Countdown

Twelve hours till takeoff. Why do excitement and anxiety go together so well? I’m running over the items in my luggage again and talking myself through what will happen if I forget anything.

Three and a half months. Three and a half months in Ecuador. Three and a half months away from Texas. I’ve never been away from home that long. I’ve never been out of North America.

Boarding pass, immunization records, passport, visa documentation. Check, check, check, check. Clothes, medications, toiletries, shoes, a whole bunch of me-friendly snacks. All packed. International SOS registered. Laptop, camera, phone. I even gave in and asked for a Kindle for Christmas, despite my skepticism towards e-readers. Apparently going abroad is making me more adventurous already.

Because that’s the thing: I’m the one who’s always been content to stay home. Vacations are nice but not necessary. Yeah, the world’s a treasure trove – but so is my hometown. I love a trip when I go, but I’ve never been restless with the familiar.

Restless, no. Passionate, yes. For six years now I’ve dreamed of Ecuador, and the moment I saw this SIT study abroad program, I knew I wanted to go. We’ll be looking at Development, Politics, and Language for a semester, learning about the social, political, and economic infrastructure of the country as we interact with its people. I honestly can’t imagine a more appealing combination.

So I’m packing up and taking this trip down south and trying to shake the dust off my Spanish to discover the wonders of Ecuador. It may be exactly what I expect. It may be totally different. I’m nervous and delighted and trying to enjoy the ride.

And somehow, the momentous and the mundane melt into a moment. The world spins on, and I breathe in this thrill of life pulsing relentlessly through my veins.

Twelve hours till takeoff.