You feel me?

One more week to go! Will we burst from excitement, or hypoxia? Stayed tuned ...

Thank you everyone who donated clothes, we will be packed full of nice gifts.

And full of plans, dreams, and emotions. Lets get a glimpse into the fantastic array of feelings swelling as these last few days wind down:

K - Mom, what is your excitement level for us at this time?

Saundra - On a scale of 1 to 5? I would say 4. But I think I'm more nervous than excited.

K - Oh, nice. What are you feeling nervous about?

Saundra - the flights, I hope they are safe and on time.

K - Me too. Are you going to read my blog?

Saundra - Everyday! If I can figure out how to bring it up on the ipad...

K - Yikes. Anything else to add?

Saundra - [holds eye contact] I showed up so I wouldn't get fined.

K - Casie! You are coming on this adventure! What brings you to Bolivia?

Casie - I'm young, wild and free, and it is cold here and warm there. Plus I love adventure.

K - Nice! You must have some ideas of what to expect?

Casie - Something totally different. Hopefully a friendly culture to make the whole "going in service and trying to speak a language I really don't know" a tad easier. Also I really hope they have one of those cultures where we all take a nap everyday. I see myself being out-of-breath most of the time.

K - hahaha! Oh sweet siesta! Here's a hard one: In 20 words or less, what does Bolivia mean to you?

Casie - It means giving myself the chance to push myself and try something I've never done before. Also petting a llama.

adventure level: 'meh'

K - whoa- 20 exactly! You must be excited to go. But what are you most looking forward to seeing and doing?

Casie - Oh that's easy, I can't wait to see llamas wearing ponchos. That's a thing, right? And climbing a mountain, I want to see those amazing views of the world!

K - maybe the poncho-ed llama will be on that mountain. But, since this is a commentary on emotions, how about what are you nervous about, or scared of?

Casie - I don't know Spanish, but I'm sure I'll have plenty of help. And I've never been in another country; I know I'm spoiled here, but maybe I don't know just how much until I get there. And then there is the biking down a "hill" that has been deemed by some as the "most dangerous road in the world"... but, meh

K - I thought you were scared of heights? And yet you will climb mountains and bike cliff-sides. You will come home a changed woman. There is one more adventurer to talk with -
Dad, how are you feeling? Getting excited?

Bob - I had a dream last night, I was in Bolivia and a mob of children surrounded me and were picking my pockets.

K - Aha! Worried about spending money I see. And do you have any other worries about next week?

Bob - No

K - oh, alright. Why are you going to Bolivia anyway?

Bob - For the experience. Another country: check!

K - Well then, how do you feel?

Bob - Good. I'm ready. Ready to go. Ready to go ... CLIMB A MOUNTAIN!

K - Woohoo! Let's do it. You're gonna blow them away with your Spanish - how many words do you know?

Bob- A few. Si and hmm, what else? Gracias? 

Well, I think we've all unloaded our anxieties openly and together. Indeed I am a ball of anticipation and apprehension. I hope the Mancinis are ready for the Invasion. Brace for impact!

Oh look, it is a thing!