture, living a completely different life. Actually less than two weeks because we fly out at the crack of dawn...give me a moment, I just need to breathe into this paper bag for a few minutes.

I have been alternating between massive excitement and hyperventilation for the past couple of days. Oh, who am I kidding? It's been the past couple of months. Mostly experiencing the fear and exhilaration within moments of each other. I'm pretty sure that I have my husband convinced that I have multiple personalities with all the back and forth of emotions. Not to mention, the odd little tick I have picked up of resting my head on the table anytime Ecuador, or anything relating to Ecuador, is mentioned.

"Would you like a banana Danielle?"
No response because my head has hit the table.


My indecisive nature is also kicking into full gear. Dave and I have packed up a good majority of the house and have started to fill up the storage shed. The problem is when I decide that I absolutely need something that is already packed away and at home in storage. I don't know how many times I have packed, unpacked, and repacked those boxes. To add to the packing dilemma, Dave and I were told that we are only able to bring two suitcases and two carry-ons each. Hmmmmm....I'm pretty sure my shoes will fill one suitcase and my clothes will fill my other one plus Dave's two. I might need to do some rethinking, Dave it getting pretty territorial over his bags.


I just have to accept the fact that no matter what I do, I will never be as prepared as I would like to be for the move to Ecuador. From my complete inability to speak Spanish, though I do know all of the words to La Bamba (thank you Ms. Rollins), to my unreasonable attachment to footwear, there are going to be things to overcome. I've decided that I just have to be open to the challenge, fear, and experience we are diving into. I have to let go of my expectations, preconceptions, and basically all my habits of living that have been cultivated by living in small communities in the US. (What? You mean I can't just leave my purse on the table at the coffee shop while I order at the counter?) I'm not ready, but I'm willing to dive in with both feet. Wish us luck!
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