Nothing really to add here other than my awed support. Life changes are easy to make, few of us actualy continue to make them after we start.

And that is a nice bike, I would tour on it without hesitation, especialy since it sounds like you have upgraded the wheels, one of the most important parts of a touring rig. Make sure that the bags you get clear the heels of your feet.

On hills, there is no shame in getting off and walking if you need to. A lower gear would be nice, cause it can happen that you encounter the worst hill at the end of the day when you are tired. If your derailer can handle a bigger cassette then it would be easyer than changing the front 28 to a 26 or 22. But if you start with some test tours then that is what will truly inform you of what you need for the next trip.

Finaly, you will be taking some jaunts through country that I would love to ride in. Have fun and good luck!