winding down and gearing up

Today was my last stressful day of school! I turned in my term project in American Government and now I can relax...for a minute! Next week is finals, but they should all be easy. I talked to my program manager today, and Moses (the in country director, who I will see a lot of while I am in Tanzania) has found a doctor that is willing to communicate with my parents and my doctors from UofM, should anything happen while I am over there! Today I went to REI and bought some of the last things on my list. I bought binoculars, sunglasses, a backpack, mosquito netting, and bug repellent that is 98.11% deet...that's a lot of deet! I'm hoping I won't have to use this a lot, because I know deet isn't good for you, but I suppose it's better than malaria. I got my drivers license (FINALLY!) on tuesday, and now am enjoying the fact that I never have to drive again. My parents keep saying "you know, it's okay if you call off the trip, or wait until next year"...I'm pretty sure they think this is a giant prank I'm pulling. They find it really hard to believe that I'm really just ecstatic to be going! Well, in a week or two I should receive my official work placement from CCS, and in 20 days I'll be off to Africa!

30 days until I leave!!

Getting closer!

Today I can officially say "I'm going to Africa next month"! I am so excited. I have most of my vaccinations; Yellow Fever, Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. I only need the second doses of Hep A and B, and I'll be set! I am starting to actually pack, I have my big suitcase laying in my room. I'm making lots of lists of what to pack, so i dont forget anything! My plane ticket should be coming in the mail anyday, and then I can send for my visa. I am feeling good, and could not be more thrilled about this experience. I am nervous about it coming up so quickly, and having to prepare while school is wrapping up. However, I am counting my lucky stars to be able to go on a trip like this. This is one of those trips that really changes a person, and I am so looking forward to whatever it is going to bring. I know that I will feel the entire spectrum of emotion while I am in Africa, but hopefully I will come away with a positive experience that I wouldn't trade for the world. Hakuna Matata Love Maggie