The Countdown

20 Days, 17 hours, 14 Minutes, 13 Seconds...or so the app tells us.  Phones with all the gadgets are such a fun, yet crazy thing.  Technology truly has changed the world, and allows us to connect in ways never before possible.  For the record, we also know what time it is in Brisbane thanks to this little device!

This has been a big week for our group!  We received the final schedule for our adventure and started to feel the reality of what is ahead.  Some of us have already created packing lists, while others purchased uniforms just in time for today's pictures.  The planners versus the procrastinators is on!  In 20 days, we will all discover if we remembered to pack the toothbrush.

At 10:00ish this morning we met to venture out for picture day.  Makeup done, matching outfits on, and smiles ready to go, we stopped at a local nature center.  After some bargaining, we were allowed to take pictures in the beautiful surroundings of Arizona.  Per our usual interactions, laughter was in full bloom.  Though we are each very professional, we can't help but laugh most of the time when we are together.  Our hope is that the laughter will pull us through some long flight days, and early mornings.

After we finished the picture taking, we moved on to a yummy lunch at Monti's.  We were joined by two GSE alumns, Levi and Kelly.  They shared stories of their travels, the people they met, packing advice, and the possibilities of a wonderful adventure.  Hearing them speak allowed us to become more grounded in what is just a mere 20 days away!  The excitement is palpable.

We finished up lunch and practiced our presentations.  After advice from the audience, we realized we still need some fine tuning.  And fine tune we will!!  The show will be ready to go when the curtain goes up!!