Build Homes For the Pygmies of Bwiza!

HDI (PSA's partnering org in Rwanda) is raising funds directly for the Pygmy Village. They are working with the website GlobalGiving.org.

Here is the summary of the project:

This project will support 40 families to construct modern, brick homes in a rural Rwandan community. The families are members of the Community of Potters, an economically disadvantaged and historically marginalized group. The project will support families to move from their existing grass-thatched huts into clean homes with access to water and electricity, promoting greater health and access to proper hygiene and sanitation.

You can find more information about this project and how to donate HERE.

Love you!
Lizzie

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I need to go see this for myself :) ...

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

Emotionally:
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!

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If you can talk you can sing

If you can walk you can dance.

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