No more sleeps. - I wake and rather than feel a deep sense of readiness and calm , walking nearly  800 km in a foreign land is suddenly feeling like rather a stupid thing. The fears are gnawing and I wonder what on earth possessed me to leave my beautiful daughters and sons, my kind friends and family to head so far away. Despite it's quaked appearance, home is suddenly feeling like the most wonderful place on earth, the feijoas are just starting to fall, the leaves on the oak and fruit trees are at their colorful autumnal best, and there is food and warmth and cars to drive. As I write, the moon and stars are there in the clear night sky, the early birds are just beginning their predawn welcome to the day, all is well here................
And a small quiet voice,  with no manipulation but only invitation says, 'come'.
And there is a gesture which is more reassuring, an outstretched hand for me to hold.
I think of all the brave people I know facing much tougher journeys not just this day but for many days on end, and I strengthen my will to begin. I will bid all this farewell for a while and begin -what else is there to do the packs are packed ......and I think the girls are planning a party in their sorrow at their parents leaving.