Less than a week...

I leave for my exchange year in Germany in less than a week. Today, while working my twelfth session in a row, the day at Camp Sunshine felt fairly normal, with just a bit of extra Spanish. I took elements out and set ropes up. I mingled with amazing adults, teenagers, children, and volunteers who inspire me to help people for the rest of my life, and who I inspire to climb high and work together in teams. And, at the end of the day, I put everything away for another night. While doing everything included in the average day of a Challenge Course Facilitator, thoughts were bouncing around in the back of my mind that made my day a little bit different...
I was being sure to clean out sheds and wipe down equipment so that everything would be neat for the off-season, and ready to use again next summer. I consciously decided to leave directly after I finished work on parents' dinner night, instead of volunteering with the teens, so I could spend a little more time with my family before my sister left for school. I caught myself mentally juggling my possessions and their importance to me, debating whether everything 'important' could fit in a fourty-four pound suitcase. I even wondered if everything I need, but still haven't gotten, is available at the local Walmart.
I put extra thought and preparation into everything I did because my journey is finally becoming real to me. I know I'm leaving Maine in a few days, and not coming back for ten months. I know I won't see my family and friends, or be able to be at the camp I am addicted to. I know that I will miss some things, and be missed by some people, but, most importantly, I know I can do it. I know I am going to learn lessons from every person I come across, and reach my highest of goals. I know I will make friends and connections to last a lifetime. I know my experience will be amazing and will go by too fast. And I am ready for anything.