I’m finally on my way. It’s been a strange couple of days and I’m fascinated each year when I head out on a new trip. As I get older I’m starting to have more fears. Don’t get me wrong – I am NOT afraid of snakes in the jungle or for my safety. I’m still – yes, still – afraid of being who I want to be and being vulnerable. You’d think I was still in high-school right? And these kinds of trips are all about getting outside of my comfort zone but, in all honesty, that’s just uncomfortable J And that’s how I’m feeling right now. More than anything I want to truly connect with the city and other people. Hopefully with an open mind and heart that’s exactly what will happen.

I’m going to miss the people I love so much but I do feel that going away like this each year makes me appreciate and respect all that I have. And I truly can’t wait to get deep into the jungle – surrounded by nature. New sounds, new sights and new friends. It’s there that I think I’ll find true joy and peace.

Check back soon. I’ll be writing and posting almost all days with adventures in Quito, Ecuador, the Amazon jungle and Cartagena Colombia.