Part four - a list
When this blog series began there was a pile on the floor next to my hiking backpack. Now, the day before I am set to depart, that pile has dispersed and each item has found a new home in one of many semi-organized piles on the guest bed. Strewn about my once tidy bedroom are packages of notecards, chargers for various electronic devices, my box of crafting supplies, and somewhere amongst the rubble, a list.
The list. The final item in the sea of necessities required to navigate the unknown. The reminder of the fast approaching departure. The only thing separating this double-checking, ready-for-anything, semi-experienced traveler from absolute preparedness.
The list.
This piece of black and white floral paper has been floating around for quite some time now. It has been toted along on errands, left on the passenger seat of my truck and tossed back atop the pile. Items have been added to its lines while others scratched off and pens have ruthlessly doodles at its corners.
Scratched on the lines of this page which once belonged on a dollar section notepad are the rambling thoughts of a dazed young woman.
First of all, there is a list of names.
These names are those of the family and friends I plan on writing notes for before leaving. With a little more than 24 hours left at home this task may be more overwhelming than originally anticipated.
Then there are all the tech-type things that need attending to.
Like showing my parents how to use my Instagram account (they will be taking over my #onehappything project for the next three weeks), charging my camera (still need to get to that one) as well as putting new music and photos on my iPod (taken care of last night).
The last section on the list was things I needed. Various toiletries, snacks and other random goodies were once jotted down in my curvy, loopy, cursive and eventually marked off.
Which brings us to toady. June 19th, 2012. There are piles on the guest bed of all the things that in just a few moments will begin finding themselves tucked into that dusty blue backpack. It is leaning against the foot of the bed, patiently awaiting me to work up the nerve to get off my bed and face the fact that even though I am blessed to be setting out on such an excursion, I am going to miss my family. The list is face down on the floor, teasing me for being thrilled, curious and adventurous yet at the same time concerned for my absence.
There is no more time to waste. The list is being picked up, the backpack is about to be filled and I am going to rely on the Lord to prepare, protect and provide. Until next time - be gentle, be patient, be kind.
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