And we're off!

Well everyone, I'm off to Malawi here in a few hours.  Staging was quite a fun time, especially meeting al the great people that I'll be going to Africa with.  It looks like we have a fun mix of people from across the states and from different backgrounds.  I look forward to getting to know everyone more!

Last supper with mom and dad included crab, clams, and oysters.  What a delight!  Such a great time to be able to spend with them.  I'm so fortunate to have the option to have them out here to see me off.  It means so much that they have made the effort, and have been able to meet other volunteers I will be spending my next 2+ years with.  As people say, 80% of life is showing up!  Making an effort means a lot :)

I wont have internet access for at least two months, so written letters will be so much appreciated.  I will definitely write you back, IF you make your return address legible.  I don't have everyones address, so please help me out with that :)  Also, I thought of a fun "game" that might be fun for some of you (it may not be everyone's style, thus I say "some of you" ;)).  I collected charms as a child but haven't been so diligent about it over the years in college.  Thus I ask you all to send me a charm (i.e. that you can put on a chain necklace/bracelet) of something that represents you (hobby, the state you live in, etc.).  This way I can have a little piece of all of you back home with me in Malawi :}

My best to you all.  Thank you, everyone, for all of your support.  Please know that my blog is an update for everyone, as emailing people individually may be next to impossible while I am there.  But please know that at some point I will retrieve all your emails and will be so happy to be thought of.  Again, thank you all.  Here I go, Into The....Warm Heart of Africa.

Crew, minus 2 that didn't arrive due to weather

....yep, we're normal!