africalvt

Good Morning. I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas.

Since I last journaled, quite a bit has happened. To first summarize I've had a going away party, confirmed my flight reservations, and made a trip to the Traverse City airport.

My going away party was phenomenal! I had a blast the night before preparing the food for the party. I made chili, maple drummies (chicken), mildly seasoned chicken, and parmesan balls. I put together a sort of chili bar so that people could customize their food to their liking; there was black olives, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, red onions, tortilla chips, etc... I love to cook, so this was the start to an awesome gathering! My Mother made her world famous split pea with ham soup. It was out of this world (she had a lot compliments too)! Approximately 30 people attended. It's beyond words to try to describe the evening. I was touched that at the last minute and during the Christmas season to boot, that everyone came out to show their support for me. That evening marked the start of my African voyage; I cant think of a better beginning.

My flight arrangements have been confirmed. I leave Michigan via Traverse City airport January 9, 2007. On my way to Philadelphia for staging (the Washington D.C. site was changed to Philly) I have a two hour layover at Metro airport (Detroit). I'll be in Philly for two days (for vaccinations and country information) leaving January 11, 2007, arriving January 12, 2007 in the capitol of Niger, Niamey (after a layover of undetermined time at the de Gaulle airport in France).

My Mom and I took a ride into Traverse City to get an idea of where I'll be checking in at. The airport was much larger than I anticipated (considering its Traverse City). I spoke with customs to verify what the new regulations were in regards to carry on material. The gentlemen was very nice taking the time to answer any and all questions I had. Mom and I walked down by the check in counter to see exactly where I go and then the realization sank in that I was leaving...very soon. My Mom and I sat down, both of us in a daze. She cried a little and of course I poked fun at her a little calling her a "baby." We both laughed (I hate seeing my Mom upset). We hugged each other and held on a little longer than usual.

Everything is starting to come together. I leave two weeks from today. Its funny how at times it feels like I'm in a time warp, everything is standing still. Than at other times I feel like a week just suddenly vanished. My excitement can hardly be contained thinking about going to staging in Philly, stopping in France, going to Africa for 27 months; what an experience awaiting me.

Talk with everyone again soon.

~Meresa