Less than 12 hours, now...

Hello blogstalkers (I hope you stalk me, anyway...),

Well, this may be my final blog from Ohio!! I'm heading to Philadelphia, PA in the morning (SUPER early) to fly to NYC to hitch a flight to Miami, FL...to finally end up in Ecuador. Wow! Can't believe it's that time already...

I'm having serious anxiety about terminating my cell phone plan, but it's part of the adventure. It's recommended that I don't bring one along during my travels because of the high possibility of theft, shotty service, and expensive plans. I really don't want to have to deal with paying bills while I'm gone, either. All in all, it's stressing me out but I'm looking at the bigger picture - not the stressful details.

On a lighter note - I found my floral Keds so I'm DEF bringing them along!!!! LOL Ridiculous, I know. Thank GOD Shadow has been helping me pack. We started last night and I actually am not having too much trouble fitting my junk in 2 bags!!! However, I did go on a small shopping spree at Meijer to get stupid last minute stuff. : / I couldn't help it. I was like a junkie in there - knowing I wouldn't get my next fix in 2+ years my heart was pounding. Ugh, all the goodies there are so tempting. Consumerism at its best. I did give in, but not too bad, really. My most guilty purchase was candy for the kids down there - Shadow made me feel bad about bringing them unhealthy, processed, American food. :( :( :( It's basically everything I stand against!!!!!!!! But it will be a new experience for them and it's not like I'll let them binge on it!! Moderation!!!! ;)


On another note, I had the most WONDERFUL vacation to Orcas Island to visit my brother Zak last week!!!!!! Shadow and I went (his first time flying EVER!! he did great!!) and it was perfect in every way. I couldn't have asked for a more amazing trip to one of my favorite places ever. Seeing Zak was wonderful too - what a fantastic brother. I am so blessed, I truly am. Shadow was a great travel partner and we did some amazing things - hiked around Mountain Lake, Turtleback Mountain, Mt. Constitution, etc, saw tons of starfish (Shadow held one!!!), saw about 7+ eagles (including little ones learning to hunt/fly!!), and a beautiful breathtaking sunset. Pics can be found on facebook!! Thanks so much, Bub. We love you so much. <3

 Alright, well I tried to avoid making this last Ohio entry too sappy. It's so easy to get caught up in the sadness of the reality of leaving for two years, missing everyone, isolation in the way of lack of regular communication, no cell phone, etc, etc, etc...but I have two choices: to be sad or to be happy. I'm sure everyone would agree that being happy is  much more rewarding and productive. Therefore, as difficult and strenuous that it is, I'm striving to be happy in my current situation. And really...it's not that difficult to beam from ear-to-ear knowing that I have amazing supporters like you who have my back.

With peace, love, and endless gratitude -
Sarah

P.S. For my training address in Tumbaco, Ecuador (approx. 1 hour from the Capital city, Quito), please look at the blog entry prior to this one!!! I can receive letters at that address, but no packages yet (not until I get settled). I'll keep you all posted as often as possible, I promise.

P.S.S. It's 55 degrees in Tumbaco right now...coldddddd!!! That's because it's in the highlands (mountain) region. Yikes. Hopefully I'll be posted somewhere warmer!!!!!!!! ;) ;) I'll let you know!