Close to Leaving

I have about a week and a half before I leave for the biggest life changing experience to this point. I am very nervous and afraid. I know this is what I want to do and have prayed about it many times, but I am still so scared. Everything now is telling me I shouldn't do this, because this isn't what I am supposed to do. I think the reason why this is happening is mainly because I am scared and afraid of change.

I have no idea what to expect. I am leaving everything I know for things I don't know. I am leaving a comfortable life to live with people I do not know (although I will get to know them very quickly and I am sure we will be very close), a community of people whose culture and life style is completely different than my own, and a country that is different than mine.

People keep telling me I must be strong to be doing this program for TWO years. I disagree with that idea. I do not think I am strong, but rather the exact opposite. I am running away from reality and life to go live in another country and get to do things I love. How is that strong? That is instead selfish and taking the easy way out. I don't have to face the economic hardships of reality because I am off doing my own experiences.

I know I will love this program and it is the best option for me at this point in my life, but that doesn't make it any easier right now to leave everything to do something "fun." I just hope I am able to succeed, learn, and become a more aware, compassionate, and thankful person from this experience. Wish me luck!