24 (days, not hours)

Just 24 more days left before I board my flight to Chicago. Crazy, I know! I do not think it has really sunk in that I am going to be living in Sierra Leone. The morning of the 31st is the first time the group of us will meet and have a brief orientation before we depart to Brussels, then on to Freetown. There are a couple of us flying in the night before, but I believe the majority is arriving in Chicago shortly before orientation. Maybe it will become more of a reality when I meet the 30th group at the O'Hare Airport and as we shuttle over to our hotel, getting to know as much about each other as possible. I'm so excited- for the trip its self and being in the airport (my favorite place) but also to just meet all these new friends.

I'm busy packing and worrying about my bag weights, being careful not to exceed 80 lbs. It makes me a bit nervous that we "should be able to carry all [our] own gear." I have a large backpacking backpack, a day-backpack and was planning on also bringing a duffel that rolls... that's a big load for me to carry. I love shopping, but I have to admit that shopping for outdoor gear is not the most enjoyable.  Who knew outdoorsy stuff is so expensive? On top of that, its not like I really want a $100+ daypack. I need it, but I'd rather have an amazing outfit. Oh well, I know I will eventually want it.

Left to get I have host family gifts, some food must's (Nutella, chocolate and candy), bag locks and a safe carrier for my passport and money. So the next couple of weeks shouldn't have stress due to packing.