Getting Ready

Preparation is an important part of any journey, big or small.  Mom and I have  been working on preparing for this trip since that first, rather random, conversation that planted the seed of the idea in our heads and hearts over a year ago.  Since then we have, both or singly:

• applied for a Fund For Teachers grant (see the cool newsletter link on the sidebar: many teacher's doing amazing things)
• was awarded the grant to create this journey and connect to the classroom (hey, Guinea Pigs!)
• walked to train for our Camino, especially my mom: what a trooper!
• took my mom on a treacherous trail and she passed my test with flying colors
• bought new backpacks and given REI way too much money for all the things we will need like rain ponchos (Amy-I got a nice one this time!), walking clothes, shoes, travel towels, hats, pepto bismol, etc...
• renewed my passport
• bought plane tickets
• made hotel reservations
• figured out who would take care of my dog for 5 weeks (thanks Casey)
• plotted out our walking itinerary (see previous post)
• pored over our Camino Portugues travel guide
• got our Pilgrim passports
• and a lot of small things I can't remember!

Our traveling pharmacy....

And now, I leave in 6 days! Even with all this preparation, I feel very unprepared and nervous about all that could go wrong.  Luckily, I've traveled before and know this is normal, and somehow, in the moment you just figure things out.
I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes.  Ponder how this might apply to you, and your life, right now.

“The moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves as well. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen accidents, meetings and material assistance that no one could have dreamed would come their way. Whatever you can do or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.” – Goethe