Wow. Three days before we leave and I have to say this really snuck up on me. I feel a mixture of emotions including nervous, excited, anxious, nervous, and enthusiastic, and somehow all at the same time.

This week has been intense to say the least, and I have tried to retain as much knowledge that was thrown at me as possible. Now I truly know why they call it “bootcamp”. Even if I were to have a horrible time in Alaska (which I am sure I won’t),  it would have been worth it because of the amount that I have learned this week.

However, even though it has been a lot to take in and process, I honestly wish that we had at least another week to really get everything down. We don’t though, and I have accepted that, and I am actually all right with it.

My list of concerns is a whole lot longer than my packing list, and that’s saying something. What’s on that list doesn’t include things like “Getting eaten by a bear” (as I’m sure we have all heard more than a few times) something like that would just make for a cool story.

Some examples would be things like: getting everything right with equipment, remembering all the correct settings to use for the camera and when to use them, actually being a help, and getting along with everyone. …oh and being the one person in the group to sneeze during an interview when we desperately need to be quiet (that’s a big one on the list). Saying “I’m a little overwhelmed” would be a bit of an understatement. But all I can really do is try to learn, adapt, and contribute anything I can, whenever possible.

My worry list however does not outweigh my excitement by any means. I can honestly say I am glad that I am doing this. Hell, on top of that, it will be good for me.

I think that the whole idea with the Yup’ik word “Ella” that John presented this morning was brilliant, and really hope we can go that direction with it. I find the Yup’ik culture fascinating, and I can’t wait to learn more about them. I  respect the way that they view life, and it is somewhat humbling in a way. I am eager to learn more about the Yup’ik people, and perhaps some of their religious/spiritual beliefs even cross over with my own.

Soon we will be able to count down the hours until our flight leaves, and as I am typing this, I’m beginning to realize how soon we will actually be in Alaska. There’s no going back now, and I wouldn’t want to. Well, I better continue packing!