Preparing for the Call

60 days until I leave for Romania.  I'm excited and terrified all in the same breath.  

60 days seems like a long time but when I really start to think about I begin to panic.  I have so much left to do!  

1. I still have about $2k left to raise, but that's not what I'm the most concerned about.
2. I need to pack for 6 months.  Did I mention that my stay spans 3 seasons?  I'll be there for the end of Winter, all of Spring and the majority of the summer.  Not only that, but I need to attempt to pack everything that I need into no more than 2 suitcases.  This is going to require some organization which is a challenge for me - anytime I travel I usually pack the night before (and more often than not, it's usually the morning of) and usually involves me shoving things into the bag and forgetting a majority of the things I need.  So the thought of packing has made me a tad bit anxious...
3. And then I think about the day of travel.  I've traveled alone before and one of my solo trips was to Europe so I really shouldn't be as terrified as I am.  I start to freak out about all the potential things that could go wrong...why?  I have no idea.  I'm being ridiculous.  Once I actually get to the airport I'll be just fine...(I think?!)
4. To add to my list of panic, my sister just had her first baby and I'm having a really hard time with the thought of leaving.  I've been extremely emotional (more than I care to admit) and I honestly have no clue why the sudden waterworks.  She's a baby...when I return home she'll still be a baby and she won't really know the difference if I'm around or not.
   
5. Then I think about saying goodbye to my family and friends.  In all reality it's not a big deal...I'll be home in September.  I'll be gone just shy of 6 months.  That's not even that long.  PLUS there's this thing called the internet so I'll be able to e-mail.  

The reason I'm bringing all this up is because I know it's validation that I'm doing the right thing.  Over the past year I've been preparing for this.  Before I made the decision to leave my job and "comfy" life here in the States, I prayerfully considered if this is what God was calling me to do.  I truly believe this is what I'm meant to be doing at this moment.  I'm at a turning point in my life and for the first time I'm putting everything that I want and everything that seems logical aside and I'm putting my faith and trust in the Creator that His plan is greater than anything I could ever fathom.  I could very easily let my fear of the unknown and "what ifs" cripple the path that God is laying before me.  But I refuse.  I am continuing to pray and in the midst of all this fear that's piling up I have a calming ease that overwhelms me when I turn it over.  I keep reminding myself that "Courage is fear that has said its Prayers."  Thanks for the reminder Sevenly!  I truly am excited for this amazing opportunity!  I know that God has big plans for me and I have this feeling He'll give me some direction and a little more clarity while I'm in Romania.  :)