Going, going....FINALLY!

So I am waking up at 5am to get the airport. I am flying from Seattle to San Francisco, and then onto Shanghai. I still have to start packing....

I don't plan on bringing that much stuff. Just my basic necessities and enough clothes to hold me over until I can go shopping. I learned from my mistake last time when my purse got stolen. So I am just bringing one duffel bag as a carry-on. I am keeping everything with me and nothing leaves my sight!! Am I slightly a control freak? Maybe. Overly paranoid? I don't think so.

On the other hand, I am bringing SO much, but not in the material sense, though. I am bringing my knowledge of travel and the Chinese culture/language. I am going to China with confidence that I can teach English and do the research I need to do for my capstone. I have memories of past experiences and places. With me are connections all over China, whether it is with friends, teachers, and strangers (soon to be friends)! No thief can take my passion away from me. And I can't check my hopes and dreams at the gate. Finally, and most importantly, I take with me the Holy Spirit, my faith, and protection from my heavenly father than transcends all security lines, border control, and language barriers. Yep, I'm pretty much set.