I can see how one would be nervous and anxious about any new job/assignment. There are so many unknowns. Will they be nice? Will they like me? Will I be able to do the work? especially hard when one is not feeling one's best. I know you have some physical concerns. Hopefully you can take this weekend to rest up. Do you have any good luck/comfort charm/photo you can take with you on the assignment?

As for not getting any thank you for your gift...my mother used to send my niece and nephew gifts and sometimes would not get any thank yous either, so she sent them an article about the etiquette of such things. I'm not sure if I could do that myself but at least she expressed her feelings. and I don't think you are small-minded. it is a bit rude not to thank someone for a gift.