While I think there's no way to ever be mentally prepared for an experience like this, I can say I have everything I could possibly need (and more!) to travel 7,768 miles across the world for 18 days.
I've made list after list and comparison shopped for the best prices all over town and on the internet. Bug spray, hand sanitizer, Pepto, tissues, sunscreen, the list goes on and on. My grandmother sent money so we put that toward vitamins for the children.
I talked to Connie yesterday and the first thing she said when she answered was, "How many days till you leave?!?!" I didn't have to hesitate or even think - it's 10. Travis and I have had a countdown calendar going on our desks since day 29...
Because the airlines allow each of us to take two 50lb checked bags, we will be loading them up with supplies for the orphanage and volunteer rooms - Sheets, vitamins, maybe even shoes for the kids. If you're able to donate money toward these items, please consider doing so. There's a link on the right side of the blog, or you can contact me directly as I'll be doing some shopping in the next week.
Connie told me about a couple of the children who have special needs; as if being HIV isn't enough, there are other problems they contend with. One of them isn't talking at all right now. Another isn't walking. We'll be spending some extra time each day with them to see if any progress can be made.
We will have internet access in Tanzania, so I'll be blogging as much as possible. My goal is daily, as long as the electricity is working! Stay tuned!
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