12 Days and Counting

Today is officially 12 days until we leave. It's crazy to think that 2 weeks from right now we will be in Zim working and meeting the people. I am so excited.

I have been following BBC's Special Report on Zimbabwe, I guess just so that I can occupy myself. Well, there are other reasons too. Part of me feels like I need to somehow prepare myself for the things I am going to see. I don't want to desensitize myself in any way, but I also don't want to be so shocked that I am unable to help the people to the best of my ability. So I have been watching every video documentary, viewing every image of streets flowing with raw sewage, and reading any news story I can find.

Most people who find out I am going ask- aren't you scared? Well, actually, most of them ask, "What are you crazy?!" lol. But I think what they really mean to ask is about my fear factor. In all honesty- I am not scared. Really. Of course there are moments when I think, "Oh God, what if I got cholera, what would happen with no hospitals?" But most of the time I am content in knowing that I am taken care of. I do appreciate any and all prayers and positive thoughts though, so keep 'em coming!

I packed my first suitcase on Saturday. It is full of all of the amazing donations sent in by my cohorts at RPI. Their generosity really amazed me. Between all of us we have gathered so many great things for the people in Kuwadzana: toothbrushes, vitamins, first aid supplies, feminine products, oats and grains, stickers for the kids... on and on. I can't wait to be able to give these things out to the people we meet.

Abigail and I are getting together today to make some to-do lists (my favorite) and think of things we have yet to buy or don't want to forget to pack. Hopefully soon some others will be posting too!

kaitlyn.