At the beginning of this little journal about my little trip, I have to say that I have had the best send-off any person could ask for. The generosity, kindness, gifts, picture cakes, parties, dinners, fanny packs and warm wishes made me as happy as anyone could imagine. I am incredibly lucky.

Also, without Jen, I would have gotten on the plane with a garbage bag full of socks and underwear and nothing else. She did everything to help me get ready, including leading me through shopping for the essentials and packing my bag because, when I packed the bag myself, nothing would fit. She also kept me sane and made me laugh throughout the whole process. It was amazing. And, she is incredible. And, funny.

We (Jen) fit all of my clothes in the lower third of this bag. The rest is entirely filled with handi-wipes. Seriously.