Packing

I can't believe I leave tomorrow! It still feels like it's months away. I am so blessed to have a crazy friend like Julie who decided less than a month ago she wanted to come with me on this wild crazy adventure. Just a bit of advice for all you other crazy travelers: Do not plan a trip during finals, nothing gets done. Julie and I somehow managed to throw together most of the details, still have no idea where we are staying in Rome??? But life is an adventure :)

This whole adventure got started with my fascination, passion and love for the Middle East and North Africa. I wanted to pursue Arabic after falling in love with the language last fall. When checking out the various study abroad programs that offered language intensive Arabic during the summer, Morocco was the cheapest. Decision made.

I knew I wanted to travel either before or after the program, while I'm over there, why not? I don't really understand the travelers who go only to one country when others are so close by. I was discussing the idea of either traveling before or after, not wanting to do it alone, with Julie. Julie threw out the idea of her traveling with me before as she starts her job in mid June. I let her think for a few days but just talking about Greece I think I convinced her. And the planning began :)

We will be traveling first to Athens, Greece then to the Greek Island of Santorini, spending a few days in each. Then it's on to Ephesus, Turkey then Istanbul. A flight to Rome, then south to Pompeii. Train it up to Toulouse, France, my home away from home, and then fly to Morocco. Julie will fly home from Casablanca, Morocco and I will meet up with my study abroad group.

Pray for safe travels for Julie and I as we fly out tomorrow afternoon around 2:30. Pray for no complications with flights and that we arrive safely to our hostel in Athens.

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. ~James 5:7-11~