The Children of Uganda

Today me and my dad went to see The Children of Uganda in Ann Arbor. They are orphans, due to civil war and AIDS. They travel around America once every two years, earning enough money to send something like 750 children to school for a year. They do traditional dances, and songs. It was a really powerful show. They are 6-18 years old. They play drums, and other instuments, and they sing. It was a really cool thing to see. Uganda is a country that borders Tanzania. The website is www.childrenofuganda.org if you want to see more on them!

School Board

Last night my parents and I attended the Ferndale Public School Board Meeting where Mr Mahan gave a short speech about my trip. It was nice to see some of my old teachers and administrators. I am so close to being able to go to Tanzania, I feel like I could leave tomorrow! Hakuna Matata! Love, Maggie

The Detroit Free Press

Today I was interviewed by Bill Laitner, a journalist at the Detroit Free Press. It is a story about Mr and Mrs Mahan, who have been an enormous help in helping me fundraise around Ferndale. I am quoted in the story I believe, but really you should read it so you can see what wonderful people the Mahans are! Yesterday I started getting my many vaccinations, I got the first doses of Hepatitis A and B. Next friday I'll be getting Yellow Fever, Typhoid (CF is rumored to protect me from this anyway), and a perscription for Malaria pills. I have my plane ticket, my battery powered nebulizer, my journals, the entire CVS store (practically) and am expecting my clothing very soon. This means all I really need are my 3 month supply of meds, and to pay my program fee! Everything is coming along nicely. The picture above is the house where I will probably be staying! (There are two houses during the summer time due to a large number of volunteers). The house is in the village of Rau, near the city of Moshi, in the region of Kilimanjaro, in the country of Tanzania, on the continent of Africa. (I figured while I was at it, I might as well add the continent as well). Hakuna Matata Love, Maggie

New Journal!

I have switched from livejournal.com to blogger.com because blogger just works better for me. I talked to both of my CF doctors yesterday, and they seem to think that I will have no problems on this trip. I will of course be prepared for problems, but hopefully I won't encounter any big ones. I am now busy getting vaccinations, and things that I will need to take with me! I leave in 63 days! Hakuna Matata Love, Maggie