Another Adventure

When my mother shook me awake Monday morning just before five, I woke from a deep, peaceful sleep to the darkness of our hotel room and immediately felt all the nerves in my body crackle like lightning.

A couple of weeks ago, I got word I’d finally be doing what I signed up to do in the very beginning. The Great Mountain emerged over the horizon, and now, after a couple of busy, stressful, emotional weeks I stand before it with an intense mixture of excitement for and fear of the unknown.

Now, after a couple of long days in Baltimore (I did manage to catch a Nationals game in DC with my brother), the only thing that stands between me and the other side of the world is an airplane and an ocean.

Everything I’ve gone through in the last two and a half years has prepared me for what I’m about to go through in the next few months. My sense of adventure glows with a fiery passion for the things to come, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to at least a tiny bit of trepidation.

It’s hard to believe I could’ve been graduating from college had that been the path I chose a few years ago. Funny how life works out sometimes.

I imagine it’d be far less interesting, though.

I stand now at the bottom of my mountain, knowing it will be the most challenging climb yet. I look back at the myriad of people who have provided me with so much love and support in my preparation for this adventure, and I am beyond grateful for the friends and family I have in my life. I look ahead to the challenge that awaits, jittery with excitement and full of curiosity for the adventure that has called me.

Keep me and my brothers and sisters in arms in your minds and hearts. See y’all on the other side.