Physical, mental and spiritual preparation

I am definitely in pre international trip mode. I woke at 3:30 am, wondering if I packed this, did that, etc. The realization that this trip is a huge deal is hitting hard.
My family committed to this trip at the very beginning. Three years of fund raising (flocking, rosary making, tri tip dinners, car washes and the like) have brought us to a departure that is now only hours away.
In some ways this is a trip like any other. Did I pack this? Do that? Make arrangements for (fill in the blank). This trip is so different though. It's not a vacation, it's a pilgrimage. It's a new concept for me. It's also something that brings a great deal more responsibility. Not only am I a chaperone, but I also represent my parish. I (and my fellow pilgrims) will bring all the prayers and petitions of our parish with us to Fatima, Lourdes and Madrid. We also bring with us the prayers, hopes and dreams of those who were to join us on this journey,  but due to circumstances beyond their control, were not able to travel with us at this time. In many ways, I feel that I carry much, much more than my allotted 50 lbs of checked baggage, a carry on and a personal item. I know I carry all of your good wishes, prayers and petitions, too.