Twas the Night Before Our Departure....

It's currently 9:29 p.m. the day before we're to leave to embark on a once in a lifetime experience. I still have a couple of loose ends to tie up before my departure and I haven't been able to fully enjoy it yet. I'm excited - don't get me wrong - but I had a list of 67 things to take care of and I still have 2-3 things left. So what do I do instead of taking care of those things? I post a blog.

I think it's only fair that our avid followers, and soon to be visitors, know what someone is thinking and feeling before we leave. This trip is a lot to digest but it I know that I will come back a changed man.

For starters, John will be meeting up with me tomorrow morning at 4:15. We're car pooling down to Champaign and then his wife will be picking us up when we fly home in January. I'm running on fumes as I've only slept for a total of 8 hours the last couple of nights. My body is exhausted and ready for the flight to London tomorrow.

People have been asking me how I feel about the trip. I'm currently experiencing many of the same feelings and emotions that I felt before traveling throughout E. Asia. The sense of excitement, opportunity to experience a different way of life in a country of 1.1 BILLION people (approximately 1/6th of the world's population), nervousness, overwhelmed, scared - yes, I said scared. If you read a newspaper, magazine or watched the news on t.v. a month ago, you'll know why.

I've been talking to people that are native to the country or traveled throughout India. This is going to be a major test for all of us. We may or may not ever again see what we're about to witness these next few weeks. Poverty is like no other in India. It affects everyone from the young to the handicap. I was told by a friend of mine who taught basketball over there for 8 months that if you have a heart, try and avoid looking at the beggars. You'll want to help them all but you can't.

I'm relieved to know that our schedule has already been determined. We will be traveling around the county like cattle. To be honest, I'm okay with that. Driving and taking public transportation, from what we've been told, is only for the brave. Normally I would step up and attempt it, but I'm almost hesitant. Where did the risk taker in me go? Maybe it's because I have more obligations now (job, house, new car, etc.).

We're all taking turns and blogging for one week. We don't know how much time we will have to go on the Internet, so you may hear from us once a week or you may hear from us once the entire trip. Either way, I can guarantee you that any and all classic, memorable pictures will be posted for your viewing pleasure. I always deliver high quality entertainment!

So this is it. The last few days have exceeded my expectations with everyone saying goodbye to me. I've received phone calls, emails and text messages from so many people wishing me safe travels. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. I really appreciate it. I know my family and friends are worried about me and they have valid reason. We're all going to look out for one another while we're over there.

It's never goodbye - it's until next time.....

-Nick Stafford