Day 0: Preparations

The extent of my packing so far at 9:08pm the night before I leave

How does one prepare for something as new and as unknown as this?  Honestly, I have no idea how prepared (or more likely unprepared) I am.  The practical stuff is easy-- throw all of my clothes in a bag late the night before I leave, make a blog, eat my last bacon cheeseburger, etc.  It's the emotional and spiritual preparation that's the unknown.  The last week has been focused on graduation and goodbyes-- many goodbyes are for life which is a very overwhelming to think about.  Many times I caught myself improperly saying "bye, see ya later," then having to double back and go "wait, will I?"  This is certainly the biggest transition of my life and I am emotionally and socially drained.  I am so freakin' sick and tired of goodbyes-- goodbyes to close friends, family, Dr. Pepper, etc.  I just hope I am ready for a whole lot of hellos.  Perhaps a hello to becoming a new man. 

Moses built an altar and called it the LORD is my banner  --Exodus 17:15