Where is your Salam?

It's official... 19 days before I leave the country for the greatest adventure I have ever known. You would think that after studying abroad twice that I wouldn't be hesitating about embarking on the next great adventure. Part of me is more excited than I can put into words... it's the other part that keeps asking me not to forget to see the river in Orting, eat Portuguese spare ribs, and read one more book in English before I go. Don't get me wrong, I can't wait. I have been preparing for service for a very long time... but now that my departure is on the horizon, I know that it will be two years before I will see my friends and family again.
My biggest fear? Oddly enough it isn't being attacked, robbed, lost, or having to eat a sheep's brain on new years day, but instead that everyone at home other than my mother will forget me after I am gone. We all think we are the center of the world when we are here, but when we are gone... will they remember to write? Will they send you something on your birthday? Christmas? One can only hope to get a letter or two once in a while after training is complete.
Alas, I must look to the rising sun, and know that a new day is dawning; and I will seize it with everything I am.

For now, my biggest concerns are packing issues. There will still be time for goodbyes later.