Three Weeks

  I'd say it's high time I posted an update, don't you?

  In three weeks, I will be in Indiana with my ten teammates and two leaders, training and team building.  My brain is having a hard time wrapping itself around that fact.  That, or I'm in denial.

  December 31st marks my last day at work.  I am eager to be done so I can focus on prep and spending time with my family and friends.  This time of year is always busy in retail, but I enjoy it since the time tends to go quickly.

  Someone asked me recently, "How do you even prepare for such a trip?"  Practice with the little things here and there.  I've spent a couple nights on my sleeping pad and in my sleeping bag.  I got really hot in the middle of the night and moved to the couch.  The next morning, I realized, "I'm inevitably going to get hot on this trip, and there will be no couch to move to!"  So I tried it again the next night, and woke up the next morning on the couch!  Wonder how that happened...
  Another way I've been preparing is walking on the treadmill with my 40-pound backpack.  Yikes!  I've also been practicing a basic, and quick morning routine.  Hopefully, I'll be able to practice more with this when I'm done with work, since I do want to look half-way nice while on the clock.  But, I'm cutting down the time I spend in front of the mirror, doing my makeup and hair, and reducing the amount of products I use.

  Some prayer requests:
   - Wisdom as I finalize packing; what's necessary, what's not, etc.
   - Peace as I get ready to leave home...this is an area I'm particularly struggling with.
   - Quick team bonding when we meet in Indiana on the 11th.
   - Health and safety for my whole team.

Thank you for all your prayers, encouragement, and support!

Sierra