We're leaving tomorrow?!

So, my last post was three weeks ago, which somehow means that we are leaving tomorrow. So, I'm pretending like I don't need to pack or make 4th of July potato salad, and I'm sitting around on the internet trying not to panic. In reality, we're pretty ready to go. We have two suitcases full of books, math tools, and fun things for the school, and we each have our backpacking backpacks filled up with the basic necessities. Almost all of the things on our lists are checked off; we started our altitude medication this morning; and mom checked us in for our flight. But still, the stress of leaving is palpable in our house. Leaving is hard. It's always hard. I worry about all of the details and forgetting things, even while knowing that I can live without anything for a month. Really, I could go with just my passport and some money and it would be fine, but our society emphasizes preparedness and planning. Leaving things up to chance is seen as wrong and dangerous and irresponsible. And, personally, I have entirely accepted this way of living. I love plans. I love knowing exactly what's going to happen and what the rules are because then I'm pretty great at following them and doing well. But that's too easy. If you're never faced with something new, then you never struggle or fail or grow. So, even though I would sometimes like to control every aspect of every moment of my life and this trip, I'm trying to let go and embrace the uncertainty of this trip. It's always easier once you've left because then there is no turning back. Once you've passed through security at the airport, that's when the adventure really starts, and you can let go and embrace the unknown. So, we'll see how that works out tomorrow morning! I'll try not to go crazy before then...