Before Picture.

As my eyes begin to tire, I check my packing list once again, hoping that I haven't missed something before the trip.  Not only am I prepping for the El Salvador trip, I am trying to tie up loose ends before I leave the country.  El Salvador bags are packed except for the few items that are still drying.  The extra donations are spilling out into my hallway, waiting to find a place to travel in.  I start to check through my to do list to double check that everything I need for tomorrow and the next two weeks is ready to go.  Suit for tomorrow's morning interview--check.  Graduation gown, hood, chords--check.  Tassel--MIA.  Will have to search one out for tomorrow.  Questions for doctor's appointment--in my bag.  The dress for my graduation party is gathered along with all the appropriate accessories.  I just hope I can have enough energy to stay up past 10:30 pm and don't fall asleep on my wonderful family and friends who are coming out to celebrate and support my graduation.

As I scurry around the house, I wonder if this initial email will be a constant reminder of the busyness that fills my current life.  Before people make big changes in their living spaces, they tend to take a "before picture."  Well, this is my attempt of a before picture.  I am trying to capture where I started on this trip and where I ended up.

I am looking forward to the closure that graduation will bring.  At the same time, I am eager to begin my El Salvador adventure.

Here is a picture of my friend Lou, wishing he was coming.  However, I don't have enough sedatives for him.