I leave for Africa in a little over 36 hours...
My itinerary:
Leave Seattle, USA Sept 18th
Arrive Kigali, Rwanda Sept 20th
Leave Kigali, Rwanda Oct 8th
Arrive Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania Oct 8th
Leave Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania Oct 17th
Arrive Seattle, USA, Oct 18th
Organization that I will be working with:
In Rwanda:
Pygmy Survival Alliance
HDI-Rwanda
In Tanzania:
Tanzania Educational Fund
People That I will be with:
Rwanda:
Dr. Karl Weyrauch and Bob Boiko (Other board members of PSA)
Tanzania:
Sylvia Ofstie and Ian Rottman (Friends from Seattle)
Information on the countries:
Rwanda
Tanzania
How I have prepared:
Medically/Vaccinations (following the CDC's recommendations for travel in Rwanda):
- Yellow fever
- Hep A
- Hep B (already had the entire series due to work)
- Typhoid
- Polio
- Tetanus (already had that 2 years ago)
- I have medications for Malaria, Diarrhea, and a sleep aid
My Family (Mum, Dad, Suzanne and Clare) is wonderful and they provide me with the love/strength/courage/support to do this. I am forever grateful for them.
So what's in my bag?
-quick dry clothes
-a nice outfit
-shoes
-toiletries
-cameras -SLR and a point and shot
-first aid kits
-quick dry towel
-books
-notebooks
-pens
-mp3 player
-computer
-nintendo dsi (i have an animation game thing.. so expect a few movies by the time i get home)
-saint christopher necklace - the saint of traveling
-protein bars (in case i need a little extra food)
So what the heck am I doing in Africa?
Stay tuned.. and find out.
Rwanda's infrastructure is not the same as in the States... so if they have internet, then i will have internet and will update this blog nightly, explaining the days adventures.B ut if you don't hear from me for a day or two.. DON'T WORRY. I am okay. I promise. It's just that the internet in Rwanda is down.
Ohh and most importantly .. . . I LOVE YOU!!!
-Lizzie
PS: Yes i have a house sitter (two actually), yes all my bills are automatic bill pay, so no worries. And yes, my work is amazing for letting me have the time off and allowing me to have this sabbatical.
PSS: I feel like the luckiest person alive. I am so excited and full of gratitude. I would never be able to be in this position if it wasn't for everyone I know. Thank you all. Murakoze Cyane!
6 comments:
I"m so so so proud of you. This makes me all teary. Courage. Strenth. Love. Selflessness. Passion.
Go get 'em Tiger.
xoxo
Jen
errrr...*STRENGTH* ha. xo
Sooooo proud, excited, nervous and a whole slew of emotions I cannot put into words at this moment for you. You are a warrior, woman, so go share your light and love on a global level. Be viral! You are inspiring.
Love you!!! I really love that you're doing this!!
Lots of good Karma going your way Lizzie. Follow your heart and your head since you will be travelling to far away places.
I am certain the people you meet along the way will always remember their encounter with you!
We will miss you and be ready to work your bum off when you get back.
Safe travels my friend......Patty
Lizzie, I had no idea you were doing this! I am in awe and can completely relate to the current emotions. Now, more than ever, we must re-connect upon your return because you too, will not be the same person as before. Godspeed my friend.
I love you and am happy to hear you arrived safely. Mummy and I were up all night tracking your flights, it's nice to be able to breathe again! XOXOXO
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